Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I started Zeus on an array of vitamins. But now I've been noticing his skin (in certain spots) is black. There are maybe 5-6 spots. Size of a penny. And I noticed also some scabs on his back. What could be causing it? Would you think it's something serious?? His itching has stopped. But since these scabs started he has started itching again. Sometimes I find red bumps on his face and caught his rubbing his face hard on the carpet. Is there something wrong with my dog?

Apparently the red spots are itchy. Chronic inflammation in the skin that has healed becomes pigmented, black, so I would suggest that the black spots are former inflammations that have healed and are no longer itchy. The scabs represent new inflamed areas which are itchy. You havent said what he is eating, but I would recommend giving him only meat, bone omega-3 oils and a probiotic. This should bring about great improvement in his skin.

Zeus is currently eating Blue Buffalo dog food. I started trying to introduce raw meats into his diet. He eats them but doesn't seem so interested in it. I kind of have given up but I know raw is the best thing for him. I just don't know how to get him to like it. Do you have any suggestions for people who are trying raw for the first time??

If he doesn't like it raw try it cooked.

I would be more than willing to do that but what should I do about fruits and vegetables? Does he need to eat that or could he just have cooked meat and raw bones and vitamins and it be a healthy balanced diet? Also I'd like to know if I'm giving him the right dosage of his current vitamins. Kelp- 150 mg each pill he gets 4 a day. Alfalfa- 650 mg every 2 pills he only gets 2 a day. Fish oil- 1200 mg every 2 pill he gets 3 a day. And the last one is Probiotics- 20 mg (40,000,000 CFU)every 2 pills and he gets 4 a day.

The basic needs of a dog are met by feeding meat, bone, omega-3 fatty acids and a probiotic. You are giving sufficient quantities of the last two. Other supplements supply nutrients that may be missing from the food, or that are needed to treat specific problems, but the nutrients should be supplied by a good diet. Fruits and vegetables are not necessary in any great quantity, and can be provided by giving leftovers and table scraps. Dogs will also eat grass and other plants if they feel the need.

Thank you for all the help!