Hives

[jaegertheweim]

My weimaraner has been getting hives on his back on and off since he finished moulting last week. They don't seem to bother him as he hasn't been scratching but I am wondering what they could be caused by...

possibly:

new food - he started Proplan large breed puppy about 2 weeks ago. likes it and has better (solid, non-stinky) poops

bug bites - lots more things flying and crawling around here now that it's summer

How do I go about determining what it's caused by? (I think it is the food and may use this as an excuse to switch to Eaglepack).

[Staffyluv]

Elimination is probably the only way you will determine what is causing the reaction.

Change his food for a couple of weeks back to what he was eating and see if they disappear - if they do, then he could have an allergy to some ingredient.

Keep him out of the external envirnment for a couple of weeks to see if they disappear - if they do, it may be something in the yard.

You can use polaramine tablets (from the chemist to ease the discomfort - he will probably be a little uncomfortable, even if you can't see it).

[jaegertheweim]

After keeping a close eye on him the last few days, we are pretty certain it's caused by a food allergy. I've read that corn is a very common food allergen for dogs, and it just so happens to be the 3rd ingredient in Proplan. Bonnie which he used to eat didn't have any corn in it (and he had no allergies then)

I rang Purina earlier and they are reluctant about giving a refund.. saying that they'd rather send me a replacement bag of something else instead. A little annoying since the bag clearly states that they offer a money back guarantee

[Poodle wrangler]

Take the food back to the shop and demand a refund! Point to the what it says on the pack. I find shops are often more helpful. That's one of the reasons you pay extra for premium foods.

I'm in a tick area and use Advantix because it deters mozzies as well as ticks and fleas.