Cheryl
I adopted Bear at age 9 from the shelter, almost two years ago. He is a wonderful Black Lab-Mix? :) He had MANY ear yeast infections when he first came to live with me :( He also seemed to SCRATCH a lot :( He didn't cause INJURIES to himself but it seemed a bit excessive to me, compared to my previous dogs. Our vet recommended APOQUEL. HE has been taking it for app. a year. We haven't had any problems with it. I am uncomfortable with potential long-term side effects though :( I took him off of it about a month ago. His ears have been clear but he has started to scratch, ALOT. I gave him a pill today because he is NOT comfortable. I am investigating alternatives. He is eating a HIGH-QUALITY, grain-free, limited ingredient food. He RARELY receives treats. He is a HEALTHY, slender 65 lbs and runs around like a young dog when we play in the yard :) Otherwise, he is very content to supervise me at my work at home, sleeping or resting. Our home and acreage is chemical free and I have a well, NO city water. He doesn't have fleas, ticks or any other 'bugs' :) I am going to try a few things plus bathe him more often. THAT will be the most difficult part :( HE HATES BATHS :( I am so sorry for the dogs who haven't handled APOQUEL well :( I think, as with so many drugs, there is always a percentage of patients, humans and animals, that are going to become ill or die from side effects :( I want to keep him healthy and happy as long as he is with me :) When you adopt a senior you know your time together might be short :)