Allergies? - Page 1

OUr newfie is 8 months old and has not stopped scratching since we got her. She has a rash on her belly and legs. SHe has been to 2 vets and a vet dermatologist-who think it's s food allergy. She gets nothing but this special dog food and marshmallows for treats. She has been on this diet for almost 2 months now.SHe has been on steroids-shots and pills, antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines both prescription and over the counter and not much has helped. When she first starts her prednisone her rash clears up but as soon as she finishes her meds she's right back at it. The breeder insists no other pups have this problem, nor do her parents. I am so frustrated and feel so bad for her. Any suggestions? Not only have all her treatments been costly but she isn't improving.

No more treats !! Switch to Orijen 6 Fish, ( if you can't do raw ) Good luck

I second jdiaz.........No more marshmellow treats. 

If the breeder insists that none of her dogs have this problem and that your dog was fine at her place, then it has to be something at your house or something you are feeding her.

You say the rash is on her belly and legs (where there is less hair). 

JMO but, I would look at all of areas that she lays on. For example,

her bed - what type of detergent do you use to wash her bed.
your carpet - do you sprinkle deoderizer powder on it before you vaccume?
Type of grass in your yard.

Good luck hope she gets better soon,

C

No more marshmellows;  way too much sugar.

I would switch to raw;  at least cut her kibble down to once per day and give her raw the other feeding each day;  even if you just give her chicken leg quarters for one meal.

If the drugs are not working then I would definitely get her off all that, give her a warm sudsy bath and dry well, dry completely.  I have itchy guys if I don't bath and dry very thoroughly and I use Pure Pet Products;  PURE PEARL.  Also Isle of Dogs has some very effective shampoo/rinses that help with itching are very effective;  that is a very good line.  I dilute all shampoos in gallon of water, I do not use straight from bottle.  BOL  Nan

I also agree to switch to raw. A lot of dogs will get this type of rash from food allergies. I have one here that will chew all of her hair off if she's getting food she is allergic to. Another dog would break out into hives. There can be a wide range of symptoms.

I feed raw now and have no more issues. I am also very strict about treats. Treats offered are cooked liver/dehydrated liver. Nothing else!!

I would also start her on Salmon oil and give her a Vit E capsule with her salmon oil, daily.  I noticed a big difference in itching when I put all of mine on that.  You have to give both though; and once you notice a difference maybe  you could go to every other day??  Just try and see.  It could be a single protein she is allergic to or the grass??  I'll  guess with ya, but raw will definitely help.  It could take some time though so be patient.  My guys (2 of my 4) cannot take any flax oil or seed which is in most dog foods today;  they start itching within 1 day or almost immediately after getting any flax.  So it can be a single protein or some other ingredient,  god knows they put enough crap int he foods.  I had to just drop all dog food kibble.  BOL  Nan  Probiotics might help.  if you can give yogart or probiotic capsule (due to her weight) would probably be better.  Helps to strengthen immune system.

I have heard of one dog with this problem even on raw. They paid hundreds of $'s sending away for the complete allergy testing and it turned out the dog was extreemly allergic to DUST MITES!  Now the breeder was correct in saying that there was no problem with littermates and parents but they were all in kennel situations where there are no dust mites. I thought it was interesting! Poor dog though!
Debby

 My dog is allergic to dust mites. Chews paws, licks her abdomen and has chronic ear issues.
She was tested at 3 yrs of age and had been on a raw diet since 6 months old.  Her symptoms began at about a year old. She tested at over 3700 when the level of sensitivity is about 150.
I give 2000mg of natural vitamin C daily,(split between meals) as it is a natural antihistamine and helps the immune system.  I also give her benedryl every  6 hours(she is 90# and gets two 25mg caps per dose)
Along with antigen serum injections from the lab that tested her every couple weeks.
I run an efficient air purifier on both floors of the house. We live in MI, so the house is closed up many months of the year.  
Borax powder is supposed to kill dustmites on carpeted areas, so I sprinkle  that every couple of months before vaccuuming.
 She would do best as an outside dog, because dust mites usually live indoors, but I'd never do that to her!
Allergies are a PITA , I wish you luck!
If it were a food allergy it would be so much easier to manage.

Could also be a contact allergy.

Is it seasonal?

Michele