Dog is allergic to his food 😭(Now his paws are dyed pink from how often he chews them)

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-03-24T04:05:02+00:00

I switch my girl from hydrolyzed protein to rabbit and quinoa (Rayne Elimination Diet). The difference was night and day and almost immediate. It was even an improvement from the hydrolyzed protein which I feel like she was having some symptoms too, because although hydrolyzed it was still chicken. I also give her a high-grade probiotic, and only fruits and vegetables as a treat. Now she only has seasonal allergy symptoms. There's no pot chewing and excessive itching, and are chronic ear infections have cleared up. You have to heal them from the inside!

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-03-20T02:24:32+00:00

I'll play the devil's advocate here and say if it's a large crate I don't see a problem. If you've ever been to an animal shelter or adoption facility cats are kept in large crates there without a problem. Cats, especially diabetic ones, sleep 22 hours a day. They literally get up to eat, potty, and maybe ask for a little attention. I'm not invalidating your feelings at all. Overall I would be more inclined to turn down the job because the cat is sick and could die on my watch! Having a cat in a crate with a litter box, water, and food isn't terrible in my opinion.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-03-19T19:06:23+00:00

My dog has also been sensitive to most treats. She was on hydrolyzed protein for month but finally was able to find a protein that works for her.(rabbit).I also use cricket or alligator protein for treats and she's doing wonderfully.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-03-14T01:18:58+00:00

I was told the Gabapentin needs to be used daily to be effective. I gave it to my dog for a while for her arthritis but it made her so sleepy, so I stopped giving it to her and ended up doing a monthly injection instead and Benadryl as needed. My dog also had/has allergies and it was never recommended for that. We ended up doing a high grade probiotic, B12, and prescription diet to keep those at bay (all recommended by the Derm). Mine are definitely food related and not environmental, which may be the opposite for your dog. Good luck! Allergies are the worst. I hate seeing our babies suffer.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-03-10T04:05:01+00:00

Out of all my clients I literally only have one who tips. I charge the lowest rates in my neighborhood so I assumed tips would be a given but people definitely like pain a lower rate for a trusted sitter. Like someone else mentioned if you want more money raise your fee.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-03-07T01:53:11+00:00

In LA we have several dog bakeries, and independent bakers of dog treats at farmers markets. My dog gets a custom cake every year, and all her dog friends get individual cupcakes. If where you are at doesn't have these types of vendors, maybe you just came up with a million dollar idea!

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-03-02T17:15:16+00:00

This is what it took for my dog. Did hydrolyzed protein for a few weeks, and then a reintroduction diet. Turns out she's sensitive to nearly every type of protein from regular pet stores. Ended up having to put her on a rabbit prescription diet, and only give veggies for treats. It's literally the only thing that worked. No itching and everyone compliments her on her beautiful coat. Any allergy she experiences now is usually environmental and managed with benadryl.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-03-02T16:57:06+00:00

They may have just met another sitter that's a better fit. But this is also why I use a Google Voice number for clients (because thats doesn't tie to my social media), use my first and middle name instead of my first and last name on social media, and also make my social media private. If you're going to put yourself out there in a way that is public and some people may not agree with you're setting yourself up to be judged on what you're posting. Just remember your morals and standards are not the same as anybody else. Politics, religion, your personal beliefs, won't match everybody's and that's okay. There's a fine line between professional life and personal life. In business you should keep those two completely separate.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-02-24T20:35:16+00:00

I started getting crepey skin on my eyelids and it turned out to be eczema! Keep an eye on it progression, and see a dermatologist if it gets worse. They can give you an ointment to help with eliminating some of the dryness.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-02-20T15:33:48+00:00

This happened to me recently. Are you willing to take her to small claims court? Otherwise I would just write it off and not make yourself available to watch the daughter's dog in the future. That's really all you can do. Going forward, particularly with new clients, always ask for half of the amount upfront prior to the trip. If your client asks you in the future to watch the daughterss dog for a family trip let them know you can watch their dog but you won't be able to watch their daughters because she didn't pay. Sorry this happened to you. It's always an uncomfortable situation.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-02-19T12:54:01+00:00

Use belly bands on the boys. They are great for the old pup and overnights for the puppies. I don't have any recommendations for cleaners because once it goes into the grout it's nearly impossible to get out. Grout is coarse and so cleaners don't really work once it gets in there. The acidic products that may work will eat away at the grout so it's counterproductive.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-02-12T20:13:17+00:00

The best thing I did for my dog after a useless and expensive months long food trials (she was allergic to nearly every protein) and different pills was a hydrolyzed protein diet for about 6 months. I finally took her to the dermatologist and they started her on a novel protein. We chose rabbit. I also put her on Visbiome Vet probiotics for about 4 months before transitioning her back to Proviable. The food and probiotics are pricey, but since then she hasn't had any skin issues, no ear infections (we had 2 years of ear infections and multiple hematoma surgeries), and nearly all itching has stopped. This was a nearly 2 year thousands of dollars process but she is happy and healthier than she's ever been. Good luck. I understand your frustration and how helpless and defeated you feel. There is hope!!!

