Our dog is allergic to grass and is practically bald from itching. We have never had her allergy tested but when we moved into a new house that had grass the itching started. I've taken her to the vet for it before and they gave her antibiotics and said keep her off the grass. Anybody that has a dog knows how hard it that is. She rarely goes on the grass but is ithcing like crazy. She is over 50% bald from scratching, I bathe her it but only helps for a day or two. She has been bald so long her skin looks like leather and she smells really bad.

My husband lost his job and we just moved away from a foreclosure so we really have no money to get her treated. She is miserable and I feel so bad for her, I don't know what to do for her. Does anybody have any advise at all? Thx

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by 4_Bo_Bo

Our dog is allergic to grass and is practically bald from itching. We have never had her allergy tested but when we moved into a new house that had grass the itching started. I've taken her to the vet for it before and they gave her antibiotics and said keep her off the grass. Anybody that has a dog knows how hard it that is. She rarely goes on the grass but is ithcing like crazy. She is over 50% bald from scratching, I bathe her it but only helps for a day or two. She has been bald so long her skin looks like leather and she smells really bad.

My husband lost his job and we just moved away from a foreclosure so we really have no money to get her treated. She is miserable and I feel so bad for her, I don't know what to do for her. Does anybody have any advise at all? Thx

Are you positive that it is the grass causing this problem?? For one thing, wasn't there some grass (I know you said Bermuda grass, but) where you lived before---In your other post w/the pic--I see she is in the grass. I just find it hard to believe that it is the grass! There are a lot of allergies. Did you recently switch dog food? and is the dog food full of grains--esp. corn or wheat? Maybe it is something else that is in the house itself! Whatever it is, if an allergy--will not go away until you get the dog away from it. I hope you have a good/smart, care about your dog vet because there are a lot of skin diseases too that can cause this problem--and darn there is one I am thinking of but can't remember what it is called. Wish you could see a holistic vet! She may be allergic to flea bites too and it is the season and they are in the grass. It doesn't sound good esp. about the smelling bad--I'd be afraid of infection--and with all that scratching--could happen easily I'm thinking. Can you think back to exactly when this started happening and try to think of anything (besides the Bermuda grass) that might of been new or different for the dog at the time. I'm not a vet but, antibiotics (Is she still on them?) can cause trouble too--like causing more 'fuel to the fire' in the long run. You should be giving probiotics because the antibiotics take out the good bacteria from the dog and the probiotics put them back. The good bacteria your dog needs for a healthier immune system!! The antibiotics may (or may not!) help relieve the itching,etc for the time being used but it is also making the dog more susceptible because it is interfering with the immune system which is what fights the problem to start with--Kind of a vicious circle-type thing! Did you recently have vaccinations (I'm sure you did because of the age of the pup) There are a lot of bad reactions from these shots--don't know if this would be something that could cause this or not--but at least they would put a 'tax' on the immune system--which in turn could lower your dog's resistance to what it might be allergic to! I would also try to build a healtier immune system in all ways that I could. Look into supplements and vitamins (c and e for 2--b-vits.--read up on what each does!(talking all vitamins and supplements here) Hope some other members can give you more advice---I feel so sorry for that cute little pup

Can you give all info you can about what the pup's body looks like--sores, pus, if has 'spots' of anything--what do they look like-red/white/raised-describe as best you can--my vet book lists all kinds of different descriptions and one kind can describe the possible type of problem. Where did the scratching start on the body--hair lose where 1st? Where is the hair that is left at? Maybe you can post some pics to show what this looks like?

