npale Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Hello, I'm new to the forum sites and would just like to say hello. I'd also like to get some feed back from others that have itchy Labs or I guess any itchy dog. My boy has always suffered with itchy skin and now Spring is here it's going to flare up. I'm over the vets. They have been treating him for years and the problem has just gotten worse and I refuse to use antibiotics and cotisone anymore. I'm not keen on vaccinations so I don't want to go down the allergy shots either. Anyone else had experiences with this or been able to fix it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sas Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 (edited) Hello, I'm new to the forum sites and would just like to say hello. I'd also like to get some feed back from others that have itchy Labs or I guess any itchy dog. My boy has always suffered with itchy skin and now Spring is here it's going to flare up. I'm over the vets. They have been treating him for years and the problem has just gotten worse and I refuse to use antibiotics and cotisone anymore. I'm not keen on vaccinations so I don't want to go down the allergy shots either. Anyone else had experiences with this or been able to fix it? Best to get a referral from your Vet to a Dermatologist. If your dog has allergic skin disease there isn't a cure, you can only manage it. Some dogs so bad have no choice but to live on Cortisone, others less extreme have been able to manage their dogs in other ways - each dog is individual so what works for one won't for another. With all due respect this isn't about what you like, you can bet your bottom dollar people who have their dogs on cortisone and denstising injections wish they didn't have to but it's abotu quality of life and it's cruel to not give a dog treatment because you don't personaly like it....fair enough if you can manage it another way however considering you have a Labrador who seems to be an affected breed and you have been battling this for years it looks like you're just going to keep getting worse because that's what happens with allergic dogs unless you find something that gives quality of life to your dog. If you don't like Cortisone you can try Atopica, it has side effects still and is bloody expensive but you may like it better than Cortisone. You may like to use Hydro Theraphy which is a fancy way of say rinse your dog down even every day if that is what helps your dog, use items like QV Bath oil to create a barrier. You really need to do allergy testing to see what you're dealing with and how to help it. You also need to do a food elimination diet (probably first) to rule out food issues. Edited September 9, 2011 by MEH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 The first thing you need to establish is what's causing the reaction. I second the trip to a specialist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
npale Posted September 9, 2011 Author Share Posted September 9, 2011 Hi, We've been treating his problem with the vet for many years. They have used Atopica it worked for a while and now it doesn't work anymore. He was on Predisalone but this made him unwell. Have done the rotation diet. Tried the vets prescribed diet and still itchy. The only thing that improved him was going to a raw diet. Roo, chicken vegetables etc. But it still isn't enough. I spoke to the allergy clinic and I read the fine print regarding there allergy testing and followup with shots. They pretty much have to be on these shots for the rest of their life. I've spoken with others who have done this and they told me was a waste of time and money. Dogs still scratched. I also ask the question. If he's allergic to grass which the specialist told me is the most common allergy they detect, how do I stop him from being in contact with grass for the rest of his life or any other pollen etc he may be allergic to? I'm not throwing my hands up and saying I don't want to treat him anymore or give him relief, but I have begun to exhaust my medication avenues. They won't work anymore. I want to treat the root of the cause not his reaction to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavik Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I sympathise, I have an allergic dog too. So frustrating Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RallyValley Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 You can't cure allergies. I know of several people who used the allergy testing and desensitisation (or whatever it's called ) and it helped their dogs immensely - a couple are on DOL so will tell you themselves. My dog has minor allergies but through a process of elimination we worked out that it is grass (that being in summer when the grass is dead no allergies in winter when it is very grassy he is itchy). We have found that if he is a bit itchy feeding him certain foods enhances the flare up but he can have these foods over the summer with no issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Hi, We've been treating his problem with the vet for many years. They have used Atopica it worked for a while and now it doesn't work anymore. He was on Predisalone but this made him unwell. Have done the rotation diet. Tried the vets prescribed diet and still itchy. The only thing that improved him was going to a raw diet. Roo, chicken vegetables etc. But it still isn't enough. I spoke to the allergy clinic and I read the fine print regarding there allergy testing and followup with shots. They pretty much have to be on these shots for the rest of their life. I've spoken with others who have done this and they told me was a waste of time and money. Dogs still scratched. I also ask the question. If he's allergic to grass which the specialist told me is the most common allergy they detect, how do I stop him from being in contact with grass for the rest of his life or any other pollen etc he may be allergic to? I'm not throwing my hands up and saying I don't want to treat him anymore or give him relief, but I have begun to exhaust my medication avenues. They won't work anymore. I want to treat the root of the cause not his reaction to it. You could coat him during the worst periods.. you can actually buy rash suits for dogs or use a t-shirt. The question you need answered is what is compromising your dog's immune system where he reacts to the allergen. Diet can be a big part of the answer there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
