My dog is very allergic to dust mites (she has been tested and that's what the test shows). She is currently on the immuno-thearpy injections once a week (since Oct.). Has anyone else experienced this before and have any ideas on how to control her itchyness until the shot starts working? Or has anyone had to give their dogs shots, how long to they take to work? She is currently on benadryl twice a day which seems to help a little, but she is still very itchy. :( She has also been on prednesone but can't stay on it due to the long term effects.
2006-12-27 05:49:20 · 6 answers · asked by football_girl1980 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have suffered through the exact same problems and have gone all the same routes you have. The only extra thing I added that I do not see on your list is hydrocortisone spray. It can be very soothing to irritated skin. My dog also had a shot every now and then of Vetalog, which is also a steroid and not to be used longterm. While her other shots kick in, you can try some oatmeal shampoo (make sure it is hypoallergenic... no sense adding to the problem), and the hydrocortisone spray. Good luck with it. I know how terrible it can be not only for you, but for your pet as well. My dog has stabilized at times, but it is only a temporary thing and never lasts more than a few months on it's own without meds to help her. Good luck with it!
2006-12-27 05:56:52 · answer #1 · answered by Rain S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been where you are and I know how much it really stinks. I tried the prednesone (could not stand what it did and it did not work) I hate the Benedryl because it make my dog so drowsy. I have my dogs on a completely holsitic diet, only all natural foods which does wonders, so I figured I would treat my dog medically holistically and honestly it is working amazing with no side effects. He is completely itch and symptom free with no side effects. Try to find an all natural pet store in your area, they carry the meds or try www.azmira.com they manufacture the products. My dog gets Yucca drops (like an all natural steriod no side effects) and Aller'gFree which is an all natural tpye of benedryl. It has been so amazing no itching and absolutely no side effects. Their website is very helpful.
There is this absolutely amazing skin spray called Richard's Organic Incedible Skin Spray. If your dog is itchy this stuff works instantly and not only does it smoothe the skin it has natural antibiotic elements that prevent infection. Not to mention it smells great. I have used everything on the market and nothing compares to this stuff. You will probally only find it in an all natural type petstores and it really is not any more expensive than the other.
I have researched allergies in dogs for the last 8 months and the stuff I have been learning is scary but helpful. Mostly our dogs immune systems suffer from allergies if we build them back up you are winning the battle. The two supplements I listed above help to do that. I also have been urging all dogs owners to consider the vaccinations they give their dogs. The puppy vaccines are necessary but the yearly boosters are not, we are actually harming the dog's immune system by over riding it with too much. Think about it we as humans do not get yearly or every two years shots why do our dog's need to get them. Yes rabbies is a law mandated but the other's are not. Most all dogs vaccines are bonded together with mercury to make them hold. The over dosing of vaccines are the leading cause of cancer and allergies in our dogs. The vets will not tell you that THAT IS HOW THEY MAKE MONEY. Check out the web sites for dog health and holistic care. Several breeders and owners I know do not OD their dogs and they are doing great, My lab came down with allergies after his first set of boosters.
2006-12-27 07:31:52 · answer #2 · answered by TritanBear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah prednisone isnt good on the liver, so avoid longterm use of that! The shots kick in after 48-72 hours, have you tried a food trial? Sometimes if the shots arent working well, even at their highest dose, a food trial (ex. rabbit and green pea formula food) would be a good shot. You feed the food and the food ONLY and should notice a difference within 60 days. (this can work even if the allergy isnt a food allergy!) talk to your vet, they may have this food, (its not cheap, but worth a try)
2006-12-27 05:54:04 · answer #3 · answered by doodlebugmeem 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Been there, done that - I had a lab that was alergic to the world. Here are a couple of suggestions:
Aveno Oatmeal Bath - I used it once a week, it's kind of messy, but really helps with the itching.
Change to a "Clear" (No Dyes or Perfumes) laundry detergent and fabric softener to wash her bedding. Change the bedding daily (Requires a stock of blankets, but worth it for the dog's comfort).
2006-12-27 05:55:10 · answer #4 · answered by Yo LO! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well u could ask ur vet if u can up the doesage on the benadryll. since its winter right now, i would give ur dog too many baths. cause this will just dry out her skin more, cause MORE itching. give her some dog lotion and rub it all over her skin. that could help. God Bless♥
2006-12-27 06:36:03 · answer #5 · answered by ○HiD○ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe a special shampoo would help. Ask your vet if they have any suggestions
2006-12-27 05:52:19 · answer #6 · answered by S C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