Newbie from Colorado needs advice

[mmaline]

Hi there from Adam and Michelle. I am new to the site and am looking forward to extending my knowledge about boxers and my Adam. I adopted Adam from HoboCare Boxer Rescue and couldn't have asked for a better companion. I am amazed everyday how wonderful he is. Since I have adopted Adam though, he has been on a medication Predizone which from what I know is a steroid/anti-inflammatory for his allergies. He was off of it for about a week and a half and starting itching and his hair was falling out like crazy, not just summer shedding. He has almost bare spots on various spots of his body. Since then he is back on the pred and some really health hair is growing back but lately its coming out of his neck and he is still itching. I just want my little one to feel better and am a little frustrated. Has anyone dealt with something like this or have a reference I can research? I am going to search this site now and see what I can find.

Adam and Michelle

 

[robynkendall]

Well I am certainly no expert on allergies but I do know that food plays a VERY important role here. What are you feeding? It might be as simple as changing the kibble.
You might do a search on allergies here on BW, or check out some books on the subject. Another option is to find a holistic vet in your area (if you have one).
Good luck!

Robyn

 

[VTbxrFan]

Do you know what he is allergic too? From what I understand, steroids can be helpful for severe allergies, but there are some negative side-effects, so it's better if you can identify the allergen and then avoid it instead of using steriods long-term. As Robyn mentioned, it could be food...or it could be an environmental allergen - something natural outside or perhaps cleaning products used in your home (like carpet freshener).

 

[Jazz&Thumper]

Been there, done that

Hi, the first boxer we had (Barkley) had severe allergies. We had him tested and he was allergic to a LOT of inhalent allergies, grass, molds, dust, aspen trees mostly things found in Colorado, we live in SW Nebraska so thought the Aspen trees were kinda strange. I thnk the test was Heska and they were ran out of Fort Collins, I think. We gave the shots for awhile, they didn't help. He was on prednisone from the time he was 2 1/2 until he died at 8 1/2. You can try benedryl or Claritin. They seemed to help some. Does he lick his paws? Bark would just drive you nuts with the licking. I'm sure Adam drinks a lot of water and probably pants more. He may gain weight on the prednisone also. Bark got thick dark skin at the sites where he scratched the most, almost like scar tissue. They are such wonderful dogs and even with all of Bark's health problems we went and got 2 boxers, my vet hated that so I switched vets. He's not a boxer fan at all (idiot).
Good luck with Adam I hope you can find some relief for him!!!

Steph, Jazz & Thumper