Allergies...still

[Logan and Colbie]

Colbie has had allergy issues for a while now, we started giving her 10 mg of Claritin but it doesn't seem to be helping. She chews and licks her feet almost constantly. It has gotten to the point where her feet will bleed, and she will hope around on 3 legs when we take her out.

I called the vet and they said to try to rub Neosporin on it, will this upset her stomach when she is licking it?

Also, are there any other suggestions of how to help.

Thank you!

[Bob & Petie]

I'm still pretty new at all of this, but how is chewing on the paws an allergy? Our Petie does that!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

True allergies involve a histamine response, and the paws are one area that will usually itch intensely. Paw licking and chewing to the point of discoloration, hair loss and/or infection is often the first sign of allergies in dogs, especially if it coincides with a change of seasons.

[Nugget's Family]

Please go to the atopic dermatitis page on this site.  Our ALD was diagnosed two years ago after licking, chewing at her paws, scratching, ear issues, etc. etc.  There's LOTS of good information on that page for you.

Neosporin will not help the itching, just prevent infection.  The only thing that will help the itching is to see a vet who really knows how to deal with allergy/skin issues.  You should try to find a vet who is a board certified dermatologist.

Our dog, Nugget, is on a prescription antihistamine/steroid combo and also immunotherapy injections under the care of a dermatologist.

Nugget bites at her feet after walking through areas where flora grows that she is allergic to: diferent grasses, trees, etc..

Read the Atopic Dermatitis info..  Please feel free to post more questions if you have them after you read it.  We were helped through the process by other DKers and are happy to return the favor.  In the meantime, if you see staining (from her saliva chewing at her feet) on your dogs fur and she is bleeding, a vet can help to treat those symptoms with oral meds and infection protection. 

Take care-

Susan

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I second this advice.

I would not use Neosporin, you can try an OTC cortisone spray for temorary relief of the itching, but for this kind of itching, they really need to prescribe something. If the paws are this bad, she's suffering. They should have done a scraping and then preswcribed corticosteroids, either oral or topical, plus antibiotics if an infection has already set in, and possibly an antifungal powder or Rx topical spray. You really need a veterinary dermatology specialist for this.

My dog needs 30 mg of Claritin to help with an allergic flare. His usual weight is 80 lbs.

500 mg  evening primrose oil capsules once or twice a day can help, too, especially when used with the antihistamines. If your dog has any kind of seizure disorder, use fish oil instead.

I would also get her on a grain-free food if she isn't already. Storage mites (also called grain mites) are a common allergen in dogs, as are dust mites. Debag dry food into air-tight plastic bags or containers.

Bathing frequently can help, too, but be sure to use a shampoo made for sensitive or allergic skin, and leave it on for at least ten minutes before rinsing. No hot dryers, air-dry or cool dryer only and no other products like leave in conditions.

Wipe her feet when she comes in from outdoors and keep them dry.

My dog has severe allergies which have been successfully treated with immunotherapy injections, fatty acids and antihistamines for three years now. Only a dermatology specialist can really help with this.

 

[Nugget's Family]

Sorry to post again, but the official name for the AD page is "Atopic Dermatitis Support Group" here on DK

Good luck and I hope Colbie's paws feel better soon.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Past discussions on this topic with lots of good info:

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

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

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

[Kirsy & Jasper]

Jasper has the same problem. Licking, chewing, nibbeling feet around tail and scratching under chin. Seems to be a seasonal issue for him. We now successfully use BENADRYL. One 25 mg tablet every 12 hours. After about 2 days on Benadryl he is fine.

If Colbie ONLY licks her feet, it could also be a grass allergie.

Good luck.

Kirsy & Jasper

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm surprised that the Benadryl helps him. It's not used by any of the veterinary dermatologists because it's considered ineffective, and also causes drowsiness.

I know it seems like the grass may have something to do with foot itching, but it really has nothing to do with what they actually come into contact with. There are histamine receptors in the feet, as well as the face, groin, axilla, and a few other places, and the allergens which are inhaled or ingested are causing the itching. Grass allergies are common among Atopic dogs, but it's the grass pollen which is breathed in which causes the histamine response. It's not a contact issue, and grass is not pollinating in most parts of the country right now.

With pollen allergies, it's usually tree pollen in the spring, grass pollen in summer, and weed pollen in fall. And of course there are many allergens that are year-round, like dust mites and molds.