My German Shepards nose is cracked so bad that it is bleeding several times a day. My Vet said that it is probably a food alergy but we have switched food several times with no results! Could it be an infection? His ears also look red inside.
Optional Information: Pet's Gender: Male Pet's Age: 4 Type of Animal: German Shepard Name of Animal: Leo Already Tried: bag balm & topical vitamin E.
Hello, and thanks for your question about Leo.Bag balm and topical vitamin E are great to help his skin stay soft and hopefully, prevent more cracking, plus, it is soothing, so I'm very glad to hear you're using these products already. Because the skin is always 'open' and bleeding, it is more susceptible to infection, so ask your vet if a prescription antibiotic would be helpful at this time, especially because his ears are showing redness now, also. Try to keep him out of direct sunlight, as he could be getting sunburned on his sensitive nose.It is very possible that Leo's skin problem on his nose is related to an allergy to an ingredient or ingredients in his food, or a different allergy problem. Trying different foods was a good idea, but it would be necessary to have him tested by a veterinary allergy/dermatology specialist to find out what, if anything, he is allergic to. Ask your vet for a referral, and you can also check this site for dermatology specialists in your area:www.acvd.orgCommon allergens in dog food are corn, wheat, soy, gluten, dairy products, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, so you'd want to look for a food that doesn't contain any of these ingredients. Some well recommended brands available in local pet supply stores are Wellness, Innova, Blue Buffalo, California Gold, Newman's Own, and many others; all you need to do is read the labels. Meat should be listed as the first ingredient, not meat by-products, as these are parts which are considered not fit for human consumption.In addition, some dogs are allergic to the protein source (meat) in the food, and several manufacturers make foods with 'limited ingredients' and alternative meat and carb choices for dogs with food allergies.http://www.royalcanin.us/products/productdetail.aspx?ID=76http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/dogformulas/allergy.htmlI hope all will be well with Leo!I hope you have found this answer helpful; if so, please click 'Accept' and leave positive feedback. If you need additional information, please click 'Reply'. Thanks for the opportunity to be of help.Best wishes,CherCher40330.9159449421