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- Many PONS suffer from allergies which are often
manifested as itching, dry or red skin, and may be a factor
in recurring ear infections and hot spots. Allergy tests may
be done with family vets to pinpoint food or environment
related triggers.. An elimination diet may also be useful in
diagnosing the cause. In the case of mild itching and
scratching, switching to a home cooked,raw diet or
grain-free dog food will help and reduce symptoms. In more
severe cases, strong medications may be recommended by
veterinary specialists. Dealing with allergies is not
uncomplicated and requires a lot of patience.
Supplements have helped many PONS and include the addition
of Salmon Oil capsules which can be added to the food up to
a dose of 1000mg per 10lbs body weight. Borage Oil can also
help, the dose for this is typically 1000mg per 50lbs body
weight. A good probiotic/enzyme blend can also help
alleviate some symptoms of allergies. Some owners have found
dried nettle leaf helps given at a rate of 1tsp per
50lbs.However, this may cause loose stools in some PONS.
Yucca can also help in the short term to reduce hair
loss from scratching inflammation and halt severe
itching episodes.
PON owners should avoid trying new supplements at once and
start with adding salmon oil for a few weeks and observe if
scratching decreases. Locating a veterinarian who practices
alternative treatments may prove invaluable.
Shampoos which help with itching include oatmeal and tea
tree. Purepet shampoo may be found online and at various pet
stores. A tea tree rinse after shampooing may also sooth
skin.. This is formulated by adding ˝tsp Tea tree oil to one
pint of water. This rinse is poured over the PON and left on
the fur.
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- Hot Spots may be triggered by insect bites such as
fleas, mosquitoes etc or spiders, or by your PON scratching
or biting a parts of his body. They begin as a red
inflammation, then quickly get larger and often yellowy or
crusty. The sooner owners apply treatment, the better the
outcome. Fur needs to be cut around the spot at least
half an inch of normal skin. The most effective treatment
is Witch Hazel, Aloe and Tea Tree. Mix 4oz of witch hazel
with aloe and 10 drops of pure tea tree oil in a small spray
bottle, and squirt that on the hot spot twice a day. This
mixture is excellent for drying up hot spots and wounds. If
the hot spot is over a joint, it may be that your PON is
experiencing some discomfort in the area.
Hot Spots may also be caused by collars, so be sure to check your PON's
neck regularly and cleanse and thoroughly dry any rubbed
areas.
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- Some PONS are prone to ear infections, usually one
particular ear. Again, the best prevention is keeping a
close check on the PON and treat the area as soon as
symptoms appear. Black gunk in the ear, scratching, and the
ear appearing to be set on the side of the head are vital
indications. Keeping the ears clean, and removing grains
from your PON's diet can help, be gentle when cleaning the
ear, and try not to clean too often as irritation might be a
catalyst for infection. The mix that I use for hotspots also
works well to clean ears and for mild infections.
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- Loose stools are a symptom of illness or stomach upset.
Diarrhea is more common in some PONS than others.PONS tend
to be sensitive to high protein meats. A change in diet from
cooked to raw and vice-versa may trigger a digestive upset.
The most effective way to stop diarrhea is to withhold food
for 24 hours, and then offer half a can of pure pumpkin with
2tbsp of yoghurt (for a 45 lb PON), an additional enzyme/probiotic
may also help.
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- Some PONS seem to be prone to disorders associated with
the immune system. One possible cause of Hypothyroidism is
thought to be autoimmune disease. It often appears between
the ages of 2 and 5 and has many symptoms. If your PON shows
a strange change in behavior, gains weight or has skin and
hair problems, it may be a good idea to have a simple test
done to see if thyroid dysfunction may be a cause. The
medication is inexpensive and effective but the PON must be
monitored with regular blood tests to ensure the dosage is
correct. There are many useful sites on the internet with information about
this problem. The following articles may be of interest for
PON lovers.
Thyroid Info - More possible symptoms and diagnosis
Hypothyroidism Fears, Facts, Thoughts & Controversies
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