Some background for reference:
Aspen is a 4 year old English Golden Retriever. Approx. 2 years ago she began developing bladder stones (first treated as a recurring UTI, eventually found out it was crystals in her urine and bladder stones forming) and was put on the Hill's Science Diet c/d formula. We tried switching her off after dissolving the first stone but the problem came right back-so she's been on the c/d ever since to control the issue.
Being a golden, allergies/skin issues aren't surprising and she last week was diagnosed with a yeast infection in her left ear. Given a one time treatment and allergy medication (apoquel) to take 2x/day for 2 weeks, then 1x day following. Her left ear has had ongoing problems for probably a little over a year, but usually a few days of an antiseptic wipe would take care of it. She also chews at her paws and rubs her face on the ground to itch, so I know there are some underlying allergy issues, but she isn't biting/scratching so bad that she is losing hair or anything.
I've long suspected that she may be allergic to something in her food, but feel like we can't do anything to switch that due to it being prescribed for her urinary care issues. Has anyone had luck with diets that support urinary care that AREN'T Hills c/d formula? The itching and ear are better since taking the apoquel, but I'd like to avoid a daily allergy pill for her remaining life if this can be addressed other ways. Also, I know that the food isn't the best quality and I want her to have a long and happy, healthy life. We're already paying quite a bit for the food so cost isn't a huge issue, especially if a daily allergy pill could be eliminated.
Aspen is a 4 year old English Golden Retriever. Approx. 2 years ago she began developing bladder stones (first treated as a recurring UTI, eventually found out it was crystals in her urine and bladder stones forming) and was put on the Hill's Science Diet c/d formula. We tried switching her off after dissolving the first stone but the problem came right back-so she's been on the c/d ever since to control the issue.
Being a golden, allergies/skin issues aren't surprising and she last week was diagnosed with a yeast infection in her left ear. Given a one time treatment and allergy medication (apoquel) to take 2x/day for 2 weeks, then 1x day following. Her left ear has had ongoing problems for probably a little over a year, but usually a few days of an antiseptic wipe would take care of it. She also chews at her paws and rubs her face on the ground to itch, so I know there are some underlying allergy issues, but she isn't biting/scratching so bad that she is losing hair or anything.
I've long suspected that she may be allergic to something in her food, but feel like we can't do anything to switch that due to it being prescribed for her urinary care issues. Has anyone had luck with diets that support urinary care that AREN'T Hills c/d formula? The itching and ear are better since taking the apoquel, but I'd like to avoid a daily allergy pill for her remaining life if this can be addressed other ways. Also, I know that the food isn't the best quality and I want her to have a long and happy, healthy life. We're already paying quite a bit for the food so cost isn't a huge issue, especially if a daily allergy pill could be eliminated.