I have owned a Boxer forever....is there any other dog?
Over the years our dogs have had interesting health situations, but all have been easily handled. This time our little boxer girl was the last pup to be born from a young 2 yr old mom (Reg. Breeder). We have fed this girl raw, organic diet..all the best food. She is spayed, no vaccines or ear cropping.At one year, she started "gnawing" at her paws, and really scratching her ears. On visiting the Vet, she was put on cortisone, antibiotics and started on an "allergy" diet. (oh sure!!) I was against the pharmaceuticals, but was told there was nothing more current. My boxer was quickly relieved of her symptoms.....which is what I was looking for.....the removal of food is an impossible task......so I have been very selective with what she is fed.....but once cortisone is stopped, all symptoms have returned with a vengence. The Vet says it is Candidus....and is a big problem in Boxers....poor genetics etc.
This is no solution....there must be some holistic thinking folks out there, that do not resort to "chemical" solutions? Please help??

Originally Posted by Helly

You could try plain yogurt with active cultures, but if the dog has a faulty immune system, it probably isn't going to resolve the situation 100%. You might also try a probiotic supplement or Missing Link.

I'd also suggest you talk to the vet about using Atopica instead of the steriods. It works wonders, and there's no chance of aquired Cushing's disease, which can happen when dogs take steriods. Yes, it's not "natural". But raw, organic, holisitic isn't always the answer. If the problem is genetic, if natural isn't working, you do what you have to do to get your dog some relief.

Thank you for the response. I was using "Missing Link"..and will buy some more...as well as probiotic supplement. She is a very easy feeder...so that helps. I called the Vet and she has responded by saying she has some other thoughts..so will speak directly to her tomorrow....but steroids are not the answer for the long term. My boxer will pant heavily and will drink a copious amount of water shortly after being given the cortisone...not good!! So I am very willing to try anything else.