Our doodle has terrible allergies

[DAVID Rose]

Our 2 year old labradoodle has terrible allergies and is scratching all the time. He has been on
Sterods but we are weaning him off as he has put on a lot of weight. We are trying Benadryl
but it isn't helping.

Any other solutions will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave Rose
[e-mail]

[Willow and J]

I'm sure others (esp. Karen) will chime in, and there has been lots of discussions on itching and allergy questions. You can search for them. Everyone's experience is different, but for Willow, Benedryl didn't work either, but Allegra worked better. (She scratches less, but never stopped scratching.) Zyrtec or Claritin might work, and all three now have generic OTC. Unfortunately, that's the only that has helped so far.

Recently, prednisone won't stop her from itching either, so we won't do steroids any more; evening prime rose oil didn't do much for Willow, but that's what others found helpful. 

Apart from allergy related issues, for scratching from yeast infection, Thornit powder worked for Willow's ears. 

I think you should talk to a dermatologist. I did, but the only vet specialist on skin issues in town prescribed Atopica and we're looking for other dermatologists who'd try other options first.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am not an expert, but I also know there is a calming shampoo that might help. I will try and find the discussion.

Meanwhile, here are a couple of other discussions. The second one mentions the shampoo.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's another discussion with more info:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/my-doodle-has-very-bad

There is a lot of info in the discussions linked here, and many more all over the site. The first discussion that Laurie linked above has basic facts and tips.

Try Claritin or Zyrtec instead of Benadryl; unfortunately the doseage is different for dogs than humans.

You can also get a bottle of 500 mg evening primrose oil capsules (human supplement) and give one twice a day. Do not use EPO if your dog has seizure disorders.

Omega 3 fish oil supplements help, too.

 

 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Darn, I tried to fill your shoes when you were gone :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You did a good job.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I would suggest you join Karen's Group about Atopic Dermatitis. 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/atopicdermatitissupportgroup

I hope your doodle's allergies are not that severe (and it can only be determined from specific tests from a specialist), I think this is a good place to start - there's lots of discussions within it concerning allergies.  Good luck!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The thing about the group is that it's really a support group for people whose dogs have been diagnosed with Atopy. There are members there who have joined to educate themselves by reading the discussions and have not yet had testing done, but all of the members there have already been through the basics, the food trials, etc and pretty much narrowed it down to Atopy.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You also want to wipe the dog down every time he comes in from outdoors, especially his feet. Keep the areas where he spends the most time vacuumed and as free of dust as possible. Wash his bedding weekly. Wash his food bowls daily. Keep kibble in airtight containers. Cahnge your furnace filter frequently if you have a forced-air furnace.

When bathing, use a shampoo formulated for allergies (I like Douxo Calm) and leave the lather on for at least ten minutes before rinsing. Cool dryer or air dry only, no hot dryers, and no cream rinses or any other products that don't get rinsied off. Frequent brushing helps, too.

The only way to know what is casuing your dog's problems is to consult a veterinary dermatologist. The GP vets are not trained allergists and often do not know the best treatment methods.

[Jeanne, Tura and Dolly]

I went through this with a Golden and finally found a Vet Dermatologist and had the testing done and gave the shots.  It was a miracle and literally saved my dogs life.  There are a lot of things to try first (see Karen) but know there is something down the road that can help if all else fails.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The immunotherapy shots were pretty close to miraculous for JD, too. To be clear, Jeanne is talking about

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Does he seem more itchy at certain times of the day?  what about different times of the year?