Bulldogs World

Hello everyone!  I'm just giving a quick update on Fatboy's food/skin issues.  I just have to mention that I am in no way suggesting you follow my experience before consulting with your vet.  This route just happened to work for us and will hopefully continue to do so.  Fatboy has had issues with his food for as long as I can remember.  My husband and I have tried everything; chicken, beef, duck, turkey...kibble and dehydrated raw.  He would initially do fine, but then a month in the issues would start to surface.  Most concerning of which were the ear infections and belly irritations.  Throw in seasonal allergies and we had one miserable doggy.  Recently he's had tail pocket issues.  This is a new one for us.  I hate to say it, but I can now see why so many people surrender their bullys.  The care becomes overwhelming financially, physically, and emotionally.  Don't get me wrong, I will never give up my baby. He is my doggy and I am his human. 

I took Fatboy to a new vet who is more local to us.  I kind of felt like his regular vet's office was only interested in throwing medications at him without really addressing the problem.  The new vet suggested trying novelty proteins.  I was a little hesitant, but after his last bout of issues I was willing to try it.  I started Fatboy out on kangaroo grain-free.  He seemed to really like it, but I was waiting to get past that one month mark.  Slowly his issues started decreasing; less ear gunk to clean, less nose fold gunk buildup, reduction in itchy paws, and less eye gunk.  The big tell-tale sign it's working is his belly.  It's completely cleared up! 

I was told to switch him to a new novelty protein after 3-4 months.  This way he doesn't build up an interolance to the new protein.  Now it's just a matter of regular maintenance.  I'm glad he has been doing so much better. The change has made a world of difference for him physically.  The only drawback to this is he's gained weight from the kibble.  I'm managing his weight by cutting down on the amount of food given.

Side note, we are moving to Austin!  We will officially be Texans at the end of the month.  He's used to long road trips, so this move from CA to TX will be relatively easy.  Right now our house is full of boxes and he knows something is up.  This will be our third move with him, first time to move out of state, and he's handling it like a pro :)  If you've read this far, thanks!  Here are some recent pics of my Fats when we took our road trip back home this Christmas.  Enjoy!

All bundled up because it's cold and snowing outside :)

Fatboy with Porkchop and McNugget