Dog itch problem. Skin allergy. Help!?

My Bassett mix has skin allergies. The vet originally put her on a medicine that helped her stop itching herself raw, but it ran out and he wouldn't refill it. He guessed she was allergic to her shampoo (we switched to an Oatmeal one), her food, and the grass outside. She is so raw and irritated now, that her paws are bleeding and her whole bald underside looks sunburnt. We have been bathing her often, because the dirtier she gets, the worse she seems to be, but on the other hand, I washed her today and she seems worse.





Ok, my question. We have been giving her benadryl off and on on our vet's suggestion. Can we make that a daily dose? If so, how much for a 45 lb dog? twice daily? will this help her get through the summer?





I think it is the grass and pollen, because she rarely has problems in the winter, at least not like this.





Please help! Suggestions about shampoo brands, food brands, lotions? Anything is welcome.

Dog itch problem. Skin allergy. Help!?
It really sounds like topical allergic dermatitis, commonly cause by contact with an allergen.


While it is possible that she has developed a new Allergy to grass and pollen, its also possible that she is reacting to something that has changed in the house. are you using any new detergents, Carpet cleaners etc.


If it were diet, it would be all over her whole body. Since it is on her feet and belly it is something that she is touching.


Try to keep her inside as much as possible. Bathing her with any type of soap can dry out her skin and exacerbate the problem. For relief, try making a paste out of baking soda and water. Apply the paste while she is in the tub and let her relax in there for a while. Then rinse it off without soap.


Try to get an appointment with a different vet who will take you seriously.
Reply:eeewww!!!
Reply:Probably the best thing to use right now,with the itching would be to bath her in baking soda. at least it will help with the itch
Reply:A fellow I know is taking his dog to the vet tomorrow for the same problem, and vet already told him he would give the dog a shot. I think he said cortisone.





You might think of calling another vet and see what someone else tells you.
Reply:Have you thought about having a allergy test done on your dog? My vet did one on my dog called the Liquid Gold Allergy Test, its a blood test that cost me an arm and a leg but it was well worth it! We found out that my dog was allergic to corn. We switched my dogs food to one that was potato based and VOILA! no more itchy skin.





Also, they make Omega 3 fatty acid capsules for dogs called allerg G3 or 3v Caps ( both are different companies that make essentially the same thing) that really help with the dogs skin and coat so it wont get so irritated when the dogs become itchy. My dog takes these as well. I dont know if you can buy them over the counter, I purchase them from vet.





finally, I have never heard of a vet who will not refill a perscription that is working. I hope he or she had a valid reason. If not, then it is time to switch to another doctor.





goodluck with the allergies
Reply:I use tea to sooth my dogs itch,just brew a cup let it cool and dab it on,I would also try another vet,they might have some new ideas.I had a cat that began loosing her hair once ,they had no idea why.it was the carpet,we pulled it up put in new and she was fine.good luck.
Reply:You mentioned that your vet thinks she is allergic to her food. I'm not trying to be rude by saying this, but if you really want to fix this problem, you'll need to make a change ASAP...if you're feeding your dog a commercial pet food from your grocery store or Wal-Mart, you'll need to get her off that stuff, it's probably the biggest contributor to her allergy problems.





I'd ask the vet to do allergy testing to determine exactly what the allergens are...they're not very expensive, my vet charges $150.





As far as foods: for prepared foods, you may want to try something like a fish and potato food or a venison based food...it causes a lot less allergic reactions. Many dogs are allergic to various grains or vegetables (found in many common dog foods, especially the cheap ones), and it's not uncommon for dogs to have allergies to beef or chicken.





If it were my dog, I would contact a holistic vet, who can give you guidance about a raw diet for dogs with allergies...you'll be making your dog's food yourself, and can SLOWLY introduce foods into her diet.





Here are a few books discussing allergies: "Pet Allergies", by Alfred Plechner and "Shock to the System: The Facts About Animal Vaccination, Pet Food And How to Keep Your Pets Healthy", by Catherine M. O'Driscoll ...I'd suggest checking them out, as well, for more information on caring for your dog.





A final thought: you could ask your vet to prescribe cyclosporin for your dog...I would only recommend it VERY short term, until you are able to put together a plan for your dog's new diet...it can cause serious problems with long term use, but could help keep her comfortable until you can start a new program for your dog.
Reply:Accutane is a retinoid medication, related chemically to Vitamin A. It reduces the amount of oil that is released by the skin, and increases the rate at which skin renews.





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