my bichon is scratching himself raw from allergies,is there anything that can bring fast relief?

Question

our vet does not believe in steroid shots and he currently is on benadryl allergies for children that is only providing minimal relief. he wants to refer him to a vet 60 miles away that will do some allergy tests. he already is on a prescription diet. please help!! are there any home remedies or anything that will help him from scratching himself raw? he does not have fleas

Answer 1

there is a benadryl ointment cream for allergy itching, it works for my dogs.
but honestly honey...get a SECOND opinion! what IF the steroids would help your dog?
if it were your child wouldn't you question the doctor? i ALWAYS question a vet, when my pet has to continue suffering that way because of his "beliefs". if the steroids help, then you wont have to worry about the expense of a specialist..who will probably over charge you...then give you the steroids anyways.

Answer 2

I agree that I would get a second opinion- the bit about the food is not right. In regards to steroid shots and pills- some vets do not like to use them simply because of the damage that it can do to liver and kidney functions- using steroids- but it is usually long term that you need to worry about. Find a different vet, make sure you get records from your current vet. Our normal course would be a shot of a steroid called Dexamethasone and then script out oral steroids as prednisone and antibiotics. You want both antibiotics and steroids because the itching is going to start an infection. In the long run- looking into allergy testing is the best bet. It lets you know what your dog is allergic to and if they can do antigen for it- it does help most cases. They sometimes have lapses and need some steroids while on antigen- but we have usually seen great results with antigen. Main thing- for immediate relief- call a different vet and ask if they will give steroid injections and oral meds.

Answer 3

If your dog is on a prescription diet that your vet sold you that is very likely not going to help anything. Most vets know absolutely nothing about food, but they get a big kickback from Hill's (the supplier of the food they sell).

If you suspect food allergies switch to an allergy formula such as Natural Balance Venison & Brown Rice or Wellness Whitefish & Sweetpotao. These are true allergy foods. Do not feed your dog any treats. You should see an improvement in 3-5 days. After 6 weeks you may begin introducing single ingredient foods into your dogs diet one at a time. You should get a reaction after the third day if this is what you dog is allergic to. My dog is allergic to chicken, wheat, eggs, liver, and lamb.

You can order Lytar shampoo from valleyvet.com It is a coal tar shampoo that even if your vet knew about it you would pay 3 times the $$$. Bathe your dog once a week for the first month, then as needed.

Many dogs suffer from something called summer itch. It is a sensitivity to grass and only bothers them when the grass is active. Try to keep your dog off of the grass as much as you can.

You can get cortisone cream at any drug, grocery, or discount store. Apply to the worst areas that your dog is scratching.

See a different vet.

Answer 4

I'm sorry your pet is so uncomfortable. Allergies and skin issues can be really tough to work-up.

Have you called your regular vet and told him that your dog is getting only minimal relief from the Benadryl?
Are there any shampoos, soaks, or topical treatments that he would recommend?
Do you have an appointment scheduled with the referral vet? If you do, maybe he or she can get your dog in sooner.

Of course, a second opinion is always an option.

Perhaps cool water soaks or compresses will offer him some relief. Be aware that is his skin is raw and inflamed, and that he may react if it's painful to him.

Hope this is helpful.

Answer 5

Boy, oh, boy. This one is toooooo easy, but I'm going to jump on it like Albert Puljos on a batting practice fastball. It's my ex, Lady Voldemort. I don't see or talk to her anymore...thank God...and the only communication I get is via the U. S. Mail. But getting something from her is like cracking open an ant farm at a picnic. When we were together, I actually hated punching out at work, and was thankful for the length of my commute home....and I never, ever, went even one-hundredth of a mph over the speed limit. Men often claim their wives have a voice that can peel paint. Lady V. could not only peel paint, she could knock down the plaster and short out the wiring in the wall. It is very telling that my gf has said to me on numerous occasions, "Do you realize that the only time you cuss anymore is when you're talking about your ex?" I thought about it, and she's absolutely right.

Answer 6

I have 3 with allergies, I have tried everything. A shampoo that has aloe and oatmeal in it works for them.At least the best I've found,Mollie has to have a cortisone shot sometimes, she chews herself raw... but like they said, 2nd opinion is the first thing.

Answer 7

you can give your dog some benadryl not a lot only a little

Answer 8

Try an Oatmeal bath....