I didn't post a picture of her (?) I'm 98% positive it's the grass she's allergic to. We had a dirt back yard for 3 years and she was fine. We moved into a new house that started with sod grass, she was fine, then for summer (we live in AZ) the bermuda grass came through and she started itching. I feed her Pro-Plan shredded lamb & rice. She itches on her sides the most. Her belly, sides, ears and under her tail are bald. Her skin looks like the hairless dog breed skin, leathery. The smell is more of a stinky dog smell not a puss or infection smell. I'm pretty sure it's not mange or some type of parasite or fleas because we have a another dog is who fine. I want to take her to the vet to get treated but I just don't have what they will charge. I was just wondering if there were any home remedies I could try to help her with that someone would know of. I bathe her in an oatmeal shampoo and she smells and looks better for a day or so. I'm thinking I will try some benadryl but I don't remember the dosage, she's about 35-40 lbs. Thanks for your help.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by 4_Bo_Bo

I didn't post a picture of her (?) I'm 98% positive it's the grass she's allergic to. We had a dirt back yard for 3 years and she was fine. We moved into a new house that started with sod grass, she was fine, then for summer (we live in AZ) the bermuda grass came through and she started itching. I feed her Pro-Plan shredded lamb & rice. She itches on her sides the most. Her belly, sides, ears and under her tail are bald. Her skin looks like the hairless dog breed skin, leathery. The smell is more of a stinky dog smell not a puss or infection smell. I'm pretty sure it's not mange or some type of parasite or fleas because we have a another dog is who fine. I want to take her to the vet to get treated but I just don't have what they will charge. I was just wondering if there were any home remedies I could try to help her with that someone would know of. I bathe her in an oatmeal shampoo and she smells and looks better for a day or so. I'm thinking I will try some benadryl but I don't remember the dosage, she's about 35-40 lbs. Thanks for your help.

About fleas--If she is allergic to them--doesn't mean the other dog is !! And speaking of fleas, I suppose you don't have a flea collar on her that she also could be allergic to or how about flea preventive that you put on topically (on her back). I know one of my dog goes 'nuts', and I can't put the stuff on his back! Don't know if this would do any good but if the dog is allergic to something you (flea preventive) put on her. To get it off--you are suppose to use Dawn dishwashing soap (NOT THE KIND FOR THE DISHWASHER!!) to get rid of it . Suds up really well and then rinse it off good so no soap residue remains. Sorry that's about all I have left to tell you. You probably have already done this but will mention just in case---Check on the posts in this forum that are in the section on Dog Health and Nutrition, a member may have had somewhat of the same type problem--try putting baldness in the search area in here to bring up posts with that word in it. Go on line and put words in your browser like dogs/baldness and any other words that describe what you are looking for. Try posting for answers in other dog forums---One you might try: pets.ca And this is a good place to find out about dogs--vet answers, etc.--- http://forums.doghobbyist.com/forum.php?catid=21 Happy hunting--Hope you find an answer soon! Maybe member Chevy & Karen will see this and can tell you some holistic remedies or at least something to help stop the itching too.

Don't know why the forum address I gave you above for the pets.ca isn't working--I've tried it several dif wordings and not working but it works if you go to my profile page--click statistics--find all posts by (me) and find one dated 02-10-09. May be more than 1 post I made with that date but still not hard to find and the address of course will be in blue print.

Hey, I just put words hair loss in the search field (top of pages in blue strip across the front--I think--(Ye gads, I've only been in and out of this post here about 7 times now--no kidding!!) Anyway--Do find the search 'place' and put in words hair loss and click word posts not thread and you will find it interesting!--esp. the posts numbered 6-7-8-and 9

[CorkyMax]

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I had a Fox Terrier that was allergic to bermuda. When we took her on holiday to Florida and spent 2 weeks at the beach,her skin cleared up. When I got home I purchased a child's wading pool and soaked her in salt water for 15 min. daily for 1 week. Gradually reduced the days down to once a week. She never had problems again.Just make it about the strength you'd gargle with. Hope this helps.
P.S. don't rinse salt water off. Just towel off.I think the salt may toughen the skin so it's not as easily irritated. Her skin will get redder for a few days-don't worry.

If grass was allergic problem,how about getting him a doggy boots? I have heard of somebody let dogs wear when he goes out on walk or potty because this dog is allergic to grass.

If allergic to flea bite,other than topical treatment,you can make lemon+water solution and spray as needed.Something in lemon repel the flea.If you have a book of Dr pitcairn's book,you can find the recipe.

Could it be by tick?

