Can anyone help?

Question

my dog has allergies to the point that he chews all four paws and limps around constantly. I have yet to find a vet that can help. He has had blood work done, he has taken the injections, prednizone, and that costly new drug called atopica. Absolutely nothing is helping. He has the yeast infection in three of his paws right now. Is there anyone out there that may know some way to help him. And whoever "D" is.....please don't answer my question with one of your obnoxious remarks.

Answer 1

I'd definitely try a change of food if you have not done so already.
Look for a product w/o corn or wheat, as these are the most likely to cause food-related allergy problems.
Canidae and Wellness come to mind.
If you go with the Wellness, try the fish and sweet potato formula (sometimes a different protein source does the trick) plus it has the bonus of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. Fewer ingredients means it's less likely to cause an allergic reaction:
http://oldmotherhubbard.com/wellness/dog_wellness_dry_fish_sweet_potato.html
They also make a couple of formulas for allergy-prone pooches, the duck and venison-based "Simple Solutions":
http://oldmotherhubbard.com/wellness/dog_wellness_simple_food_solutions_index.html
General rule of thumb however is to save those as a last resort. The fish formula is designed to enhance the health of your pet's skin and coat. I have a dachshund who has severe grass allergies this time of year, most of the year he eats Canidae All Life Stages but around Aug/Sept we sometimes have to resort to the Fish formula Wellness to keep him comfortable.
The beauty of this is that it is still an all-natural human grade food, so far it helps and we are not stuffing him with drugs, prednisone, benadryl, etc.
Any time you change a food you should do so gradually if possible;
For two days feed 25% old food and 75% new
Then 50/50 mix for two days
Then 75% new and 25% old
Then totally onto new food.
Another thing that often helps dog with yeast problems, is a little apple cider vinegar added to the diet (changes the body's pH) either mixed into the food or just add a tsp to the water bowl.

Answer 2

First of all, go to Jefferspet.com and get what is called a "Bite-Not" collar. It is a super wide (5-6") collar that will prevent the dog from being able to bend down and chew on its feet. Sceondly, change the dog's food. And I mean ALL of the dog's food, treats and everything. Check and see what the current food has in it for fillers...for example corn, wheat, wheat gluten, rice, etc. I highly recommend that you try Wellness, White Fish and Sweet Potatoe. Excellent food!! I have a sensitive dog that does extremely well on it. Also, go to PFWH.com (petfood warehouse) and order Dog Bloom VM Supreme and if the dog is at a low weight, get the Dog Bloom Wate also. It is 85% animal fat. Since the Wellness is a lower fat food, only 12.5% (i think or 14%), it might not be bad to pick up anyways. Order some really good Alaskan Salmon Oil, or regular salmon oil. There is another product called Vertex, from CPN.com that you should check out. The vertex has helped a friends's really old dog with a yeast infection. It is a powder suppliment also. It should only take 3-4 days to see the beginning results. Remember, that anything you do, you need to be consistent. if you change the feed and add the suppliments, give it time to work. Nothing is instant. It will take time!! Be patient. I would almost guarantee this will change your current situation. Try everything, not just one item. The combination is the key. GOOD LUCK!! Almost forgot...no scraps from the table and no treats. Need to make sure you only give good healthy feded.

Answer 3

How long has he been on Atopica? It does take time to work, sometimes a few months. Has he been allergy tested? It may be time for you to be referred to a veterinary dermatologist. The dog can be tested for many things, and can be de-sensitized with injections over time. Some dogs improve greatly, others so-so. You don't know without trying.
He could have a food allergy. Trying an 8 week course of a hypoallergenic diet (must be veterinary and he can't eat ANYTHING ELSE) is something to think about, as feet are often implicated in food allergies.
Has he been given a course of Ketoconozole anti-yeast medication and topical shampoos to kill the yeast?
You still have lots of options left--talk to your vet or get another opinion if you feel you've hit a wall with your current vet.

Answer 4

Okay what food are you feeding your dog? try iams lamb and rice I know it sounds kinda silly but some dogs have sensitivity to thier food as well. You can also use medicated body powder on his feet to hel;p prevent him from chewing them and a cortizone shot from the vet would be good to it help relieves itchiness and a bath in oatmael shampoo is good (hypo-allergenic and relieves dry itchy skin) Also what monthly flea prevenitive do you use? Some dogs that are allergic to thier flea prevenatives will constanately chew at thier paws, if I think of anything else I will let you know. Good Luck.

Answer 5

There is a dog food out there that claims it can help with this.
maybe try this
http://www.dogcatsupply.com/store.php?scat=40
you may also have to put one of the e-collars on him when alone at least until the hair grows back, then he will be rid of the yeast unfection, really your vet should of already have him wearing one as the yeast infection is a direct result of him being able to chew his feet an e-collor would have prevented this, try a soft e-collar for comfort, I know it looks dumb.
http://www.bonafido.com/page6.html

Answer 6

I would recommend taking your dog to a holistic vet, preferably one who does acupuncture and chinese medicine. What they will probably tell you is that the biggest culprit of itchiness and allergies in dogs is their diet. They will be able to tell what exactly your dog should be eating, more then likely it will be either home made foods or non-grain based food. During your dog's transition period, they will give acupuncture and/or holistic medicine. It's a process that may take some time, but in the long run your dog will never have this problem again. You can find a holistic vet in your area by clicking at the link on the bottom of this page:
http://www.peaceful-organic-planet.com/holistic-pet-health.html

Also learn more about natural pet foods at this page:
http://www.peaceful-organic-planet.com/natural-pet-food.html

Answer 7

If your dog has allergies and yeast overgrowth and the vet isn't able to help you might consider a homeopath or Chinese herbalist. I took my dog to a Chinese herbalist out of desperation, she has airborne allergies and was scratching herself bloody. I know, I was skeptical too, but he actually was able to stop the itching with herbs, her bloody sores cleared up and hair grew back on her legs. Good luck.

Answer 8

if steroids and atopica are not helping your dog there is a strong chance your dog has food allergies.

what kind of food are you feeding?

to rule out food allergies you need to do a food trial. do not feed any food that contains beef, chicken, lamb, fish, corn, wheat, soy, or beet pulp. instead feed a food that contains venison, duck, rabbit, or bison. feed the new food for at least 8 weeks to determine if its helping.

Answer 9

I have an allergy dog.

First question. I know you probably have been through this but I have to ask, Have you done the food trial yet?

My girl is controlled "mostly" through diet. However, during the summer and fall she's a mess again. I can't wait for the frost.

Answer 10

Either switch him to grain free dog food OR Switch him to raw. Right now there is really no way to tell what is causing his allergies. My dog is allergic to grain and has reactions to chemicals/preservatives. His "ankles" look like oozing sores of agony right now.