Licking his Paw

[Sue & Willy Babe]

Wilson started to lick his left back paw and i can see the skin we went to vet on Tuesday told him about his starting to lick, he told me to give him Benadryall which I did. But this morning he is really licking his back paw, Vet's office opens up at 7:30 any suggestions of what to use in the mean time??? Or has anyone given your doodles something different. I have to go back to work today so I am hopping to get in this afternoon Thanks

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sue, Wilson very probably has seasonal allergies, otherwise known as environmental or inhalant allergies. The pollen counts here in the Midwest are about as bad as they ever get right now, and a lot of dogs are having these problems. Jackdoodle, who is on immunotherapy shots, is having a horrendous flare-up, and he has been virtually symptom free since he started the shots in January.
This is absolutely not a food allergy, so do not let the vet sell you any RX food. If Wilson has already caused some damage to his feet, they may want him on antibiotics. The vet may also want to give him corticosteroids, which is really the only thing that will temporarily treat the discomfort and prevent any further damage. Steroids are okay as long as they are not used long term. Once you get the itching under control, antihistamines and EFAs will help. They need to be used together, as each improves the efficacy of the other.
Claritin is a better choice than benedryl because it doesn't have the side-effect of causing drowsiness, but with any antihistamine, dogs need a much bigger dose than humans do. Hopefully your vet is experienced with treating allergies and can advise you on that. Otherwise, tell me what Wilson weighs and I can help you figure it out. Buy a bottle of evening primrose oil capsules anywhere they sell human vitamins, and give Wilson one once a day. This is just Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids in proportions that will help Wilson's skin, and are good even for dogs without allergies. Make sure you keep Wilson's feet very dry. Brushing or wiping him down with a damp cloth when he comes in from outside will help a little, too.
The discussions below will give you a lot more info. I hope this is just a mild seasonal thing, and will resolve itself as soon as the weather changes. Hugs to you & Wilson.


http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/all-about-allergies
http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...
http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...
http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...

[Sue & Willy Babe]

The Vet said Wilson has an infection an put him on Delta Albaplex 3X we have to give it to him twice a day 1 1/2 talbets and he can become very thirsty my daughter gave him the dosage at 10;30 I just got home from work and he has been very lazy she said, I called the Vet and they said lets watch him an see how he is His paw does hurt him.

[Sue & Willy Babe]

Wilson is 72 pounds Thanks Karen for you help

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The Delta Albaplex 3X are a combination antibiotic and steroid. The steroids are what is causing the excess thirst and may result in Wilson having to pee more frequently. You cannot restrict his water while on the meds.
Some info on Delta Albaplex 3X:

"DELTA ALBAPLEX® (tetracycline hydrochloride, novobiocin sodium and prednisolone) Tablets are indicated for the treatment of acute or chronic upper respiratory conditions, such as tonsillitis, bronchitis and tracheobronchitis. Treat with DELTA ALBAPLEX when it is necessary to initially reduce the severity of the associated clinical signs and when the condition is caused by pathogens susceptible to novobiocin sodium and tetracycline hydrochloride, such as Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli.
Key Features
DELTA ALBAPLEX and DELTA ALBAPLEX® 3X Tablets produced a better clinical response than Cefa-Tabs* when used in comparison studies conducted at six veterinary clinics and one university clinic"

This is a temporary fix, which is necessary because he has infected himself. The antibiotics are to cure the infection and the steroids are to relieve the itching so that he will leave his feet alone & let them heal. Be absolutely sure that he doesn't miss a dose, and finish the whole prescription.
Once Wilson is off the meds, start giving him plain 10 mg. Claritin (NOT "D", and generic is fine), two tablets once a day, (Jack is 80 lbs and takes 3 tablets, but I'm being conservative here) along with the evening primrose oil caps. That should keep him comfortable enough to get through the rest of the allergy season. Hopefully, this will go away until next fall. You can continue the EFA's year round. I hope Wilson feels better soon. I know how miserable allergies can be for these guys.

[Sue & Willy Babe]

Thanks Karen for the Advice

I went out last night and got him a E-Collar boy was he sad when I put it on him but I had to he was licking his paws I put it on him when I can't be very close by. I leave for work in a few minutes and will put it on him again. Then when my daughter gets up she can take it off He seemed to be doing a little better later in the night we played in the backyard then went for a little walk.