When does seasonal allergy itching end??

[Heather & Brinkley]

I know itching has been the topic of many many discussions here (including mine when I took Brinkley in, he got a Prednisone shot and pills, then started throwing up blood... blah, blah :).  )   But when do seasonal allergies end (approx.  as I know it depends on the climate, area, etc.) since this time of year is known to be the worst for allergy sufferers, canine and human alike.  He found relief for some time, even after the Prednisone treatment ended, but this past week and half he's back to itching, (and I'm back to spraying anti-itch spray on areas before they turn into nasty hot-spots) and the cycle continues. 

Also, does anyone have any suggestions for an oatmeal shampoo that is easy on their skin.  I tried a new oatmeal shampoo yesterday and today he tried to eat a hole through his foot (kidding, but I'm wondering if this shampoo agitated him even more... or maybe certain spots didn't get rinsed well enough, even though I kept going over it again and again.)

I hate seeing him like this and want to know when I should expect the seasonal stuff to subside and if doesn't around that expected timeframe, he may need an allergy specialist trip. 

Here's his latest sock barrier.  The start of the hotspot area is on the backside of this leg.  You can't tell in the pic but I did cut small holes in the sock around he area where agitated area as to allow air flow. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Unfortunately, just keeping him from licking or biting the area won't fix the hot spot; you're going to need to have the vet see it and give you a topical treatment. He's biting and licking at the area because of the intense itching, so he needs some relief for that as well.

Shampoos are really just a momentary fix; the best one I've found for allergies and itching is Douxo Calm Shampoo; the lather must be left on at least 10 minutes before rinsing, and you should not use any kind of conditioners or other products afterwards. Air dry or cool dryer setting only. And they usually need to be bathed weekly. Topical anti-itch sprays can be used on areas that seem to be really bothering him, but if there's already a hot spot, that needs vet treatment to keep it from spreading and getting infected.

For Jack, the worst time of year is late August to mid or late October, which is peak ragweed season, so if Brinkley is suffering from the same weeds allergies, you have another 2 or 3 weeks and then you should see an improvement. But it doesn't look like pollen is any problem in your area at all right now.

Here's a link for Pollen.com. You can use this to track the pollen levels in your area: http://pollen.com/allergy-weather-forecast.asp

[Heather & Brinkley]

Thanks!  I used the wrong word/described it incorrectly-- No hotspot yet-- just an agitated area that has potential to become a hotspot if he kept going.  I put on the anti-itch spray and gave him allergy meds for the night to keep him from going to the same spot. He does get obsessive about one spot and he'll just keep going back for more.  It did begin to get red and that's when I noticed it, gave him meds, cleaned and sprayed and and then covered it up-- which I what I normally do if he keeps going to one spot-- and then by the morning, he's forgotten about it and we avoid a true hotspot.  He's asleep now.

I am wondering if he is reacting to the new shampoo though-- that's why I was asking about shampoos.  He does get bathed weekly, no conditioners and always air dries, so it sounds like I'm doing well in that area.  I'll check out the shampoo and the pollen website.  Thanks!

[Heather & Brinkley]

Karen, you're right-- not a lot of pollen in my area.  I just looked that up on the link you provided.  What tend to be other sources of skin issues/itching?  He is currently eating Orijen. 

[Vivian & Mojo]

I'm into holistic treatments for myself and dog...here are a few suggestions.

Epsom Salt is excellent for allergies...add liberally to warm water and soak a wash cloth as compress then apply the compress to the itchy area, hold there for a few minutes than wring out and re-apply and repeat several times. After make sure area is dry after treating, moisture can  irritate it.

Every time you go out dogs as well as people will pick up allergens so when coming home grab a wash cloth. wet with water and wipe your doodle down.

Oatmeal baths can help, best not to buy commercial products and grind in a blender regular oatmeal and add to bath water.

Another holistic way to soothe is applying a wet cold chamomile tea bag to the area.

Its best to keep it uncovered and use a cone to keep him from itching (horrible i know but he will heal better)

Also look into diet and sometimes its as easy as adding a spoon of good oil to the food you feed.

I hope he gets better soon.

[Heather & Brinkley]

Thank you!  What good oil can be added?

I tried Evening Primrose at one point.  Both times we started it after stopping he got a pancreatitis flare up.  While I'm not convinced the primrose caused the pancreatitis , I approach oils carefully b/c if you look at Brinkley wrong, he gets pancreatitis (not really, but things tend to set him off easily.)  This primrose questions has actually been a question I've been meaning to ask on here-- does the fat in primrose oil have the capacity to set something off in a dog-- or was this just a coincidence?   He's currently eating Orijen. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

No, the EPO can't bring on pancreatitis; if you're using the little 500 mg. softgels, the amount of oil in the capsule is teeny tiny, and the amount of fat is even less.

For inflammation and itching from allergies, EPA (from fish oils) and GLA (from the EPO) have been shown to be effective, but you can go with one or the other if the dog has an intolerance.

You will hear about all kinds of "miracle" oils and potions for allergies, but there are no clinical studies showing anything other than Omega 3 from animals sources and/or EPO to be effective. And of course, he's already getting a good amount of Omega 3 in the Orijen.

[Heather & Brinkley]

Thanks!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree it's a small amount of oil but oil is essentially fat. I would make sure to give any oil capsules with food to avoid a dose of pure fat.

[Heather & Brinkley]

Great, thanks.

[Vivian & Mojo]

I add extra virgin coconut oil but olive oil is good as well. Primrose is not the type of oil I would use to ingest. I use it in aroma therapy for humans.

Have you given any thought to raw food? I think many dogs and cats with allergy's may do better on it.

[Vivian & Mojo]

I stand corrected as I didn't know you meant evening Primrose although I don't have any experience with it.

[Heather & Brinkley]

Thanks!