Very itchy! (All over...) *UPDATE* #2

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

For about the last day Luna has been scratching herself ALL over.  Excessive grooming of her paws, scratching her face and body etc.  Her eyes have also been watering more than usual.  

Since Ragweed season just started, I figured that was the problem (since I have ragweed allergies and they've been bad the last few days).  I gave her a Reactine yesterday and this morning hoping it would help, but she's still scratching.  Last year at her checkup the vet had said reactine was fine 1/day for her size if we suspect she has seasonal allergies.

She was scratching SO much last night that she was keeping us awake - my husband actually bathed her at 4 AM hoping it would give her some relief.

She hasn't eaten anything unusual, she has no skin symptoms (that I can find anyway) other than a bit of redness, probably from all the scratching.  

Do you think this is a cause for a vet visit or is it probably just seasonal allergies gone crazy?

*UPDATE*

New symptom... small hive-like bumps on her tummy and a few places on her body.  She's also rolling around on the floor in discomfort on occasion.  

 

Hives are usually an immediate reaction... why now?  WTD?

 

Also - if I run my fingers along her skin... she tenses her skin muscles (in a reflexive way).  It's really weird.

 

Maybe a vet visit is in order after all.  Hopefully they can fit us in tomorrow when they have evening appointments.

 UPDATE #2

 

Okay, so Reactine (20 mg/day) isn't working and Claritin didn't do any better (15 mg/day).  I want to try Bendaryl, because Luna's scratching is getting to the point where she is damaging herself (little scratches caused by her claws, spots on her face losing hair due to rubbing).  I have read a few different sources that say 1 mg/lb every ~8 hours.  I want to call the vet to confirm, but I thought I'd ask here too.  

 

Does anyone know the safe recommended Benadryl dosage for dogs?

[Christine & Camus]

Ask your vet about Hydroxyzine, an antihistamine sold by prescription.  Benadryl did not work for Camus, however Hydroxyzine does help him with the itching.  I also use a topical spray called Genesis, also by prescription.