bald patches around eyes

[Meera Rao]

Hi everyone,

My dog, 14 month old Einstein has bald patches around his eyes. He rubs this part on surfaces and the hair falls off. The Vet has tested him for specific mites and infection but it has come back negative twice, so he does not have nay infection. Vets then treated him with antibiotic and steroids and he responded well, growing hair back, but as soon as the medicines stopped he is back to doing it. He is now on 50 mg Hydroxyzine 3 times a day,  but I see no improvement. 

I am beginning to think he may be allergic to some stuffing in toys? But I don't know. I would welcome any comments and tips.

Thanks everyone. 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

I would almost be inclined to say an allergy to his food?

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Of course, if you suspect stuffing in toys, why not remove those toys for a period of time?

[Meera Rao]

I did, but no change...

[Meera Rao]

If the food is the same brand, but a different one - I switched from Puppy to Adult - could this be the case? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You can't have an allergy to a brand or a type of formula; a food allergy would be to a specific ingredient, i.e. beef, chicken, corn, wheat, etc. 

[Meera Rao]

Hmm, I'll switch him back to his previous food and see if that make s difference, thanks.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't know why only his eyes would be affected but does he have any cedar bedding? Some dogs are allergic to this.

[Meera Rao]

No cedar bedding and it's the same since before the allergy started. I washed the cover and all his clothing - blankets, towels etc, but did no help. 

[Heather]

Did you change your laundry detergent? I use All free and clear, recommended by my dermatologist. Also sounds like food to me. My Oliver seemed to have some mild allergies, we changed his food to a fish based and All is Great.

[Meera Rao]

Thanks for all the replies. Great suggestions. Seems like food could be the issue. 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Try to change only one thing at a time. I too, thought maybe laundry detergent. Maybe think back, to when the itching started, and if anything has changed coinciding.

[Lynda Kamrath]

That was my immediate thought also - maybe the laundry detergent.  My mother had allergies to detergents.  She would break out on her hands.  Could also be the rugs if he rubs his face on the rug.