Oatmeal Baths and Bobbi Socks

Well, here we are, over a week later after Oliver's first foot allergy broke out. It got really worse before it got a bit better. They were cracked, bleeding, oozing...SICK. Then we quarantined him to a cone and socks, and now it is slowly turning back in to something resembling a doggie paw.

It is so sad because you feel bad depriving him of licking because you know it itches so badly that it's all he wants to do, but it just makes it worse, so you can't allow it! Mean Mommy.

I felt really horrid though putting him in that plastic cone that looked like he was a science project, so I got him the newest, latest, greatest...COMFY CONE! He looks hillarious in it, but it is soft and kind of like a pillow, so he doesn't mind having to lay around in this cone. It also fits around the head better. A must have if you are going through any situation like this one!
The Comfy Cone is great, but we needed something more. I scoured the net for natural remedies for this and I did find a wealth of information. God bless the Internet. I gave him an Aveeno oatmeal bath, and just had him stand in the tub for about ten minutes and when he got out I put a new cream on his paws called, Calendula cream. I purchased this and some Chamomille essential oil at Whole Foods. He is still also taking Benadryl and Fish Oil supplements. Whew. He is now laying passed out on the floor, seeming very relaxed and soothed...in new white Bobbi socks might I add. The socks with strings were OK, but he got tangled up like a puppet on strings more than I wanted to deal with. Size Large children's bobbi socks work great for staying on by themselves without the strings.

Fingers crossed this mixture of home remedies helps, I am really trying to stay away from putting him on steroids. I've heard this is NOT good for the dog at all and that there are many side effects. I would rather try the natural route first before going the dangerous way.

To be continued!