npale Posted September 9, 2011 Author Share Posted September 9, 2011 Ok. I've called my vet and I'm getting a referal back to the dermo. Hopefully I can get an appointment next week. I'll tell you the results of the allergy test once I get them. Thank you all for your sympathy and advice. Will post again soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 has your vet given an opinion about antihistamines from the pharmacist? I use things like Zyrtec and Phenergen when my lot get allergies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomas Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Hello, I'm new to the forum sites and would just like to say hello. I'd also like to get some feed back from others that have itchy Labs or I guess any itchy dog. My boy has always suffered with itchy skin and now Spring is here it's going to flare up. I'm over the vets. They have been treating him for years and the problem has just gotten worse and I refuse to use antibiotics and cotisone anymore. I'm not keen on vaccinations so I don't want to go down the allergy shots either. Anyone else had experiences with this or been able to fix it? What are you feeding him? If there is a protein in there that is causing an inflammatory response,he can have contact allergies because of that. I have 2 dogs hugely allergic to grasses,well they were,till we went raw,now they can run all through long grass without issue. Yes they have been to Vet Derm and were allergic to anything green pretty much as well as dust and pollens. He suggested pred and antibiotics,I switched to raw on advice of a freind and never had another issue,that was 12 years ago... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
npale Posted September 9, 2011 Author Share Posted September 9, 2011 Tried antihystamines. They only lasted a few days. I wouldn't use them on myself as I don't think they are healthy for you so I'm not going to give them to my boy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
npale Posted September 9, 2011 Author Share Posted September 9, 2011 I've just been on the phone with my naturopath. She strongly advises me not to do allergy shots. It supposedly an onslaught to the immune system. She has given me a number of an animal naturpath in my area. Said she knows of others that have had great success with her. I'm still going to get an allergy test next week but I think I'll see if there are any natural alternatives also. Anyone else tried natural? I use natural thereapies for me not sure why I never though of it for my dog! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 why do you think antihistamines are unhealthy? It comes down to your dogs wellbeing. They are not meant to be a cure but to at least provide the animal some relief in the short term. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G.G Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Have you tried a fish based kibble only fish Full of omega 3 and 6 and very good for skin conditions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zayda_asher Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Antihistamines are on of the safest drugs you can use, side effects limited and not compromising usually. They are a life saver for many allergic dogs (although there are some who they are not effective for). Desensitization injections are also a life saver for those that they work for - one of my dogs would be an absolute mess with out hers. They also have very limited side effects, some dogs do become sensitized (my other dog cannot have immunotherapy, but is thankfully surviving with out) - it's not that common though and well worth trying them to see if they make a difference. The biggest problem with them working is that owners do not follow instructions and give them on time, at the right dose, etc, so some of the people who told you it was a waste may actually have been noncompliant in their usage of them. There is a small percentage of dogs for whom they do not work, but you don't know if you don't try. Going to the derm is definitely a good start. An allergy dog requires a management plan and that may include a variety of things: omega 3 & 6 oils, regular baths, limiting allergens in the immediate living environments, antihistamines, eye drops, ear cleaners, other topical treatments, special diet, probiotics, enzymes, psyllium, wiping dogs down after walks, jackets to limit contact with allergens, steroids, atopica, etc. It's hard work and takes a lot of money and dedication. A derm can help you put an appropriate testing, management and treatment plan in place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Rusty Bucket Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 My dog gets a rash this time of year if I let her commando crawl on the grass (especially if it's freshly coated with dynamic lifter and burrs and cape weed etc). She does love to commando crawl. So certain ovals are off limits for off lead at the moment. If the rash is bad - I go out to the garden, cut a leaf off the aloe vera cactus, split it lengthwise and wipe the goo over the itchy red bits. Stops licking and chewing