Help with dog allergies!

[Michelle Chandler]

I have a 3 year old Pug with skin allergies. I have removed all plants from the yard, tried all of the antihistamines, Atopica, bathing her, and special foods. I don't want to use steroids all the time because of all the damage it can do internally.

Daphne(my pug) and I would welcome any helpful information.

Thank you.

[HAL9000]

I give my dog Benadryl.

[Jeff Chandler]

Mmmm... sexy lady with an itchy dog!

[bigred41]

My little dog has allergies and my vet recommended fish oil capsules mixed in his food.

[bcsco]

Unless you go through a series of tests to determine what your pet’s allergic to, you many never solve it. I’m sure your vet told you the same thing.

My pet is on Benadryl and Prednazone. Has been for 2 years. It’s a fact of life.

[tearlenb]

It may be a food allergy. Try switching to California Natural. It is the only one I have found that solves that problem. You can find a place that sells it at naturapet.com

[mtbopfuyn]

You first need to know what she’s allergic to before you can fix the problem. Have the vet give her a scratch test.

[rintense]

First of all, always consult a vet first. Skin allergies / itching can be a sign of hypothyroidism ( as well as tripping up the stairs, dragging feet, etc. )

There are topical solutions you can get at your vet to help with the skin. Resicort is a nice one and my previous dog, Daisy, did well on it. Also think about giving your dog fish oil pills. My new puppy has been itching a lot (not fleas or ticks) and the fish oil pill idea from the vet has worked well. Also, brush your dog every day. The brushing will stimulate the oil glands on your dogs skin. Lastly, try a dog food that is formulated for sensitive skin- and make sure you use hypoallergenic doggie shampoo as well.

[Jeff Chandler]

This new member "Michelle Chandler" is a Democrat sleeper cell trying to establish itself for later mischief.

She has been known to be mischievous.

[tearlenb]

Be careful with some of the foods that say for sensitive skin on them. A lot of them are not much better than the rest of the junk. Even the commonly prescribed Hills Prescription Diets won’t fix the problem, and will set you back quite a few dollars. As I mentioned above, California Natural is a good one for testing the food allergy theory. Pugs often have sensitive skin and allergy issues, and food allergies are really common. Also, make sure he is getting enough water, and pugs can be susceptible to heat more than other breeds.

You can use benadryl, but ask your vet for the recommended dosage.

Also, of course check for ticks and fleas. They can also leave bumps.

Fish oil is a good idea too.

[brytlea]

You beat me to the punch. First thing I would check is the thyroid. In fact, it would be the thing I would hope for, since it’s much easier to control than allergies.

As for the allergies, there are specialists out there and if you have the $$ that’s where I would go next. I have had dogs with allergies, and it’s not a pleasant thing. You can help with the special diet, shampoos, benedryl, etc, but nothing cures it. I also don’t like to do the pred long term, altho some dogs get relief for a long period of time one an injection, so it might be worth trying.

Last but not least, when I fed raw food to my dogs none had itchy skin or ear infections. It can be a bit of a pain in the neck, but they were healthier and had the most beautiful, clean teeth (even my old girl).

susie

[avacado]

"She has been known to be mischievous."

Oooops! Sorry 'bout that. I thought I had flushed out a liberal sleeper cell trying to establish itself. Please accept my apology.

[1rudeboy]

Sorry about the pug and I have no advice other than to make the allergy medication the non-drowsy sort.

[mnehring]

Maybe it was the wig?

[Max Monroe]

Check out the web page of Timberwolforganics.com. I have been feeding their food for almost all the time they have been in business. Their food is expensive, but it is well worth it. I have a 16 year old Jack Russell who still can catch squirrels, and this food is all he gets. They also have a line of canned dog food as well as salmon oil. Check out the web site. You’ll be glad you did.

[raybbr]

We have a Srpinger. He has allergies to cut grass. We found out because the first time I got a riding mower he walked in front of it the whole time. We thought it was funny till he got his skin condition. Since then he's grown out of it. We had to clean the sores and give him some medication. I don't remember what it was.

Now he follows me and barks at me the whole time I'm on the mower. It drives me nuts.

He thinks he's a stuffed animal that's alive.

[Glenmerle]

My dog has seasonal skin allergies -- he chews on and scratches his paws and legs from spring to late fall. I like to avoid heavy medication too, so I hit on several lesser fronts: Benadryl (generic works just as well), occasional allergy shampoos, an oil supplement for his food (he also has somewhat dry skin, which aggravates the allergies), and in the summer I rinse his legs every now and then with water from the garden hose -- no shampoo, just a rinse (it helps for about 24 hours). Good luck.

[CDHart]

My daughter had a dog with the same problems for several years. She finally got a cat, and it was "his" cat and his skin problems cleared up. He and the cat both lived long and happy lives. You might also try putting some brewers' yeast (powdered) in the food. It's good for their skin and dogs love it.

carolyn

[gilor]

Brewers Yeast tabs