Hello from Hale Cheshire

[Peter Rose]

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Thanks for accepting me. My Wife and I are temporarily looking after a lovely Cockerpoo called Bessie. My daughter passed away earlier in the year and her three young boys don't have the time to look out for Bessie and walk her due to their work constraints.

She is 8 years of age and has ear infections from time to time. I joined the forum as I would like to know more about this X breed. She is such a friendly family dog we want to do whats best for her. Her ear infections are a particular cause for concern.

Thanks

Peter

 

[JoanneF]

Ear infections can be very stubborn because they can get deep into the ear canal. What treatment has she had already?

 

[JudyN]

Welcome to the forum. I'm so sorry that you have lost your daughter and her children have lost their mum

 

[Flobo]

Hi and welcome, so sorry to hear of your loss also...
I have no experience with ear issues myself but am aware how troublesome they can be at times. All the cockerpoos I have met all seem like bright, lovely little dogs and sweet natured, but total fluffy nutballs when young!! It is lovely you were able to take her in at such a difficult time for you all.

 

[Peter Rose]

Ear infections can be very stubborn because they can get deep into the ear canal. What treatment has she had already?

Her Vet recomended a course of APOQEL tablets 5,4mg once a day for 3 months. Unfortunately, her boys didn't always keep to this regime. Plus EASOTIC 10ML (1 bottle) 1 pump to each ear. She was also advised to have Royal Canin Hypoallergenic dried food, but she didn't like this. My daughter tried Bakers but she wasn't keen on that either. I tried her with IAMS which she likes. However, I have since done some research and I don't think it's suitable for her long term well being.

Any suggestions on the above will be more that appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Tinytom]

Have you thought about a raw diet ..i have fostered staffys with ear problems which have been helped switching their food to raw ....

 

[JoanneF]

I'd have a word with the vet. It might be that if the Easotic isn't shifting the infection she might need targeted antibiotics, either instead or as well. If it is really bad I believe they can do a deep clean-out under general anaesthetic.

The fact they have suggested a hypoallergenic dog food is fair enough, common allergens include grain and chicken. So, if you are interested in changing her diet, I'd suggest you look for a fish and potato one and see if it helps. There are a lot better foods than the three you mentioned.

Have a look at www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk

It is an independent dog food comparison website which scores all types of foods (dry, raw, wet) out of 100. You can set filters for your dog's breed, weight, age etc. and for your daily budget; then you can add in any specific needs you have such as avoiding specific ingredients. The website will automatically show the foods listed in order of what the assessors believe is best quality, and it also will show daily feeding cost (calculated from your dog's age and weight) so you can see what gives you best value for money. It has its limitations but it's a decent place to start.

 

[Peter Rose]

I'd have a word with the vet. It might be that if the Easotic isn't shifting the infection she might need targeted antibiotics, either instead or as well. If it is really bad I believe they can do a deep clean-out under general anaesthetic.

The fact they have suggested a hypoallergenic dog food is fair enough, common allergens include grain and chicken. So, if you are interested in changing her diet, I'd suggest you look for a fish and potato one and see if it helps. There are a lot better foods than the three you mentioned.

Have a look at www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk

It is an independent dog food comparison website which scores all types of foods (dry, raw, wet) out of 100. You can set filters for your dog's breed, weight, age etc. and for your daily budget; then you can add in any specific needs you have such as avoiding specific ingredients. The website will automatically show the foods listed in order of what the assessors believe is best quality, and it also will show daily feeding cost (calculated from your dog's age and weight) so you can see what gives you best value for money. It has its limitations but it's a decent place to start.

Thanks so much for that info, truly grateful. I've got my work cut out.

 

[Hemlock]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Cockerpoos often have a lot of hair in their ears, which does not help if infection occurs. Lots of breeds/crossbreeds have this issue. Short term I agree with JoanneF's suggestions. Long term, you need a GOOD groomer (unfortunately it's an unrestricted industry) who will pluck out the ear hair. How to find a good groomer in your district? Ask other owners of fluffy dogs if their dogs look well-groomed.

So much choice of food. I feed raw and have done since the late 1980s. Nowadays you can buy ready-made rawfood meals that are easy to keep in the freezer. If you prefer a dry food, research thoroughly before you buy, and sidestep anything that is loaded with fillers and carbohydrates. Be aware that vet surgeries that are owned by large business groups have "targets" for selling dog food, and also vets get very little nutritional information while training (and what they do get is given by big commercial dog food companies) so unless they have made a special study of nutrition, they aren't the best sources of information.

Pleas don't feel daunted - it's straightforward. And fascinating to study.