Palette has had hot spot before.When we went to vet,it was by spider bites. She tends to sit on grass when her business is done to let me know,and must have gotten a spider stick to her. She tended to chew on spots and made bold like you describe. Vet told us to interrupt her chewing because the more they chew,the worse it gets and it does not stay dry. So,we put her on Elizabeth collar when we cannot keep an eye for and, made sure area is dry not wet.

Vet also mentioned that when you bath your dog,make sure the fur gets completely dry not dump.

I think your vet would be able to give you their thoughts on bold spot,and hope your dog gets better soon.

[concernedmom]

My dog is allergic to everything, including me. I know because I did the allergy test and human dander was high on her list. She is allergic to grass as well. I recommend a few things. Using the oatmeal shampoo is good, but I would also try the oatmeal bath, I think Aveno makes it. It will be a nice treat for her skin, if you can get her not to eat it...lol. You can also buy hyrdocortozone (sp?) spray. Hertz makes one, but it doesnt seem to help all that much, but it cant hurt to try. Something I LOVE and have had great results with is "Calm Coat." My mom introduced this to me at a feed store. It takes only a little drop on the skin and seems to stop the itching and reduce redness super fast. It does great on hot spots too. In a pinch, I have also used vaseline to keep her from biting a certain spot. As for benadryl, I never leave home without it. She takes 75 miligrams and is 60 pounds. I know you mentioned money is tight, but I would really try to save up and take her to the vet. He can prescribe benadryl and it is MUCH CHEAPER to get it through him. Plus, for a really bad outbreak, you can try prednisone. It is a steriod, so I normally try everything before giving her that. It makes them super thristy and have to go out tons. Also, check with your animal shelter or animal not-for-profit. They normally have a vet they can call on and maybe can at least just look at your dog.

[concernedmom]

I tried to post this a while ago, but it said the administrator had to approve it? I still don’t see it, so I am responding again and am sorry if this results in multiple posts.
My dog is allergic to everything, including specific types of grass, so it is entirely possible that your dog is too. With mine being allergic to so much, rather than have her live in a bubble, I just do my best to keep her away from the sources, but end up spending more time treating her. My vet has prescribed me Benadryl. She is 57 pounds and takes 75 milligrams (?). The cost ends up being much cheaper purchasing it through the vet, rather than over the counter. So though I know you mentioned money was tight, saving up for the vet could be better in the end. Plus, it comes in different milligrams at the vet, which helps in getting the right dose. I also have prednisone on hand at all times. I try to never give her this, as it is a steroid, but it works the best. This must be prescribed by the vet. Maybe you could check with a local animal shelter or rescue group to see if they have a close relationship with a vet that could maybe see you at a reduced cost.
I also use topical oil called “Calm Coat.” I found this at a feed store, but am sure you can Google it. This is amazing stuff! Works great on hot spots or any skin irritations. I highly recommend it. Some other ideas I would suggest is the Aveno oatmeal baths and hydrocortisone spray. I know Hertz makes a spray, but it didn’t seem to have much effect on my dog. I tried the boots on her feet, but that was pretty much a waste of money as she hated them & would lie down to chew them off!!!

I know you don't suspect mange because your other dog is not affected, but what you describe really does sound like sarcoptic mange. You can purchase lime sulphur without a prescription, and it's inexpensive. Look at a farm supply store, and follow label directions. Even if she doesn't have mange, and it's grass allergy, it won't hurt, and will also combat fungal infections like ringworm.

Of course, it could also be grass allergy, as you suspect. How do your dog's ears look? Most dogs with grass allergy will have red, itchy ear canals, too. For grass allergy you can use Benadryl (to save $$ get the generic; diphenhydramine), and I'd also rinse or wipe your dog's skin well after she's been outside on the grass. I'd suggest a diluted vinegar/water mixture; one part vinegar to four parts water. This will help remove the pollen (which is most likely what she's allergic to) as well as soothe the itch and combat bacterial or fungal secondary infections.

You can also apply topical sprays or creams that contain diphenhydroamine to soothe the itch.

Another possible remedy; bathe in a shampoo that contains tea tree oil (melaluca). I'd probably dilute the shampoo well and wash down the itchy areas once a day, let it soak 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and apply a topical spray or cream, until you see improvement. Then bathe once a week.