my dog is very itchy...i've seen two vets, but it's no use.?

Question

the vets say it's allergy. they have prescribed benedyrl (diphenhydramine) but it's still no use. my dog is getting worse and there are flaky skins all over her body, can anyone help?

Answer 1

Food allergies are actually more common in dogs than most people realize. Corn is the #1 allergen in dogs. Check your ingredient listing on your dog food bag. Many of the lower-cost brands will have this as the first ingredient or in the top three. If this is the case, I would try switching to another food. PMI Exclusive and Natural Choice are two great foods, and both reasonably priced.
If this is unsuccessful, you may want to see a vet that specializes in allergies and skin problems. There is one in my town that gets great results, even from people that didn't get an accurate diagnosis from their own vet.
Good luck!!

Answer 2

There could be a lot of things from the stuff you mentioned: Legs: German Shepard's have a very large chance of legs problems in about mid-life, it can be paralyzing, sometimes deadly. Over-drinking, not eating: Dogs can develop diabetes and these are symptoms of K-9 diabetes, go back to vet and have her blood sugar checked. Ignoring commands, people, or not acting to sounds: She is probably not feeling well if her symptoms are caused by the above. She may just have a flu. Go to a vet and demand they do a full check, have them check for the things I have mentioned. The leg thing has no cure, you just have to take good care of her until she passes (usually within 6 months of the legs giving out)

Answer 3

Like humans, dogs get allergies from food as well. There are instances wherein dogs get allergies from foods that their system cannot tolerate, such as wheat, soy products, pork, beef, whey, fish, eggs, milk, corn, artificial sweeteners, and chemical preservatives that are placed in their food.

Some signs of allergic reactions to food in dogs are shaking of the head, scratching the ears, irritated skin, biting and licking at the rear feet, inflammations in the ear, sneezing, behavioral changes, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.

Symptoms of Dog Allergies
Like us humans, dogs can be allergic to any number of things, including their food. The symptoms can vary depending on the allergy and the dog, but there are many common dog allergy symptoms:

Itching and Scratching - Dog allergies will many times cause dogs to itch and scratch constantly, often scratching off entire areas of hair leaving bald patches over their body.

Licking - Some dogs will lick, lick, lick and lick their paws all the time.

Skin Redness - Some dogs develop a redness over most of their skin. The redness may be more noticeable around the eyes and mouth.

Odor - Many dogs start to smell real bad. Almost a sour sort of smell. This can get so bad that you can’t even stand to be around them.

Stinky Ears - Stinky ears and constant ear scratching are signs that your dog may have an ear infection. Ear infections are also a common sign of dog allergies.

Weight Loss - In severe cases, dog allergies can cause weight loss and digestive problems.

Answer 4

It sounds like an allergy to me too. I have never heard of them prescribing benedryl though. Did they not tell you what the allergy possibly was??? I had a char pei that could not stay in the sun very long because of the allergic reactions to the sun burning her skin. It could be anything though. It could be food, smells or even something like its shampoo. I would ask around and see who would recommend the best vets for allergies. Then I would call that one first and tell him of the situation and if he might possibly have an ideal. Tell him you have been to several that you have paid and the dog is still not well. It could be something as simple as a spray you may need for your dog. Good luck.

Answer 5

Cathryn;
I used to sell animal feeds and learned some very interesting facts. One; dogs don't do well on corn products. Lamb and rice might help. Two; eggs can bring the skin and coat back to healthy sheen. Three; you can treat immediately with things like olive oil. Use very little, like a teaspoon full in bathwater after soaped, scrubbed and rinsed.

If none of these or the combination of these efforts don't work, then seek vet help.
http://judgeright.blogspot.com

Answer 6

Many responses about food problems but none with any solution including raw diets. We've used Abady for 28 years and have never, repeat NEVER, had any skin issues with any of our breeds (we show, I train). Take a look at the website. While I admit that the marketing materials can be b-o-r-i-n-g, it is extremely educational. Depending on your area, you may not be able to get. My client who use join in sharing the costs of my driving 500 miles to get enough for 4 months or so. It's worth every dime - I save in vet bills, believe me. We've never had cancer, heart trouble, thyroid issues, skin problems ... well, never even have parasites of any kind, including in any of our puppies! Take the time to educate yourself. Vets are indeed wonderful, however the vast majority of their nutritional 'expertise' is directly from the major dog food companies. Surely you wouldn't feed your family based on McD's advice?? Good luck! See www.abadyfeeds.com

Answer 7

We had a similar case a few years ago....and it WORKED !!!

As crazy as it sounds, try that AVEENO stuff that you add to the bathwater, it's what they prescribe for people when they get hives and chickenpox (and skin rashes) and the like.

It is an oatmeal based powder that you bathe in ESPECIALLY formulated for skin(problems).

Hey it's chemical-free and oatmeal is a nice scent, so there is practically NO RISK !!! Works wonders on humans so try it on your pooch.....Good Luck

look for aveeno skin bath relief treatment, and keep puppy happy!!
Don't rule out the possibility that it might be a FOOD ALLERGY as well...

Answer 8

Go to Wal Mart and purchase baby shampoo and Aloe Vera gel. When bathing your dog mix the Aloe Vera with the shampoo. Little at a time. It is much cheaper and the Aloe Vera is very soothing and refreshing . It worked for me. Good Luck.

Answer 9

when we lived in Phoenix... I ended up taking our 1 year old Shih Tzu to a animal dermatologist. (Yes, they are actually such vets). Turned out that since he was weaned too soon... he had not gotten enough antibodies to cure a fairly common puppy issue with their skin. Got some medications... and he was good as new!

You can look for a animal dermatologist... but it's pricey. Costed 150$ when it was all said and done.

Answer 10

My pooch had the same issue. I would recommend finding a shampoo with coal tar as the active ingredient. Hartz makes a great shampoo with just that. It is a sickly green color with a slight shimmer to it. I get mine at Walmart. Don't let the price fool you. It is cheap but it works wonders, usually within a day or too.