Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Help Needed for Seasonal Allergies

Most everyone loves spring. The grass greens, the flowers burst into bloom, and brilliant color dots the landscape. Such a sight can't help but brighten both the scenery and the soul. After a cold, damp and gray winter, what's not to like about spring?

How about seasonal allergies?

Perhaps due to the excessive rain, you've probably noticed that pollen is everywhere. Even after only 24 hours, if you wipe an outside table you'll see just how quickly and heavily the pollen has collected. As a result, there's an epidemic of sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes.

Critters have problems with allergies, too. While some dogs have symptoms similar to humans, my son's dog is the prime example of allergies that manifest as skin problems. Brady has always tended to be itchy, but in the spring, his troubles go far beyond the ordinary.

Here's how the poor guy looked on Mother's Day.






























He's licked and chewed each side of himself literally bald.  And when not licking his sides, he rubs his eyes raw against the carpet. Fortunately, Brady's doing better now with the help of antihistamines and steroids prescribed by his vet. A few years ago, Brady went to a doggie dermatologist for a while, but the array of injections, medications, and weekly appointments soon became cost prohibitive.

Many Critter Alley readers are experienced dog people. Does anyone know of a natural, effective treatment for spring skin allergies for dogs that won't break the bank?

 We're itching to find an answer!

20 comments:

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Hi Pat - Unfortunately, no, I do not. It wouldn't surprise me to learn of something out there, but I don't know what it is. I'll ask around. If I hear of anything, I'll let you know.

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

Poooooor Brady! I'm wondering about food... a grain free food, might help some. That's all I got.

Two French Bulldogs said...

we broke the bank twice with my Lily. But there are about 6 antihistamines you can try over the counter. Ask the V-E-T. Benadryl of course
Benny & Lily

The Daily Pip said...

Poor guy! I wish I had a solution - I have the same problem! Let me know if you find any cool, inexpensive tricks!

Your pal, Pip

Diana Chiew said...

We are not too sure but have you looked into Apple Cider Vinegar?

CreekHiker / HollysFolly said...

We're still dealing with this for Bart but we met someone at the creek last night and had a long discussion about how she cured her dog's allergies. She switched to Avo-derm dog food, adds some vitamin E pills to the kibble and shampoos with Aveeno.

CreekHiker / HollysFolly said...

Re: Giant's comment... Many dogs are allergic to corn (the #1 ingredient in grocery store dog food!) Definitely switch to corn free!

Julie Flanders said...

Hi, Pat. I just found your blog and I'm so glad I did, I love it and your animals are so adorable!

I'm sorry though to hear about Brady, I don't have any suggestions but hope he gets some relief soon, poor guy!

Ryker said...

I got this off the internet. I only really know about food allergies. The seasonal allergies are a lot tougher to control. We wish Brady the best

Vacuum your carpets more frequently during the allergy season to ease your dog's symptoms. Keep your windows closed during the allergy season so that pollen and other allergens can't get into the house. Keep your dog inside as much as possible during the allergy season, especially on high-pollen days (your local newspaper can tell you when high-pollen days are forecast).

If your dog's allergy symptoms are quite severe, and especially if your dog suffers from the effects of non-seasonal airborne allergens, consider installing a HEPA filtration device in your home's central heating and air system. A HEPA system can remove most allergens from the air in your home.


Read more: Seasonal Dog Allergy Symptoms and Their Treatment - VetInfo

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

AW! Pooooor Brady! that's got to be torture.

One of the first things I would do is make sure he is on a grain free diet. Sensitivity to grain can impact other allergies.

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

So far I've been very lucky and my dogs don't have any allergies. I think there are two things that I do that help prevent them - I don't feed them any food that has corn listed in the first 10 ingredients (really don't want to give them any corn) and I give them an Omega-3 capsule every day along with about a teaspoon of olive oil on their food. I also don't bathe them excessively - maybe once ever 6 weeks.

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

This will be very interesting. I will be glad to hear the suggestions.

Tammy said...

Oh, I feel for the poor little guy and his dad...we had a dog that used to get skin allergies, though not quite so bad. My current dog used to get continuous ear infections till we moved to Georgia. What's weird is that they have just as many allergies down there. And weirder, when we moved back, the dog didn't get the ear problems again. Was it something in the yard (we're in the same subdivision)? Or did his body just need a rest? Or? Hope you find a solution!

Julia Williams said...

Poor Brady!!! I don't know of any remedies but I will ask our blog's "doggie expert" and see if she has any ideas.

FANCY the Red Standard Poodle said...

Hi Y'all,

I put my Humans through the wringer with my allergies. Even shots and the special food don't help all the allergies. (Among other things, including foods, I'm allergic to grass)

In addition I get the Omega 3 capsule in my food twice a day and 2 Loratadine 10 mg tabs twice daily. (If you try the latter, check with your vet 'cause it's experimental in dogs & I weigh 100 lbs)

As a last resort when I get really itchy, a bath with sulfadene soap fixes me up for awhile. (Sometimes it's months and months before I get a bath.

Trial and error is what my Humans used until they found a combo that worked for me.

Good Luck,
Hawk aka BrownDog

An English Shepherd said...

That looks horrible :-(

Yes agree about checking diet.

Julia Williams said...

I have some information for you, but rather than leave you a lengthy comment here, I'd like to email you -- but don't have your email addy. Could you send me a note (see my blogger profile) and then I'll reply with info.

Oskar said...

Poor Brady! I've been lucky enough never to have had issues, so I'm afraid I can't help. Good luck.

Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar

Pet Portraits By Becky said...

This spring weather with the pollen always makes my Maggies (shih tzu) eyes bad. I am always cleaning them. we do enjoy the weather and the flowersthoug.

Katie said...

My vet said before that I could give my cats a small dose of childrens benadryl, I think it was a teaspoon or less, also what do you feed him, maybe try switching to a different kind(grain free or even different protein source maybe)
Woofs and hugs Brady,
Roxy, http://lifeofabeagle.blogspot.com/