Dog Allergy?

[mcdenney]

My gsp is just over a year old. Back in September she developed a staph infection where she had been scratching so much. Since then we have treated her with steroids, antibiotics and antihistamines at least twice. I changed her food and bedding as well. She is still driving herself crazy with itching. Her belly from the chest down is red as it can be and she has just about scratched all the hair off her ears, nose and around her eyes.

Anybody ever run into anything like this? I have removed about everything I can except the straw in her outside box and blanket in the inside crate.

Thoughts?

 

[GrouseAssasin]

Does the food you switched to still maybe have an allergen in it? The Great Dane I used to have had a grain allergy. Took several different brands but we finally found something that worked for him. Your dog is having the same problems he had, he also shed terribly. You could slide your hand down his back and hair would just roll off in little wads. Finally got him straightened out on 4-Health brand from Tractor Supply.

 

[trapshooter]

x 2 with GrouseAssain , my 11 year old lewellin setter scratched & liked her paws ,chest , back, any where she could reach. vets said she had flea bites, but it only one or two, then she starts diggin & a scratchin again, so more trips to vet & more money to ole vet! i try stuff, spend money, tried 4 health we like it , i still feed 11 year girl & 2 year old boy 4 health 30-20 performance . my buds sleep in 70 degree basement at nite ,outside most lite,they shed a little . fleas will live year round & are hard to control, it only takes one or two & then if any feed allergy is there then every thing goes nuts. 35 bucks = 35 lb good luck, hope this helps. trapshooter

 

[Brit's and Birds]

Had a dog once that had similar symptoms that the vet kept telling us was allergies. Tried and tried to treat it, but nothing worked. Dog would scratch itself until it would bleed in certain areas. Went to another vet who said that it may be mange. Treated for that and never had another problem again. We used an internet method of rubbing all the infected areas once a day with mineral oil for a few weeks. Worked like a charm, may be worth a try.

 

[mcdenney]

I have switched all their food from Chicken/Beef based to Salmon/fish & Potatoe for sensitive skin. The vet suggested this or Rabbit & Potatoe versus just the average run of the mill food from Walmart, etc. Really has not helped. I think the only thing that has helped is the shots. She scratches then it gets staph once she opens it up. We have been giving her baths a couple times a week plus spraying her down with an anti-itch meds. She tested her for mange and said that is not it. I would think that with her running with 2 other dogs they would have it too? The vet is convinced that this is a contact allergy and not food related. I'm at wits end. The vet, I am sure will want to give her an allergy test next. Any of you guys ever done that?

Are you guys buying the grain free version of 4Health?

 

[aferguson27]

I had a Great Dane that done the same thing. http://www.nzymes.com/store/pc/index.asp is what work for me

http://www.nzymes.com/store/pc/Allergies-in-dogs-or-cats_Understanding-and-guidance

 

[mcdenney]

I had a Great Dane that done the same thing. http://www.nzymes.com/store/pc/index.asp is what work for me

http://www.nzymes.com/store/pc/Allergies-in-dogs-or-cats_Understanding-and-guidance

I keep hearing about a product available at Tractor Supply called Blue Coat? Supposely for helping with skin conditions? Also, what are some good alternatives for warmth in kennels to replace straw?

 

[GrouseAssasin]

The Dane I mentioned died around 2 years ago but if I remember correctly there was a grain free formula that we fed him. It was pricey but that dog was like a kid to us so it didn't matter. It did take a couple weeks for his skin to clear up.

 

[quackrstackr]

If you're bathing twice a week you're creating a dry skin condition that is only going to aggravate the problem. If it's contact allergy it certainly could be the straw. I'd get rid of that and use a drop lamp with a heat bulb at night. I use cedar shavings in Nash's igloo.

 

[trapshooter]

i bought Vetericyn Wound & Infection Treatment Tractor Supply. spray 16 oz , use it for everything. Yes grain free chicken 4 health. Cedar is good if you can keep it in the dog house & keep it dry. trapshooter

 

[mcdenney]

Tim, I only started bathing her that much because of the vet. I have since stopped.

I am going to order a bale of cedar strips for bedding - getting rid of the straw and try 4health (grain free food). I am also going to try Blu-Kote for the itch. The Vet is not helping me!

 

[philipfleek]

Try a table spoon of olive oil in its food each day. That may help.

 

[mcdenney]

Try a table spoon of olive oil in its food each day. That may help.

I have heard of fish oil, but never olive oil?

 

[KY Swamp Beagler]

You can give a dog Benadryl, Zyrtec or Claritin (not Claritin D).

Benadryl 25 mg tablets - 1 tablet 2 times a day per 25-50 pounds of body weight. Dogs over 50 pounds can have 2 tablets.

Zyrtec 5 or 10 mg - 10 mg for medium size dog and 15 mg for large dog.

Claritin ( not Claritin D) 5 mg - medium dog 2 tabs and large dog 3 tabs once daily.

This information came from a printout my Vet gave me so I could medicate my own dogs. My recommendation is to start with the Benadryl as it is cheaper.

If you prefer to get the info yourself you can call the Lone Oak Veterinary Clinic in Paducah, KY I doubt they'd mind telling you.

 

[Feedman]

You can spray betadine on the skin. It will burn some on the open wounds