Allergy or Infection?

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Rooney has always had some minor allergies issues - nothing that we have chosen to have checked out.  I don't want to sound like a bad doodle mommy but sometimes we all just live with stuff and I decided that it didn't seem severe enough to have him put through lots of tests, etc.  He has always sneezed alot and does this face rub thing - to scratch his nose/muzzle.  I have allergies and sneeze often and - well I choose to not medicate myself either.  Up till now I wasn't too worried about Rooney but in the past few months he has started licking his front paws (are they the only ones that bother him or can he not reach the back ones).  We thought something in the grass might be bothering him but as time went on we weren't sure so we put a little bit of bitter apple, or told him "no" - then he starting sneaking off to do it - so then I thought perhaps the feet were irritated (they are so brown and fuzzy who can tell)  and put some GenOne Spray on them, but he is still licking.  I'm calling the vet today to have him looked at but (sigh) I hate the thought of some of the "cures" that might be suggested.  Has anyone else been down this road?  Suggestions as to cause?  Any home remedies that I can try?

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Also I chose the Claritin based on the price, if it works I'll shop costco for it but found a bottle of 70 at Walgreens for 57.1 cents per pill.  I am confused though as the Claritin is Loratadine and the Zyrtec says it is Cetrizine.  Is there any real difference in these meds?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There is a difference. They are both 2nd generation antihistamines that don't cause drowsiness like Benadryl, but for some dogs, loratidine works better and for others cetrizine does. JD does better with the loratidine. I buy the CVS store brand.

[Elizabeth & Cosmo]

I have heard (from physicians on tv, not my own) that Cetirizine is more powerful than Loratadine, among these second-generation antihistamines. (Benadryl is first-generation.)

I have no idea if this is true (about one being "stronger" than the other), but I can say that Cetirizine works for me to keep my allergies manageable. Loratadine works for a day or two and then stops. As Karen points out, it really depends on the individual.

My point is that they are indeed different, and, if Rooney should stop seeing benefits from Loratadine, you can try Cetirizine as a back up. And they are a lot cheaper if you get the generics at Sam's or Costco. Even Walgreen's has great sales from time to time on Wal-zyr (their brand of Cetirizine).

I hope little Rooney feels better soon!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, it can work that soon, and it pretty much tells you that the problem with his feet is due to a histamine response.

It shouldn't really matter when you give it, as long as it's about the same time every day, so pick a time you're likely to always be home.

EPO and fish oil (Omega 3 fatty acids)  enhance the effects of the antihistamines, so giving them together will help even more, and you shouldn;t see any side effects.  

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

Glad it seems to be working!!  Just make sure to give him the regular Claritin and not the Claritin D.  

Claritin-D combines pseudoephedrine and loratadine. This product is not interchangeable with regular Claritin and should not be used without specific veterinary guidance.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Fortunately, products containing pseudoephedrine are no longer sold OTC due to the illegal drug trade, (it's used to make crystal meth) so there's not much chance of anyone mistakenly picking up a box of Claritin-D (or any of the antihistamine/decongestant combos) nowadays. They are kept behind the pharmacy counters with the Rx drugs now, and their sale is restricted. But yes, you don't want the "D" version of any of the antihistamines.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Good luck with this Jane, glad to see the antihistamine seems to have started working.  Keep us updated, I'll be watching out for news.