too. If it gets really bad (doesn't go down overnight), I guess I'd be off to the vet for something from them and we'd be restricted to the beach for walks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussielover Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I must say I find your attitude rather perplexing Are you against conventional veterinary medicine? Although I can understand your exasperation, I also have an allergic labrador. Unfortunately, if your dog has atopic dermatitis (labradors have a breed predisposition to this) there is no cure. From what I understand your dog has been itchy for years but you have not sought a specialist referral? The first thing I would recommend is to get your dog's allergies diagnosed correctly by a veterinary dermatologist. I see you are against antihistamines- can I ask why? They are considered one of the safest drugs to use for treating itchiness. Although in dogs they do not act quite the same way as in humans and are often not as effective. It takes some trial and error to find a suitable antihistamine though. You generally need to try a specific one for 2 weeks (a few days is NOT enough). There are several antihistamines available including a specific animal one (iramine). So it can take months to find a suitable one. It also won't do any harm to try some natural remedies, indeed some can provide immense relief for the dog. I believe other DOLers have used calendula tea with success. You say you have done a food rotation- what is that? To diagnose food allergy your dog must be on a novel protein/novel carbohydrate diet such as roo and pumpkin ONLY for 8 weeks minimum. If your dog reacts after the 8 weeks, when you put it back on "normal" food, then it probably has a food allergy. My dog is allergc to Chicken. Cutting that out of her diet has made a difference to her itch level. She is also doing the desensitization injections. Whilst it is true that it is optimal to ccontinue these for life, after a yera or 2, the injections may only be once yearly. I have found the injections have made difference to my dogs level of itch. She is not on any corticosteroids or immunosuppressants now where as prevoiusly she was taking prednisolone 10mg every second day. I hope you can find something to help your dog, I know allergies can be frustrating for both owner and dog, so I definitely feel your pain These are the things that have helped my dog (some may help yours?): - claratyne tablets (2 x 10 mg tablets once a day, as needed) - no chicken in her diet, mainly raw diet - Regular bathing in malaseb or natural shampoo - swimming every day - omega 3 and 6 oils. I get the dermoscent spot on treatments but you can also get pills - desensitization injections. Currently we do every 3 weeks, but to start with you have to do twice a week. - neocort or topical cortisone cream (elocon- need a prescription for this). These are topical so do not have systemic effects. I only use if very itchy/redness in area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sas Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Hi, We've been treating his problem with the vet for many years. They have used Atopica it worked for a while and now it doesn't work anymore. He was on Predisalone but this made him unwell. Have done the rotation diet. Tried the vets prescribed diet and still itchy. The only thing that improved him was going to a raw diet. Roo, chicken vegetables etc. But it still isn't enough. I spoke to the allergy clinic and I read the fine print regarding there allergy testing and followup with shots. They pretty much have to be on these shots for the rest of their life. I've spoken with others who have done this and they told me was a waste of time and money. Dogs still scratched. I also ask the question. If he's allergic to grass which the specialist told me is the most common allergy they detect, how do I stop him from being in contact with grass for the rest of his life or any other pollen etc he may be allergic to? I'm not throwing my hands up and saying I don't want to treat him anymore or give him relief, but I have begun to exhaust my medication avenues. They won't work anymore. I want to treat the root of the cause not his reaction to it. I hear you, I have one of those dogs too, luckily Cortisone keeps him managable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sas Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Ok. I've called my vet and I'm getting a referal back to the dermo. Hopefully I can get an appointment next week. I'll tell you the results of the allergy test once I get them. Thank you all for your sympathy and advice. Will post again soon. If you're on Cortisone now you can't have the Intra Dermal testing for I think a month, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mason_Gibbs Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 (edited) Take your dog to a dermatologist, i have a lab who has allergies to weed pollen, grass pollen, tree pollen, insects, storage mites and dust mites. My boy takes 4 zyrtec a day plus 2,5 mg of pred, before i took him to derm he was in a bad way, now everything is pretty much under control. He is also on desensitization shots every 21 days - im lucky as its spring yet he has yet to have an itchy day, last spring he wS trying to rip his own skin off. Atopic dermatitis is when a dog breathes in pollens etc which it reacts to and they then cause the itch, so sometimes making the dog wear a coat does nothing to help ETA he is also allergic to beef, chicken, wheat, soy abd any grains. Before i saw the derm i swore my dog did nkt have food allergies. He eats mainly raw with a bit of canidae kibble now Edited September 9, 2011 by Mason_Gibbs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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