Any Vet's out there? (Allergies)

[Renee750il]

Here are links to excellent articles dealing with allergies with REAL information from a woman whose research has impressed me greatly. This lady knows her stuff! The amount of good information she's made available is truly amazing. I'd also like to encourage you to go to her home page and read a bit about her and her credentials. I was impressed, and I'm not easy!

http://www.greatdanelady.com/articles/allergies.htm
http://www.greatdanelady.com/article..._allergies.htm

Chazhound, your comparison of allergies to a mystery is perfect, and, like all good mysteries, it's a matter of following the clues! Fortunately, the pros now have ways of getting to the real clues that weren't available before, even ten years ago - if they'll use them.

[phyl]

Thank you Renee.....Your the greatest!!! Phyl

[Manda0304]

Originally Posted by phyl

I had Corgan our Sieb Husky to the Vet about 3 months ago. Doc said he has allergies. He lost some hair inbetween his legs and he was in terrible pain.
He put him on "Prednisone". It worked! But now it's back again. I called and they said to start him on it again......Does this mean he will always have to take it?? Anyone have this problem? I really hate giving him this med. It makes him drink and eat alot. It can't be good for him. I'll have to take him back to the Doc. But thought I would get some input from some of you.....Phyl

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Do you have any other animals? please reply thanks
Manda

[ch21526]

Yikes - I just bought a new townhouse and the previous owners used cedar saw dust as the main ingredient for the mulch for their dog. My dog is VERY allergic. I have shoveled out all the visible cedar chips/saw dust but my dog is still reacting. Anyone know how I can neutralize the oil? I have tried flushing out the yard with lots of water and topped with river rock and fresh mulch but it isn't working.

Thanks.

[Renee750il]

You may have to strip the topsoil and replace it in the area where the cedar was. You'll also need to get all the residue off your dog's skin. You might use a good quality shampoo that's made to strip residue off your hair, just make sure to put a good coat conditioner on your dog afterward. You might want to think about shampooing your carpet indoors, too, since the previous owners probably let their dog in and some of the residue might still be in the carpet.

[amaruq]

I have 2 dogs with extreme allergies.

The one was on predizone and it caused tumors. I can't stress enough to becareful with this medicine.

We have changed foods. I have them on Turkey and Barley. So far so good.

I give them Salmon oil and vitamin E also.

The one is allergic to Dandelions...not good when she runs in the fields.

[Debi]

what about cortisone? My cat lost all hair on her legs due to allergies. My vet wanted to do extensive testing..I suggested cortisone. One shot did the trick. She was fine within one week. Don't know if same is true for dogs..but I'd try it.

[Renee750il]

Prednisone is a steroid, as is cortisone. They both have essentially the same side effects, which are horrible. Neither one should be used except in emergencies for quick relief until a long term solution can be instituted. They are both just "quick fixes" and won't solve the problem.

Canidae is a dog food that I have heard has extraordinarily good effects on dogs with allergies. The same company makes feed for cats called Felidae. It might be worth a try.

It's very common for older animals to develop allergies to fleas as well, so that's always a good place to start looking for relief. Sometimes, just the bites from one or two fleas can irritate their skin to the point that it becomes inflamed and painful and hair falls out. It's difficult to keep any animal completely flea-free, especially if your pet spends any time at all outdoors. Fleas will hitch a ride into your home on your legs and clothes, too!

[Wireviz_lady]

As a groomer I deal with dogs that have allergies every week. I have a couple of recomendations. Temporary relief can be found with a dose of Benydryl. Make sure it doesnt have tylonal in it. Dosage is equivilant to a childs wieght. You hould pretty much know what your dogs wieght is if he hass been to the vet lately.
The other thing is local honey. Just put a tbls on your dogs food every day and it works like an allergy shot. The bees collect pollen from all the plants in the area and the honey will help build antiboties to the pollen. I swear it WORKS!!!!
I hope this helps.
Bec

[Renee750il]

Great advice, WireVis Lady, especially about the honey. An old man who keeps bees told me that years ago when I got hit with some annoying allergies from living here.

The dosage on the benadryl, according to my vet, is 1 mg per pound of bodyweight in dogs. I've always started with 1/2 mg per pound and have never had to give more.