[chapds]

Hey guys...

It's overprotective Chap again. I was just wondering, do all bulldogs scratch alot, especially in the morning. Seems like every morning, Apollo has to scratch & writh around on the floor quite a bit. I rub him down & brush him, but he still does it. Is this normal ?? Let me know when you get a chance. I did give him a bath this weekend with some " No Tear " dog shampoo, but it didn't really seem to help that much ( although he smells alot better ).

Thanx
Chap

 

[bella_blue]

Where do you live, and what's the weather like there? If it's cold and dry, he could just have dry skin. Do you give him any supplements (fish oil, for example)?

 

[chapds]

I live in So Cal, & yes it is cold ( for So Cal ) & dry. I'm currently giving him on Vitamin E tab with his food in the morning & one at night, 400 UI. It also has fish oil in it as well. Is that too little ??

Thanx
Chap

 

[bella_blue]

If it's not specifically a fish oil supplement, he might not be getting enough omega fatty acids. What do you feed him? (Sorry if I see nosy...haha!)

 

[chapds]

No that's fine, be nosy, i'm still stupid when it's coming to Apollo. He's finishing off the food he came with ( Alpo Prime Selects ) & then i'm changing him to Science Diet Weight Control ( as he is overweight (( 89.5 lbs )) , got to get him ready for the summer so I can get his speedos ready ). Should I change him up now ??

 

[HausMommy]

Going to butt in here. I would strongly suggest against the Science Diet. It's not a good food. There is a sticky on dog food ratings, you can find a good one there. We had Haus on Science Diet and switched him to Diamond Lamb and Rice. They cost roughly the same, but the Lamb and rice has no corn or wheat in it, so it's much better for him.

I'd suggest taking a look at that, and supplement his diet with fish oil pills.

 

[chapds]

Ok, will do. I'll take a look at it. I'm way open to suggestions at this point.

 

[HausMommy]

One other thing I forgot to point out, well share. Haus had really dry flaky skin, and hot spots when he was on the Science Diet. We started supplementing him with fish oil, and that helped a little bit, but not much. After switching him to Diamond, there is a noticeable difference in his coat. He no longer has any hot spots, and all his fur has grown back. I don't know if Bella's mom noticed it, but I sure did.

 

[pitmommy]

I have had success with Nutro Max . I suppliment with chicken juice .

 

[bella_blue]

One other thing I forgot to point out, well share. Haus had really dry flaky skin, and hot spots when he was on the Science Diet. We started supplementing him with fish oil, and that helped a little bit, but not much. After switching him to Diamond, there is a noticeable difference in his coat. He no longer has any hot spots, and all his fur has grown back. I don't know if Bella's mom noticed it, but I sure did.

Bella was on Science Diet for a couple of weeks when she was about 3 months old. Her skin was itchy, and her fur was brittle. Since taking her off the Science Diet and supplementing with Missing Link, she's been much shinier and less flaky/itchy. (I sound like a commercial!)

 

[bella_blue]

No that's fine, be nosy, i'm still stupid when it's coming to Apollo. He's finishing off the food he came with ( Alpo Prime Selects ) & then i'm changing him to Science Diet Weight Control ( as he is overweight (( 89.5 lbs )) , got to get him ready for the summer so I can get his speedos ready ). Should I change him up now ??

I would change now. You don't need a weight control food...just feed him less of a regular food and exercise him more. Check for foods with no corn, wheat, or soy; those are common allergens. Avoid by-products, too, because those are just icky.

 

[chapds]

Yep, i'm gonna change him today. Going to get the cosco food ( kirkland chicken & vegetables one ). I know about the recall, but it said if made in the Cali plant ( which mine is ), it should be ok. Thanx for getting with me, much appreciated.

Thanx
Chap

 

[Chico.Heidi]

If you're gonna get a food from Costco, I would recommend the Nutra Nuggets. It is made by the same company as Nutra max. (all those nutra/ nutro guys) It is much better quality than the kirkland brand. Where is SoCal do you live? I'm in Mission Viejo.

 

[chapds]

I live in Oceanside. I got him the chicken, rice & vegetable kibble. He really really likes it. I'll go with this for a bit. The vet called tonite and said he had a little crystal in his urine, but nothing bad. They recommended me changing his food, & I told them I got the Kirkland, & they said it was a good choice. We shall see. I also got him some fish oil tabs & some of the kirkland bones as well. Read the ingredients on the bones & they are basically made out of the same stuff as the kibble, so hopefully i'll be ok. Thanx for the advice.

Thanx
Chap