Constant Itching

[Thai's Mom]

I am going slightly out of my mind . Poor Thai is constantly itching and scratching herself. I have taken her to the Vet who in turn said she has allergies. He first gave her an allergy shot which did not help. Now he gave her a pill and this is still no relieving the itch. It is to the point that in the pit of her front legs she has open wounds from her itching and licking it raw. I don't know what else to do. I am keeping the wounds clean and have an antibiotic for her but nothing is relieving the itch. If anyone has any advice or ideas please let me know.
Thanks
Steph and Thai

 

[FarleyBoxer]

Farley also has allergies, though not to this extent. I have heard BW members recommend oatmeal baths to help with the itching. Maybe you want to ask your vet to prescribe a different antihistamine. Just like with people, some work better than others on individual dogs. We tried one that didn't do much, but the latest brand worked like a charm.

Camille

 

[Thai's Mom]

Thanks for the advice.

 

[2Boxers2]

My 7 month old, Shayla, also had major itching issues from about 2months old until now. She was biting and scratching herself raw (under her arms, back of ears, in her ears, on her face, under her belly, her neck, everywhere!) She had to wear socks on her hind paws and a sweatshirt. Vet first thought allergies and then thought maybe allergic skin desease so he began a series of med (Chlorpheniramine, various doses of Prednisone, DV Mectin for possible mites, Temaril-P). The meds worked to veriying degrees but ONLY if she was constantly taking it. I did not want to keep her on meds and especially not steroids. We went through a series of different foods. Finally, I switched to a Fish and Potato based food (I'm currently using Eukanuba FP - Fish and Potato base) and began to notice a substantial difference in about 2 days. The itching calmed down, her wounds began to heal and today (she's been on it for about 6 weeks now) she is only doing your normal scratching when she's got a normal itch. She's MUCH, MUCH happier. You never know, it could work for your Thai. Good luck!

 

[FlashyTitus]

Wellness also has a fish and potato base food that I hear is great for allergies. We have a privately owned shop here in town and the lady is very knowledgable when it comes to this type of thing. She told me that she has never suggested the fish based Wellness and had anyone come back and tell her that it didnt help with the skin problems. I personally believe that food is abour 80% of most of our animals problems. I'm sure that those who BARF will agree.

 

[Thai's Mom]

I didn't even think about that. I am will to try anything. They have me giving her prednisone now and it helps for about half the day and other half she is still itching herself raw. Maybe her food is the cause for the itching. Like I said I am willing to try anything at this point. Thanks for your help.

 

[binky]

From:

www.cah.com/library/fooddogs.html

....The most common sign of food allergy is inflamed, itchy skin, usually around a pet’s feet, face, ears, armpits, and groin.....


Another good website:

www.purelypets.com/articles/yseabinfections.htm

 

[Evie&Adam]

Evie has itchy allergies too. So, I have a hydocortozone (sp?) spray that I massage into the itchy areas. I got it at Petsmart.

 

[Lael]

Wellness Helped Lael's Skin

Wellness also has a fish and potato base food that I hear is great for allergies.

I have to second the suggestion on Wellness. Lael used to chew on her feet a lot and had pretty dry, flaky, sensitive skin. Feeding Wellness has made all the difference; her coat is so shiney & soft and her skin is very healty. In Lael's case, the Wellness Chicken formula was sufficient to help her skin. However, I've also been told that their Fish & Potato formula is excellent for allergies and sensitive tummies.

Cat & Lael

PS:

I personally believe that food is abour 80% of most of our animals problems.

I agree. I also personally believe that food is about 80% (or more) of most of OUR health problems (but that's a whole different discussion).

 

[mcruiz]

I would agree that a hydrocortizone cream will help with the itch, Tyson had a little itch for a while and the cream cleared it up. Also, benadryl now makes a spray for insect bites and allergies, it works wonders on my son and I put some in Tyson too, it is sticky so its harder for it to come off, and the itch goes off right away. Hope it helps you a little, I know how a scratching dog may get in people's nerves.

Mayra & Tyson