Life with the Two Crazy Dogs

Ranger’s itching came back about 2 weeks ago. DB called the vet and Ranger is back on his prednisone again. In addition to the pred, I have to bathe him and clean his ears every week. We put on two pred twice a day last week for five days. Then it’s one a day for five days and one for every other day. Usually we don’t give him one every other; we give him half of the one every other. Since the temperature is dropping to single digits now, he is itching less. He should probably be living in Antarctica!

We can see the itching was driving him nuts. It bothers him so much he does not want to do anything except itch and look for food. He is a dog that never quits eating. He can eat until he explodes and still wants more. Ever since we put him on pred, he is happier – playful and wants attention from us. The downside of putting him on pred is he has a different personality, too. He is extra stubborn and we are non-existence when it comes to discipline, especially with me - “tong ngo chow”. Totally ignores me as if I’m talking a block of wood. Big time vomit blood. Makes me so “mang chang”. I have to yell at him COME several times then he will pick his butt up and come to me. Unless DB is there, DB just has to call him once and this dog will come right away. Really “kek sei ngo”, man.

As well as the pred, we added safflower oil during his evening meal. That seems to help his skin. His coat is shinier, less flakes. The flakes are dandruff, his under belly skin looks better, and the fur is growing back on the insides of his legs.

This dog really had it. Each time we turn around, we write a check out to the vet or for some kind of products to ease his itch. In addition, we changed their food from chicken and rice to lamb and rice. Supposedly, this new food will help with skin allergies.

Will anyone go to the extreme to care for their dog that has allergies? I know some owners will get rid of a problematic Fido. DB and I couldn’t get rid of Mr. Fart Monster. He has a lot of problems medically. We have created a bond with him and it will break our hearts to put him up for adoption.