How many times has your dog kept you awake shaking his head? Scratching his ears? And that smell. Enough to fray any Dog Mom's nerves.
Luckily for us, we are in a position to help our babies. My Koda James is half Newfie and half Mastiff and wholely allergic to all grains. But we didn't always know that.
His symptoms started out with sores on his belly. We thought they were insect bites, until his hair started falling out. First in patches, then the entire back half of his body and underside of his neck became bare. I had to tell people that he didn't have mange, because he looked so rough. And the scratching! Jeepers the scratching. The all day, all night, keep us awake scratching. It was awful for all of us.
Then the ears started. Liquidy, bloody, smelly, black gunk, head shaking 24 hours a day. You could see in his eyes he was M.I.S.E.R.A.B.L.E. I finally found a holistic vet out of Oregon who helped us get to the root of all of this. She confirmed that these are all symptoms of food allergies. Now we needed to start the detective work to see what foods he can have.
The number one food she recommended avoiding was chicken. Then grains. Up his Omega intake with eggs and salmon (luckily we live in Alaska.) These were the long term gut health things. The things that build a foundation but aren't immediate results.
The immediate help came in several different forms. First she recommended we use our Lavender essential oil mixed with the amazing Tea Tree oil. The key is to dilute, dilute, dilute. I used about 5 drops each with a tablespoon of safflower oil. Click the links on the name of the essential oils to learn more about them.
Three times a day, rub this mixture on the flaps of his ears. Not inside his ears. Just on the flaps.
The next immediate help came in the form of a medicine called Zymox. We get this from Petco and Amazon. We clean his ears and then oil them. Then put Zymox into his ears according to the directions.
Want more tips and tricks on using essential oils with your pups? Saves time. Saves expensive Vet bills. And empowers you as their Mama to give them the best care possible. Just sign up for my newsletter and I'll send them right to you in your inbox every week!
Ready to bring essential oils into your home and want someone to help guide you along your journey? I've been a Wellness Guide for 6 years now, and have helped hundreds of Dog Mom's in your shoes. Heck, I was in your shoes! It's my goal to raise vital animals that have strong immune systems, shiny coats, sweet smelling breath, and stay younger for longer. I can help you do the same. :) Click here to learn more! Have questions? Email me at meganandersonco@gmail.com. I'm just one click away!
Here's a picture of Mr. Koda James. My love bug.
xoxo
Megan
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