Experience with Dog Allegergies

We had to get a doggie dermatologist for our pooch. She has severe allergies and kept getting staph infections. All the medications were not good for her heart or liver, so our vet recommended that we consider a dermatologist. And all the medication costs were adding up for her quickly. This was several years ago (our dog was 2 at the time and she just turned 12). I think the cost was around $500. The serum was $100 per vial. In the beginning, you give the shot more frequently, so you go through the vials more quickly. The vials last a few months after the initial introduction to the serum. (Within the last two years, we stopped giving her the serum, since her reaction to things isn't as severe.) We did the one visit with the dermatologist and then followed up with our regular vet. I was able to simply order the serum from the dermatologist over the phone. And we did have to go in for periodic retests throughout the years. BUt not much changed for our pup.

They tested her for tons of things. Come to find out our dog is allergic to cats, house dust, four different trees and three different kinds of grass. Bermuda got the most intense reaction and we have Bermuda in the yard.

Fortunately, our dog does not seem to suffer from food allergies. Unfortunately , we live in Texas where seasonal allergies can really make people (and critters) miserable!

Even with the allergy meds, we have had to follow up with other treatments. We do doses of benedryll on many nights just so she can stop scratching and we can all sleep. She gets sprayed with vinegar washes, to help the pH in her skin. We do oatmeal baths often. Probiotics get added to her food. She is very susceptible to yeast infections. We can diagnosis it ourselves, just from the way she smells. So we also have a standing prescription for keflex and fluconozole. Fish oil helps too. Ear washes help keep ear infections at bay. Like I mentioned before, doesn't react the way she used to things in her old age. I am grateful that she has some relief in her twilight years. The dermatologist was an investment, but I am glad we did it.

Omega 3 fish oils. Seriously the best thing you can do for your dog.

This is the brand I recommend: http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-All-Natural-Supplement-Pump...

I had a Jack Russell Terrier with such severe allergies she might have scratched herself to death without treatment. We saw a Vet Dermatologist regularly and it was very helpful. However, it wasn't cheap. They did allergy skin testing on her, just like people doctors do on people. Based on the results they devised an allergen serum for her and I gave her allergy shots. It started frequently with small amounts and then we had a maintenance program. Her allergies eventually changed, which is common, a few years down the road and we had to repeat the testing and change the serum. She was also prone to ear infections and had ear drops for those. While on the allergy injections she did not need much other medication. Without the injections she needed high doses of Benadryl and prednisone. We did some diet experimentation too and ultimately found a salmon-based dry dog food that worked for her. We avoided corn, which a lot of dogs have problems with, and she seemed to have a problem with chicken too. Towards the end of her long life (15 1/2) she had to go on prednisone full time for an eye problem so that controlled the allergies and there was no longer any point continuing the injections. The serum and the syringes for maintenance weren't too expensive, but the allergy testing was a few hundred dollars and of course she needed periodic check ups with the specialist. Even if you can't afford or don't want to spend the money for testing and injections the specialist might be able to give you some valuable pointers on other solutions, prescription shampoos, diet, etc. despite the fact that you've already tried some things. Good luck.

We had similar seasonal allergies with our dog over last year's warmer months. We tried everything. Switching dog beds, food, shampooing with special potions and lotions. We ended up not being able to make much difference, so we used benadryl to help with the major itching until her symptoms went away in the colder months. If it happens again this year, it will be time for a Dermatologist Vet. Our main vet warned us that they are pricy, so we tried everything else first. In your case, I would at least get in for a consult to see what they charge and what they plan to do.

My SIL who lives in Mesa, gives her dogs fish oil and Benadryl. Her get said it was perfectly fine for dogs. I would check how much to give first. She has 2 Pitt Bulls so bigger then your dog. Since she started this combo her dogs skin has improved greatly! and they dont itch nearly as much. Her vet also said the dryness in AZ can cause a lot of skin problems in dogs and said in summer months to put baby oil on their skin.

We switched to a prescription diet. Problem solved. Vet sells food. Expensive but cheaper than vet bills.

Geebers:

Go to Amazon.com and purchase these...

http://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Pill-Pockets-Large-7-9oz/dp...

they have smaller ones for smaller dogs. Talk to your vet about Claritin or generic OTC allergy meds. My girlfriend has 2 dogs with allergies..much like you describe...she gives them generic Claritin in these pill pockets and they are GOLDEN!!

One is a Newfoundland/Lab mix and the other is a Collie Mix.

Good luck!