Community Forums

WheelingIt · 04-02-2012, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnandanne

We too live in the Northwest and have fought allergies with our dogs constantly. However, with our latest, we've had a different issue - auto immune deficiency. Several specialists gave us no hope other than to keep the dog on steroids the rest of her life. This was 2.5 yrs ago. Seven months ago, after our own search, we put the dog on a raw chicken and vegetable diet. Luckily, there are several good frozen preparations available, although $$ (but cheaper than medicines!). It's recommended for a number of issues, including allergies. Long story short, her blood work returned to normal within a month and we're slowly weaning her off of steroids. She has regained a beautiful coat and incredible energy. The whole theory is that processed dog foods have cooked off the enzymes that are so important to dog's health. Also, no allergy problems this spring. Good luck and tail wagging!

We too raw feed our dog. She is sensitive to just about everything, but the proper food keeps it all in check (also keeps her teeth sparkly clean). We full time RV and do a balanced homemade raw that's approx. 80% meat 10% bone and 10% organ with some green tripe and egg thrown in. If you're open to trying raw I highly recommend it and it can be very affordable if you do it yourself.

Another possibility for those looking for alternatives is holistic medicine and, in particular, NAET treatments. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I've had outstanding success treating allergies and persistent hairloss/scratching with one of my cats (who still refuses to eat raw). we use Dr.Deva (http://www.doctordeva.com/) and do it long distance. If anyone is interested about how it works feel free to PM me.

DogsCamping · 04-06-2012, 08:51 AM

Our GSD, Lilac, gets allergies in the spring...she gets itchy and her eyes water.

hdgoldie · 05-24-2012, 02:18 PM

I'm late to this discussion but I hope this helps. One of our babies, a Maltese/Poodle mix, has severe allergies. We tried the diet, Benedryl, prescription antihistimes, supplements, steriods and many other approaches. Poor baby was chewing her legs off - no hair left, just bloody skin that she kept chewing. She was miserable and so were we. When we moved to TX the doc here suggested Atopica - which is cyclosporine, an immuo suppressant. It's given to transplant patients to prevent rejection. Made an incredible difference. No more scratching, no more chewing. Her legs have healed beautifully and she is a happy camper again. It's not cheap but not too bad either - runs about $75/month. I could probably get it cheaper online but I feel more comfortable with buying from our vet - at least I have some assurance that it's the real medication.

We did find that we liked Blue Buffalo food the best, and changing just the protein source every month seems to help our whole crew. We also found a great vitamin for the doggies - NuVet. Check them out at nuvet.com.

10Boomer · 05-29-2012, 11:23 PM

We have a French Bulldog, and her poor feet are chewed up, and she gets hives bad. Afraid to taker camping in our new TT, this time of the year is so bad for her. We currently give her Benadryl and when's really bad Predizone.

chaunclm · 05-30-2012, 04:58 AM

Our problem was an asthmatic cat. Our daughter who is a veterinarian recommended an AeroKat Aerosol Chamber and Flovent. My dear wife who is a wonder with animals has trained this fractious feline to breath from this device for fifteen or twenty seconds twice a day. He is a different animal. He no longer coughs or has a runny nose.

The results have been dramatic.

hdgoldie · 05-31-2012, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10Boomer

We currently give her Benadryl and when's really bad Predizone.

We used that combo until we discovered Atopica. Check with your vet - it really has been a miracle for our baby.

She used to hate going outside, now she loves it - and can't wait to get into the MH for the next adventure.

10Boomer · 05-31-2012, 11:27 PM

Thank you for the help, I poor dog was at the vet all day today, blood tests and all. She was vomiting all night, and had hives all over even the Predizone didn't help. They gave her a shot and we will find out the results tomorrow, he said yes on the Atopica, ordered it today. Thanks, again, let you know how its working.

P n J

rgvtexan · 05-31-2012, 11:41 PM

We got rid of the Kids,
The Cat was allergic!

10Boomer · 05-31-2012, 11:53 PM

Funny maybe the dog is allergic to us!

hdgoldie · 06-02-2012, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10Boomer

he said yes on the Atopica, ordered it today.

P n J

Hope it works as well for you as it did for us. I'm sure your vet warned you, but it takes some time to become fully effective. I think it was over six weeks before our baby became symtom free. Now you can't even tell that she ever had an allergy. She runs and romps with the others - something that never happened before Atopica. We have one other friend who's dog was on it also - with similar results. Good luck - and please keep us posted on the progress.

bigdale · 06-02-2012, 07:26 PM

We had problems with our Dachshund itchy skin loosing patches of hair. We spent a fortune at the vet, tests meds all that stuff. I happened to wonder about something, we have a water softner. Which of course we give our dogs a bath like most of us.
I wondered if the salt water might be the culprit, started rinsing her with non water softened water. BINGO problem solved no more itchy doggy.