Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum
"seasonal allergies"
I'm a little worried that our vet is going to recommend changing our doodle's diet due to some skin allergies she's had and I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced somehting similar with their doodle? If yes, we would appreciate any info you can offer.
Here's some background:
Our three year old Australian Labradoodle, Nugget, has been suffering from what the vet diagnosed as "seasonal allergies". This all started last May when we were in the Adirondacks and Nuggy got absolutely hammered by a bunch of blackflies. Her head was covered in bites. Benadryl didn't even touch the itching. The only thing that helped was actually shaving her down and applying antibacterial cream directly to the bites a couple of times a day. OK, so the bites healed, she seemed to get back to normal for a few weeks and then BAM she started scratching like crazy. We tried Benadryl again (no effect) oatmeal baths, applying prescription cream right to the hot spots, etc.. Then she literally started scratching clumps of her beautiful hair right off. Back to the vet. This time it was a three week course of an antibiotic (a couple of the hot spots got infected) and 5 mgs of prednisone every other day. That treatment course really seemed to make a difference. She was much more comfortable and back to her old playful, happy self. And, her coat grew back to its beautiful state. We were not eager to do the prednisone treatment because we were afraid of longterm side-effects, but she is just SO much more comfortable that it seemed the only humane thing to do. Now, the vet would like us to get her off altogether which in concept we are in favor of. However, when we are into hour 47 of the once every 48 hour dosing, she starts scratching and biting at her footpads. Then she gets her pred. and a couple of hours later she's fine again. In addition to the pred., she is getting oatmeal baths about twice a month, I keep her coat about 2 inches long (I groom her myself) and I pluck her ears and clean with a foaming ear cleanser which has been great. (she used to be prone to ear infections before I used this stuff.)
We have not experienced a ground freezing frost here in the northeast, yet. The vet is waiting for that to happen before suggesting dietary changes. She (the vet) is hoping it's a seasonal allergy.
In case you are wondering, to the best of our knowledge, her diet has not changed one bit in the three years we have had her. I say "to the best of our knowledge" because we have been feeding her the same prepared raw blend made by the same company for 3 years. So, unless the company has changed something, it's the same. We supplement with salmon oil and some "doodle-friendly" table scraps, which again, hasn't changed. Other than these skin issues of late, she is INCREDIBLY healthy. She is in great physical condition, has fantastic teeth and hasn't needed vet care other than the routine annual exam before this skin stuff came up. So, we are very hesitant to change her diet.
So, sorry to make this SOOOOO long. Just wondering if anyone else has had a similar situation? Thanks so much!!
Here's some background:
Our three year old Australian Labradoodle, Nugget, has been suffering from what the vet diagnosed as "seasonal allergies". This all started last May when we were in the Adirondacks and Nuggy got absolutely hammered by a bunch of blackflies. Her head was covered in bites. Benadryl didn't even touch the itching. The only thing that helped was actually shaving her down and applying antibacterial cream directly to the bites a couple of times a day. OK, so the bites healed, she seemed to get back to normal for a few weeks and then BAM she started scratching like crazy. We tried Benadryl again (no effect) oatmeal baths, applying prescription cream right to the hot spots, etc.. Then she literally started scratching clumps of her beautiful hair right off. Back to the vet. This time it was a three week course of an antibiotic (a couple of the hot spots got infected) and 5 mgs of prednisone every other day. That treatment course really seemed to make a difference. She was much more comfortable and back to her old playful, happy self. And, her coat grew back to its beautiful state. We were not eager to do the prednisone treatment because we were afraid of longterm side-effects, but she is just SO much more comfortable that it seemed the only humane thing to do. Now, the vet would like us to get her off altogether which in concept we are in favor of. However, when we are into hour 47 of the once every 48 hour dosing, she starts scratching and biting at her footpads. Then she gets her pred. and a couple of hours later she's fine again. In addition to the pred., she is getting oatmeal baths about twice a month, I keep her coat about 2 inches long (I groom her myself) and I pluck her ears and clean with a foaming ear cleanser which has been great. (she used to be prone to ear infections before I used this stuff.)
We have not experienced a ground freezing frost here in the northeast, yet. The vet is waiting for that to happen before suggesting dietary changes. She (the vet) is hoping it's a seasonal allergy.
In case you are wondering, to the best of our knowledge, her diet has not changed one bit in the three years we have had her. I say "to the best of our knowledge" because we have been feeding her the same prepared raw blend made by the same company for 3 years. So, unless the company has changed something, it's the same. We supplement with salmon oil and some "doodle-friendly" table scraps, which again, hasn't changed. Other than these skin issues of late, she is INCREDIBLY healthy. She is in great physical condition, has fantastic teeth and hasn't needed vet care other than the routine annual exam before this skin stuff came up. So, we are very hesitant to change her diet.
