Allergies?

[Jen and Annie]

I've been MIA for awhile, but something has come up and I am looking for suggestions.  We have been living in an area where we walk on a gravel pathway, or dirt pathways on our daily walks with little exposure to grass, mostly just brushy forest...  About a week ago, we moved to an area where we now walk on sidewalks and lots of grass.  Within 2 days of getting here, Annie has gotten so itchy you would think she is covered in fleas.  I gave her a bath and didn't find one bug on her, but she is itching her legs, her shoulders, belly, chest and butt like crazy, and also randomly grinding her face into the ground to scratch it. I'm wondering if it's possible that she is allergic to grass, since that is really the only 'new' thing she has been exposed to recently, (at about 1.5 - 2 hours of walks per day) and there are no fleas...  She has not had a change in diet, nothing new except our atmosphere...

Anyone had an allergy test done, and how much do those run?  Since we are not established in our new city yet, I don't know of ANY vets (much less reputable ones) in the area just yet... 

Does this sound like allergies, to anyone familiar with them?  Anything I can do for her until we find a vet?  Any and all feedback and experiences are welcome!  I just feel terrible for her.  It seems the only time she's not itching over the past several days, is when she's asleep or eating.

[Cheryl, Nissa & Maya]

I haven't found a veterinary dermatologist in our area so I'm doing what I can with the regular vet (who I really like also).  Consequently I'm doing what I can at home. 

Thanks for the dosages!  By the way, do you know if it is possible to alternate doses of Zyrtec and Benedryl?  (The pediatrician told me for my non-furry kids that I could alternate Tylenol and Advil if necessary so wondering if the same applies here to get the situation under control.) 

[Cheryl, Nissa & Maya]

Or any topical suggestions?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Antihistamines are a different class of drug and work differently than pain relievers. I would stick with just one, and Zyrtec is far superior to Benadryl, especially for this. 

There are tips on other ways to manage the symptoms and keep them comfortable in the other discussions i linked, especially the second one. 

The topicals are only effective if the itching is localized to one area, especially the paws. JD's vet prescribed ResiKetochlor and Genesis, both by Virbac. 

Otherwise, I've used OTC anti-itch cortisone sprays from the pet supply store for temporary relief, again of small areas. 

The problem with inhalant allergies is that they get worse over the time unless you start on-going treatment. Treatment options are very limited, and the preferred treatment, immunotherapy, has the best chance of being successful the earlier you start it. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's a link to the ACVD website specialist locator; looks like there are several not too far from you.

http://www.acvd.org/locator/locations.asp?state=WI

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

A more recent discussion on ragweed allergies (and prednisone) from this past week: 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/itchy-skin-prednisone

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And another discussion on the same thing from this past week; it is definitely ragweed season!

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/itching-and-hair-loss

[Carole]

Our vet recommended Benadryl - 1 tab at bedtime for 47 lb dog

[Jen and Annie]

Thank you all for the feedback and suggestions.  We leave today for the 'woodlands' and will be there a week.  If the itching subsides somewhat while we're up there, I'm guessing allergies to something in the new location, and I will give the Claritin a try.  I'll call my vet back home to get the correct dosage for her big butt.  We'll also pick up some EPO and add that to her vitamin regimen.  Thanks again!

[Willow and J]

You have answers from experts already - anti-histamine, wipe off feet and face after walk, etc. My five cents is that if in case allergic symptoms are not managed well with pills and supplements, please do try finding a dermatologist and have skin allergy test done to see if immunotherapy shots is recommended for Annie. Willow had serious itching and scratching - everything you described and more, and we tried managing it with anti-histamine for several months before we finally found a dermatologist half way across the state. (My saga is posted under Atopic Dermatitis Group, if you're interested.) Through skin test and limited ingredient diet, we know what she's allergic to: weeds, grass, some pollen, and mosquito; chicken, egg, beef, and fish. It sounds like a long list, but it's all managed, and it wasn't as painful as it sounds. Cost-wise, I think I paid less than others, about $350 for sedation and test, and another $200 for antigen serum that lasts 4-6 months. Summer is the most difficult season for Willow with grass and mosquito, but this summer is rolling without grinding her nose on the cement driveway! I am a happy mom!  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Good advice, J. And i'm so glad the immunotherapy is working for Willow. Expect to see even more improvement with time. :-)

The prices of 500-600 I posted usually do include the starter antigens. In your case, the total would have been $550, which is right in the ballpark. 

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

We paid $800 in our neck of the woods for Jake's testing.  Thankfully the 1st vile that comes with the initial test has lasted  about 6 months.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yeah, it's probably that much here now, too. JD was tested in Dec. 2008, and I paid $600 with the starter antigens.