Opinions please

[Kelsey]

My dog Brody has been itching for about a month or so. He went to the vet and was given an allergy pill which helped while it lasted. He barely itches now but his skin is very dry. Can someone recommend a shampoo and conditioner that is best for dry skin. I want to be able to pick it up today at a local pet store. I'm in Columbus Ohio so we have about 6 of every pet store just around my location. I just don't want any special order kind of shampoos. I also am having a training come today to work with Brody and his issues. Wish us luck! After today I will be even more of a broke college student.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

I don't have any advice for the dry skin (I'd like to hear those recommendations too!), but I do have one for your college student budget.  

Next August try Benadryl (or the drugstore generic equivalent) - much cheaper than what the vet prescribes.  We tried several allergy  medications for Luna and that was the only thing that worked.  Other people have had success with Claritin or Reactine (Make SURE it's not allergy medication with pseudephedrine in it - it's toxic to dogs).

When Benadryl is on sale here it's $8 for 50 pills (given 3x a day) - so it's quite inexpensive.

[Kelsey]

Thanks for the advice. I just recently bought some actually. But I've been scared to use it. It's the 25 mg dosage and he weighs about 70-75 pounds so the vet said to give him 3. I'm worried it will knock him out. Also he hasn't had this problem ever in 4 years until this year. Is that common for dogs to develop an allergy with age? I know humans can but I wasn't sure about dogs.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Luna is only 35 pounds and she gets 1 x 25 mg pill 3x a day.  It's the dosage our vet recommended for us.  She still plays normally, just a little sleepy. I would think that Brody will be fine at the same dosage as little Luna ;)  If you're concerned about knocking him out you could try increasing the dosage gradually (1 pill a day, then 2, then 3) and monitor his behavior.

It's common for people (and dogs) to develop allergies as they get older.  In fact, when we asked the vet about allergies last year (when Luna was 1) she said that Luna was "too young" to have allergy symptoms.

We do use an allergy shampoo (Allerpet-911) - I don't think it helps with dry skin though.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

My Oliver would scratch his neck every single time he went out side.  He scratched so much that the hair was breaking off and it was shorter around his neck.  I tried the Claritin etc. but it did not seem to help.  I started giving him Evening Primrose Oil and when I bathed him I would use medicated, anti itch shampoo and a oatmeal conditioner.  That combo seemed to work for my boy because he does not itch nearly as much now.  I also thought it was his collar but I tried different collars so it was not that.  Who the heck knows what irritated him??  Both shampoo and conditioner I got at local pet stores.

[Stephanie and Jellybean]

There is a lot of good information In the Atopic Dermatitis group,; I am sure there are recommendations for products there. We have used Benedryl for seasonal allergies with Jellybean. We followed the vets suggested dosage and she did fine with it. I just noticed her scratching and chewing at her leg this week, so she too will most likely go back on the benedryl until this short season is over. We just anticipate it every season now and watch for signs. Last year was not nearly as bad for her as the first year was. Anyways, good luck and keep us posted!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It sounds like Brody has mild seasonal allergies, probably to ragweed or other weed pollens. I can't help with the shampoo, as we use one that does have to be ordered, but I would start giving him some fish oil or evening primrose oil capsules in addition to the antihistamines; the fatty acids work in conjunction with the antihistamines to reduce inflammation and help with the dry itchy skin & coat. You can buy 500 mg. evening primrose oil gelcaps in most stores that sell human vitamins and supplements. (Do not use EPO if your dog has seizure disorders). Or you can try a squirt of wild salmon oil on his food, or  get some fish oil capsules. Also, make sure his food has a good Omega 6:3 ratio. It should be less than 7:1, and preferably less than 5:1, the Omega 3 fatty acids should be in the form of EPA and DHA. The best kibble on the market for this is Orijen.

Jack takes loratidine (generic Claritin) for his allergies. He gets three 10 mg. tablets once a day, and weighs 82 lbs. The Claritin has not produced drowsiness or any other side-effects, Different antihistamines work better for different dogs with allergies.  

Also, if you use a shampoo formulated for allergies, the lather should be left on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing, and you shouldn't use any kind of "leave-in" products. No hot dryers, use a cool setting or air dry.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

I know you don't want any special order shampoos and conditioners but I use Fur Butter on Bailey's coat and it works magic.  It is made by Happy Tails. Here is the link.  If you can't find anything that works over the counter...Give it a try.

 

http://www.happytailsspa.com/Fur-Butter

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

WE give Daisy Evening Primrose Oil. She never had itchy or dry skin but I wanted to see if it would help with her less than soft coat...it did. I am not at home so I can't check the bottle for dosage but I am sure you will hear from someone who also uses it. We order on line from Puritan's Pride - they have great prices.