Allergies

[Guest MyBoys]

My senior boy Sean has allergies which always seemed to flair up in his ears, drops along with Benadryl have always seemed to really help him, the problem is now he is licking his front legs constantly which I know is from his allergies. The problem is he is also on phenobarb for seizures and can only take one benadryl at a time which does not seem to be helping him. My vet does not like mixing the phenobarb and high doses of Benadryl. My question is does anyone have any ideas or uses something more natural that might help my old man and give him some relief. I wipe his legs down everytime he has been outside to help keep the outside pollens off of him. Thanks in advance to any suggestions.

[Burpdog]

Have you tried switching food proteins? Chicken would make Isaac's ears (and Pablo) red.

[IndyandHollyluv]

Hugs to you and Sean. Here is my experience - maybe you will find something useful:

 

When I adopted Indy at 3-1/2, he had a yeast infection in his ears. Over the next few years, he suffered progressive hair loss and licked, itched constantly until he would bleed. Took him to a dermatologist. Intra-dermal testing, antibiotics, antihistamines, lotions, potions, special shampoos, ointments, scrapings, allergy shots, constant staph infections. Big $$$. My poor dog was ailing and nothing seemed to really help.

 

Three thyroid panels by three different vets, including the specialist. I was told results were normal. Finally, the dermatologist had exhausted his arsenal of treatment options and suggested the canine version of a "wet suit," if you will -- a protective body suit to prevent Indy from further licking and scratching. Huh?

 

At that point I returned to Indy's regular vet and requested a fourth thyroid panel. I don't recall if it was T4, but say the normal range was 0-20. Indy was at 0. Appeared to be within normal limits but could be borderline. I asked the vet if we could start him on thyroid meds as NOTHING else was working. Vet said okay. That was the ticket and all his skin / allergy issues eventually resolved - no more ear infections. Hair grew back.

 

Now, that being said - I do think Indy is sensitive to certain seasonal allergens, etc., but nothing like the early days. I used to give him Benadryl on occasion but haven't had to do that for a few years.

 

As for food, I avoid beef, wheat, corn, soy - and chicken products. Only holistic-type biscuits. No junk food or treats. No dairy. No added grains other than what is in kibble. I currently feed Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach with a little Pinnacle Trout & Sweet Potato mixed in. When I do their nails, I now give Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream kibble as treats - which they love! I think fish-based kibble works very well for sensitive puppers. I add assorted cooked vegetables (usually something green) to dinner.

 

I also supplement with Heska F.A. Granules, an essential fatty acid supplement (like The Missing Link; some folks give fish oil caps or Grizzly Salmon Oil). Helps nourish the skin and coat.

 

I also brush my hounds regularly and take them to the groomer for baths every 8 - 10 weeks.

 

Indy will be 12 in December. I honestly believe he would have died several years ago if left untreated. He was truly suffering.

 

Good luck. Dealing with skin and allergy issues can be so frustrating for us and awful for the dogs. I hope you find the right combination for Sean.

[CaliforniaGreys]

Maybe ask your vet about the Genesis spray

[Guest Rogersmom]

Maybe ask your vet about the Genesis spray

Cbudshome gave me some Genesis spray and it greatly helped my Roger with his paw licking. We just came back from the vets from a re-check and rabbie's shot visit. She was so impressed with the Genesis spray results that she is ordering it for her practise. Roger had a fungal test and skin scrapping and both were negative. My vet is suggesting allergy testing. She is going to see how much it will cost. Roger seems far more comfortable now. I also got him a nice fleece coat made by www.houndtime.com. He slept through the night for the fist time in several months wearing his new coat.

I am so thankful for the advice that everyone gave me especially Cbudshome.

[Guest iconsmum]

My senior boy Sean has allergies which always seemed to flair up in his ears, drops along with Benadryl have always seemed to really help him, the problem is now he is licking his front legs constantly which I know is from his allergies. The problem is he is also on phenobarb for seizures and can only take one benadryl at a time which does not seem to be helping him. My vet does not like mixing the phenobarb and high doses of Benadryl. My question is does anyone have any ideas or uses something more natural that might help my old man and give him some relief. I wipe his legs down everytime he has been outside to help keep the outside pollens off of him. Thanks in advance to any suggestions.

 

I'd go to a holistic practitioner that does animals. We're in the process of being treated here with rhus tox for mysterious retriever itching, with great success. You'll need to give him/her Sean's history, medically and behaviourally beforehand but since he really is a senior, you might just find it really contributes to his quality of life. Give Sean a kiss from his son Icon please ! )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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