Phoenix Health Update

     Phoenix seems to FINALLY have turned the corner with his itchy dermatitis. After a couple of visits to the veterinarian, and some more consults, and a very rough evening, I did some research on skin disorders. The records from Phoenix's previous owner show that the skin problem began soon after his second vaccine. This leads me to the possibility that Phoenix's immune system went into overdrive after his vaccine and it manifested in his skin problems. I started Phoenix on a raw food, zero carbohydrate diet last Monday. He went through the expected detox and became even itchier, and even his healthy skin appeared pink and inflamed. I am relieved to report that we seem to be on the upside now. Today was Phoenix's first day without pain meds or xanax. He did quite well and even socialized quite a bit with me and the other dogs. He did scratch a little bit today (he did not scratch at all yesterday!) when he was stressed out by the other dogs. Some quiet time in his crate made him feel secure and the scratching stopped.

     Here is Phoenix a few days ago. You can see the extremely angry patch of skin under his neck.

Severe dermatitis in a puppy

     Included in Phoenix's raw diet are bones. Beef bones as well as chicken bones.

Raw food diet

     Beef and chicken bones are safe for a pet as long as they have NOT been cooked. I freeze the bones first to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Raw food diet

     Phoenix thinks he is a cat! He climbed everything he could, including the firewood pile.

Phoenix climbing firewood

     Phoenix tried to eat the firewood. Silly dog does not understand splinters and he was not allowed to go here anymore.

Phoenix climbing firewood

     Phoenix tried to "bury" his stuffed bone toy in my loveseat. He ran up the back of the loveseat and "dug" this hole and dropped his toy in. This was too cute!

Phoenix "buried" his stuffed bone toy!

     Has anyone else ever dealt with skin conditions such as this in their pet? I was at my wit's end a week ago, and tonight I am much more hopeful.