Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al
This month Dr. Townshend answers your questions about a dog with a history of tumors and a cat with seasonal skin allergies.
Q: My 10-year-old pit bull terrier mix has had to have three skin cancer tumors removed from various parts of his body – first his leg, then his ear, and most recently his chest. Is there a food I can give him to hopefully minimize the recurrence of this? Perhaps something to boost his immune system?
A: There are several types of tumors that can occur in the skin. Surgery and in some cases chemo-therapy are the best approach. Diet is important in order to optimize the immune system and keep the pet in the best possible condition in order to do all that is possible to slow the progression. Generally speaking, providing a complete and balanced diet that contains natural antioxidants and Omega 3 fats would be essential. Holistic Select Vitalize Senior Health is designed with the older dog in mind.
Omega 3 fatty acids in a good ratio with Omega 6 fats, L-Carnitine, Vitamins A, D, E and C, Beta Carotene, as well as Pre and Probiotics are all included in the diet and would be ideal for your dog’s needs.
Work closely with your veterinarian to develop an ideal protocol for detecting new growths as soon as possible and removing them. Regular exercise and a great diet will also help to enhance your pet’s quality of life and hopefully help to extend its life as long as possible.
Q: Our cat appears to have allergies during the spring/summer transition. She is licking her feet and legs nonstop and we don’t know what to do. We are thinking of switching her food to help with the issue. Any suggestions?
A: Seasonal allergies are usually not associated with food as the food is fed all year long and one would expect the symptoms to also be all year long.
Feeding a diet with good levels of Omega 3 fatty acids would help to reduce some of the inflammation that may be causing the licking. All of the Holistic Select feline dry recipes contain optimum levels of fatty acids. Supplementing with additional amounts (fish oils such as salmon oil are a good source) during the most difficult times may help. Keep in mind that for the general health of cats, we also recommend feeding a canned diet in order to encourage water consumption as that is also critical for the health of our feline friends.
Work closely with your veterinarian to possibly determine the offending allergens in the environment and eliminate them from exposure.