So, sorry to make this SOOOOO long. Just wondering if anyone else has had a similar situation? Thanks so much!!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on
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I'm sorry to hear that Nugget has seasonal allergies, otherwise known as environmental allergies, inhalant allergies, atopic dermatitis, or atopy. My doodle Jack has a very severe case and is under the care of a veterinary dermatology specialist. I have written extensively here on DK about this, here are links to three of the more informative discussions.
If you vet thinks Nugget's allergies are seasonal, I doubt that she will recommend a diet change, as diet has absolutely no affect at all on seasonal allergy; that's why she's waiting to see if the symptoms improve after a freeze. If food were involved, the dog would have symptoms year round. If they drastically improve after the pollen is gone, food has nothing to do with it. And of course, food is not medicine and doesn't cure allergies or anything else. Allergies are a disease of the immune system.
I think you will find a lot of the info in the below discussions helpful. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any help. I have unfortunately become something of an expert on this diffficult condition.
http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...
http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/all-about-allergies
http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...
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Permalink Reply by Nugget's Family on
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Thank you SOOO much. I will read through your links and learn!
susan
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Karen-
Wow...wow....wow. I just read through all of your allergy info and I feel like I have received an incredible education. Thank you so much for sharing all of that info.. I feel much better equipped to discuss all options with our vet when we go back. At this moment, Nuggy has four more 5 mg doses of prednisone which means 8 more days since she takes it every other day. (She weighs 52 lbs.) I'm hoping that, once the pred is done, we'll be good for the winter, but if her symptoms reappear, I will see what the vet thinks about trying Claritin and Evening Primrose Oil. (I am assuming they are most beneficial taken together??) rather than doing another course of pred., unless necessary. There is an allergy vet in the next town over who we may need to consult, as well.
She has been VERY comfy on the 5 mgs of pred and thankfully we have noticed no side-effects...she is sound asleep (four feet in the air!!) here on the couch with me as we all watch the Yankees (hopefully) win the World Series!
Thanks again! Hope you and Jack are doing well.
Susan
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The Claritin (and other antihistamines) and the primrose oil each enhance the effects of the other, and work best in combination. They don't have to be given at the same time, but are taken daily, so it's easier to just give them together. For mild allergies, that might be enough to control symptoms. Once a dog is having a full-blown flare-up, you usually have to turn to the prednisone to get it under control.
The prednisone works great; unfortunately, the side effects are cumulative and long-term. Over time, if taken too often for longer periods, they will cause weight gain, reduced energy levels, damage to the kidneys and liver, and weaken the immune system. For occasional use, they're fine. And sometimes, there is just no choice, you can't let a dog suffer.
I hope that Nugget continues to do well! Please keep us updated.
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Thanks, Karen. I'll talk about Claritin (or other antihistamines) and EPO with our vet. Does Jack take this combo in the winter, too? I'm hoping that Nug can be off the pred next week (when this dose runs out). She's been on it since the beginning of Sept and I'm a bit nervous about the length of time she's been on it. The vet doesn't want her to be on it long-term, either, but says since she's taking a small dose, she's not concerned at this point.
In the meantime, thanks to your info, we've started drying Nuggy's paws pretty thoroughly after each walk. She's not crazy about the new part of the routine, but as long as one of us is rubbing her tummy at the same time, she's fine! :-) My theory (after reading your info) is that after her walks (we walk her about 3 miles a day....most of the time in dewy grass in the early AM or later PM) she comes home and licks her paws because they're wet and uncomfortable then she's inhaling the grasses etc up close and personal through her mouth and nose then it's just a vicious cycle from there.
Thanks again! Jack's picture is ADORABLE by the way. I can't wait to see all of the doodle holiday cards!!
Susan
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I discontinue the antihistamines in the winter; I give the evening primrose oil year-round because the EFAs are good for them, anyway.
Some dogs do better on Zyrtec than on Claritin, some on Atarax. It's really trial & error. The Claritin seems best for Jack. This is something that the specialists are better with than the general practice vets. Jack's specialist does NOT recommend Benedryl.
Thanks for the compliment on my big blonde guy! He is camera shy, so I don't know if we will have any holiday photos this year!
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Permalink Reply by Tammy & Gracie on
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I am sure this is in some of the links Karen listed. Try different antihistimines. I have used 4 of them, and the 4th one seems to be working like a charm! (Atarax) Your vet can help with choosing them and the correct dosages. Different drugs affect each dog differently. And maybe that freeze will happen soon!
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LOL- your whole "Probable Allergies" discussion is one of the links!
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Permalink Reply by Joe R. on
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What is the brand name of the foaming ear cleanser you use? I'm always on the look out for something that works good. Thanks
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We have found that the Otifoam Ear Cleanser is great!! We used to use a 40%/60% vinegar/water solution, which was good, but this cleanser is even better because it really foams out any g***. The directions are easy to follow, too.
Hope this is helpful!
Susan
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