Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

We Are Itching for Advice



























Visiting grand-dog, Brady is not having fun. I've posted before about this guy's terrible skin allergies. He's highly reactive to grass (among other things) and spring time makes his itchiness flare to an alarming degree.

By the way, lest you think Brady's "parents" have lost their minds, they keep a shirt on him to discourage licking and chewing. He has one side pretty bare and still tries to chew through the shirt to do even more damage. However, nothing can keep socks on his feet. If you look closely you can see that Brady has chewed all the fur off his front paws. His eyes are dull and matted.

Brady and his regular vet have frequent visits. He also sees a doggie dermatologist and takes a plethora of expensive prescription medications to little avail. According to the docs, the allergies are not related to food.

I think we're willing to try about anything, from holistic remedies to anecdotal reports of success. I found a website for a product called Derma-Paws, but know nothing about it other than what the makers claim.

Help! Does ANYBODY know what to do for a dog with constant skin allergies/itches?


16 comments:

Winston said...

Wish I had some advice but I'm at a loss. Good luck!

Lassiter Chase and Benjamin said...

Sorry to hear about the allergy itchies. We dont know what to do for allergies either. Benji itches his face like crazy especially his nose. We have been trying benedryl per the vets recommendation. But its not helping.

haopee said...

I'm sorry to hear this. I know how awful it can be to deal with allergies. I've had them for what seem like forever until I decided to just be done with it.
What I did was expose myself with my allergens-specifically seafood. At first, I would take some antihistamine-celestamine- and control my exposure to it. I also ate sweets to lessen the effects of the allergens. Heck, i would drink a bottle of coke or eat ice cream when i ate seafoods. Eventually, my controlled exposure paid off. I'm hardly allergic to seafoods.

Im not sure if itll work with Brady, but anything is worth a try right?

Linda O'Connell said...

Poor Brady. Antihistamines for dogs? My dog used to get a tummy rash in spring.

Two French Bulldogs said...

Went through it all, and I mean all $$$$$$$ with my Lily. A 90% improvement prescribed by the dermatologist. Atopica I with breakfast and dinner. Ketaconizol (spelling?) with breakfast. Lily gets a bath every weekend with hypo-allergenic shampoo. She is allergic to grass and many other things. She eats a grain free kibble. Hope it helps a bit
Benny & Lily

The Furries of Whisppy said...

Tutu had an itchy spot which she also barbered for months. I put her on coconut oil (it can be given orally or rubbed onto the itchy spots) and the itchiness cleared up within 2 days and her fur is growing back.

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/the-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/

Unknown said...

Sorry we can't help. Poor baby. Hopefully someone will. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Best wishes Molly

Dougall-the-Scottie said...

Naw.... Wish I could help...

Unknown said...

Hi Miss Pat. I suffer from the same allergies, though maybe not as bad. Nothing ever worked to relieve the constant itching and so I chewed my paws raw. Lately, I have been scratching so much that I now have bald spots on my chest too.

I got to try some supplements in exchange for a product review, which I will be posting tomorrow. They have actually worked!! My fur hasn't grown back yet (it's only been two weeks) but the itching is almost completely gone and my skin has started to heal.

I'm thinking maybe it would work for Brady...and if you are willing to do a product review, I may be able to contact the supplement company owner for you. Either way, you can email me at Oztheterrier at yahoo dot com.

*Cairn cuddles*
Oz the Terrier

Sketching with Dogs said...

Sorry, I have not had experience with allergies in dogs so can't really advise anything. I wish Brady the best of luck finding something that works.
Lynne x

Ryker said...

Have no idea if this would help but it would be worth a try...http://www.dinovite.com/

Lynn said...

You'd think there'd be something. I had a dog once with some kind of allergy and had to give it shots.

Tammy said...

Wish I could help. My dog used to struggle with ear infections that stemmed from allergies until we moved to Georgia, where they abruptly stopped. When we moved back, my vet and I assumed they would return, but they never did. I don't recommend relocating, though. Maybe a vacation in the desert? Sending best wishes for little Brady.

Ryker said...

dogosuds shampoo? might help.

DawgBlogger said...

Did you do allergy testing? Particularly for environmental allergies, the new SLIT (which is an oral version of allergy shots) can be quite effective.

Blood testing to pinpoint the exact allergies is done, than they mix up the drops for your dog.

Meanwhile, frequent baths/showers to wash off the allergens and foot rinses are always helpful.

Interesting about the t-shirt; this can actually be helpful used during the walks, as it provides some barrier between the environment and the skin. I know several people who found this very helpful.

So, rather than wearing it at home, I'd put it on for the walks instead. Then a quick shower upon arrival, or at least a foot rinse.

Might opt of cooling/soothing shampoos.

Tricia Carr said...

Hi,
Many years ago when I showed dogs we'd get one with allergies. I would give colostrum with each meal. Colostrum is just what the name implies, mothers' pre/first milk. It has natural antihistamines. Supplement with EFA, essential fatty acid6, flax oil was my favorite. In three weeks we had gorgeous coat. Best Wishes, Tricia Carr