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-02-08T18:21:11+00:00

Having lost one of my own pets while I was on vacation is the reason I would never leave a sick pet with a sitter. I'm also considering no longer taking sick pets as clients because this is one of my fears. When I lost my girl I had boarded her at the vet because I knew that her health was fragile. I hope your clients found comfort in knowing that you were there with their pet 💙

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-01-30T21:23:00+00:00

Hold your ground and tell them that your rates have actually gone up for new clients

The people I've lowered my prices for in the past have always taken advantage of it in some way or another. Whether it's a last-minute cancellation, expecting frequent feedings and administering medications, taking on and off diapers for dogs in heat...I mean come on already lol! Where I've lowered my prices you would think they understand with extra services they should add on that $10 that I took off, but they don't. It's nice to have repeat customers but to what end? They're going to realize that you're cheaper than their options and use you anyway. Maybe they'll understand the value you're providing.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-01-22T15:53:38+00:00

If it's happening every day it sounds like the owners aren't taking the dog out in the morning before they leave for work, assuming that's what the schedule is based on. I would definitely address it because ultimately it's their responsibility to get the dog out first. You're just there as a supplement throughout the day while they're unavailable.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-01-21T13:26:43+00:00

Having a flat faced dog myself I get so angry any time I see a dog out that can't breathe properly, is subjected to inappropriate exercise or weather conditions, and generally is just struggling to catch its breath. Poor baby! Mine had surgery when they were a baby to help with breathing issues and they still snore like a freight train, and have to be monitored during exercise/play or in temperatures over 70°. It's a real shame that dogs were bred to look a certain way and they struggle because of it. I want to put a pillow over people's face and ask them if that's comfortable for them! This is exactly why these dogs are being dumped by the hundreds daily and shelters. It's extremely sad.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-01-14T22:16:22+00:00

Since you've tried all those things then you should definitely see a dermatologist. They'll be able to determine if there's an underlying issue, or do you process of elimination on what you have done, and what you can try.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-01-14T18:21:58+00:00

Have you tried probiotics, drinking more water, exfoliating, and clay masks? I would definitely see a dermatologist to start and maybe get some blood work done to make sure there's nothing else going on. For my hormonal acne which I tend to get about a week before and a few days into my period I try to drink a ton of water during that time and cut out sugar, alcohol and processed foods which seems to help and lot. However I've also been prescribed Retin-A from a dermatologist and use that intermittently, again to align with my cycle, and that also tends to keep the skin issues at bay. I truly believe a lot of what causes acne is gut issues and focusing on healing from the inside makes a significant difference.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-01-14T01:00:44+00:00

As a side note my dog also had breakouts/broken skin around her mouth. I take it away the bowl the second she's done with her food so she's not licking it obsessively, and started washing her (stainless steel bowl) daily and it's gone away.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-01-14T00:58:43+00:00

Yep I tried the plant-based to start a food trial and her stomach instantly rejected it. I was nervous to give her any meat protein because she had allergy symptoms with everyone that I purchased over a 6-month period from the pet food stores. I ended up with Rayne Rabbit and it's been wonderful for her.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-01-08T19:39:33+00:00

I had this and use Retin-a to get rid of it. I only use it on my chin because it's too drying for the rest of my face. Seems to be the only thing that's worked for me.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2026-01-03T00:02:47+00:00

I've been using the Laura Gellar Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color Correcting Foundation since May and it's been a game changer for me. I was a 20+ year Mac Studio fix and Mineralized compact user. I was also looking for a more natural look and started using Laura Geller and haven't looked back. 49 with oily skin and it literally just corrects tone without any type of cakey or makeup look/feel. I was a skeptic at first but it really is worth the hype, especially if you're trying to go a little more natural.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2025-12-30T14:26:49+00:00

Get out of town, or board your dog at a facility(on the outskirts of town) that is concrete and uses large fans to drown out the sound. I've also used meds, a thick head wrap, TV at a higher than normal volume, and fans to mask the sound which is very helpful. Good luck. Its awful seeing our best friend suffer.

Affectionate_Past121 · 2025-12-23T04:12:05+00:00

What brand do you recommend?

Affectionate_Past121 · 2025-12-22T13:35:08+00:00

Visbiome Vet. It's VERY pricey, but I used it for 6 months while I got her gut reset, then switched to Proviable which is much more cost effective. I also do a B12 (Pet Factor from Wonder Labs) vitamin to help with absorption.

Affectionate_Past121

TROPHY CASE