Itchy Dog

Our puggle Rocky has always been itchy and I am not sure if we are seeing it more or we are just noticing it more. We are trying to do only chicken dog food because he shows a preference to it (before we gave him treats and wet food with beef). The doctor gave us steroids and omega 3 and 6 fatty acid. I am afraid to give him the steroid. Anyone have experience with this and know of anything I can try? I was thinking of bathing him in oatmeal. Any thoughts??

TIA

Re: Itchy Dog

Why are you afraid to give him the steroid? Have you discussed your concerns with the vet who prescribed the steroid? Have you tried the steroid at all?

It sounds like he has allergies and the steroid will address that. If you're not willing to give him the steroid, then I think you need to discuss alternatives with your vet.

Re: Itchy Dog

My guy is sooo itchy too. I noticed he was more itchy when he was eating more chicken so I think he has an allergy to the chicken. Since I cut a lot of the chicken out of his diet, he is still itchy but not as bad as before. You might want to try switching his food and see if that helps. The oatmeal bath could soothe him. Also, make sure he doesn't have fleas. It is that time of year. It could also just be the changing of the seasons. I also have my guy on vitamin E and salmon oil. Good Luck!

Re: Itchy Dog

Long term use of steriods is dangerous and can lead to death for your dog. One round won't hurt. But I would look into switching to a food that helps with dog allergies. Wellness is a great brand http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/categories.aspx?pet=dog&cat=3

Re: Itchy Dog

My dog has allergies . Grains, chicken and lamb are number one culprits when it comes to food alleriges.
I went to an Holistic vet because I dod not want tokeep my girl on steroids and benydryl. We switched to a grain free food(wellness core fish) and did 3 months of herbs.
It worked like a charm.
She has only mild bouts with allergies now and it is usually during high pollen season or if she eats something she is not supposed to..
The herbs are great.. I cannot tell you how happy I am that we tried them.

Re: Itchy Dog

My dog has seasonal allergies - this is her itchy season.

Last year when it was really bad she was on prednisone for a little while. It helped dramatically and then we weaned her off of it. Now we just give her Benadryl on her super itchy days and we have a topical medicine for the spots that get irritated.

Re: Itchy Dog

I hope noone takes this the wrong way but sometimes vets can be salespeople. My parents dog had severe skin allergies and my mom was told to put the dog on steriods. She spent lots of money and they helped a little but did not solve the problem. A few years ago, my mom was told that a no grain/grain fee diet may help. Their dog has been on EVO for two years now and it has made all of the difference in the world. Good luck.

Re: Itchy Dog

My dog has terrible allergies.. Both food and enviorment.. I give her antihistamine in pill form just so she can sleep.. She chews and licks her paws all day I try to stop her when I am home.. And she actually listens to me . But I know when she is alone she cant help herself.. I did find about 5 fleas on her as well Thank God I fixed that.. I gave her a bath too soon after her fontline treatment and it it was washed off.. You should really check good for the fleas it is the season for them.. G/L

Re: Itchy Dog