[pit_lover]

Hi all, I am new here and I just need some advice. I have a American Pit Bull Terrier. She is going on 4 years old. About 2 months ago she started chewing, licking, scratching herself raw; to the point she was loosing hair around her tail, neck, hips and shoulders. I took her into my vet ive used since FOREVER and he tested her for allergies; said she was allergic to "flea saliva" and had Flea Allergy Dermatitis!! Gave me a itch soothing medicated shampoo, put some front line Plus on her, de-wormed her again, and sent me home. She was loosing hair even more so I called my vet and he told me to try Benadryl or come in for a allergy shot. So i decided to go back in for the shot and then found out she was allergic to the ALLERGY SHOT and she had a reaction to that, witch caused her to itch, chew, scratch even more. Now she looks like she has mange, because she has so many bold spots. She stopped itching for the most part FINALLY; I went ahead and treated her with benadryl (and it worked right away) and it seems to be helping ALOT. However, her fur just don't seem to be growing back, and if so its taking forever! Is there a product I can give her that won't butt heads with the Benadryl that will help regrow her hair? I don't know what to do anymore; and me and her both are tired of going to the vet... home remedies perhaps??

[CorkyMax]

Just did a little searching on the net. Pasting a couple things I found that might be of interest to you:
Re: How do I make the dog's hair grow?

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We were encouraged to use The Missing Link. It's Omega 3's and some other stuff that is sprinkled on their food. It's good to grow a healthy coat. Both of my new ones had been malnourished. Their coats are thick, healthy and beautiful. This is in 3 to 4 months.


This is a link to click on:
[B]Hair Loss Problems

This may not be the original problem but could be the answer to getting the hair to grow back!: I am a groomer and i would only shave a double coated dog ONLY if necessary ( matted ). The hair will grow back if the dog's thyroid level is normal. I work next to a vet and I have asked him this when i first started grooming. We have had dogs (that are not meant to be shaved) grow their hair back a different color, texture, pattern, patchy, or not grow back at all. It may also grow back completely normal. But if a groomer shaved you pooch for NO reason then I would complain. Shaving a double coated pooch is the LAST resort!! there is always brushing, dematting and blowing out all the under coat you can. But if it is inhumane to do this then shaving your baby is the only humane answer. If you want to know if you pooch's hair will grow back, check his thyroids... ... Sorry for rambling.. but hope it helped

[pit_lover]

Id also like tips on maybe weaning her off the Benadryl completely and maybe not having to give it to her to stop her itching, scratching and hair loss? She is on a Hypoallergenic Dog food I was prescribed from my vet to rule out food allergies she might have too. I give her a fish oil tablet once a day in her dog food to help her skin and coat. Besides all that and the itch sooth medicated shampoo twice a week; any other suggestions on keeping her coat and skin soft and non itchy? :???:

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by pit_lover

Id also like tips on maybe weaning her off the Benadryl completely and maybe not having to give it to her to stop her itching, scratching and hair loss? She is on a Hypoallergenic Dog food I was prescribed from my vet to rule out food allergies she might have too. I give her a fish oil tablet once a day in her dog food to help her skin and coat. Besides all that and the itch sooth medicated shampoo twice a week; any other suggestions on keeping her coat and skin soft and non itchy? :???:

You are bathing way too often! Please read this entire thread from this forum: itchy cocker

This is a long thread about vinegar, but a very good one and you will learn many good uses for this --but esp. note posts #6 and #19 for the info you want the most (but please read the entire thread):
What About Vinegar!!

Will see if I can find any info on the Benadryl----Did you try putting dogs/benadryl in your browser or weaning dogs off Benadryl--something on that order?

[pit_lover]

So I should stop bathing her with the medicated shampoo? It says on the label to bath with the shampoo twice a week and to leave on dog for 10-15 mins before rinsing it out. Even though she has stopped itching as much, she does have very dry and flaky skin so I will stop bathing her, unless she really needs it like you said, and just resort to brushing her. Would baby oil help if I used it to spray her bold spots to put some extra oil in her skin; or will that worsen it? I also thought about giving her a good shave; because the hair looks dry and dead to me down her back bone, above her tail, hips, shoulders and neck. Would that be a BAD idea or maybe a option?

The Benadryl seems to be the only thing that has really helped her calm her itching. Haven't used it very long but she is no longer walking the floors contently, and not up all night digging at her skin 24/7. I feel really bad for her, like the vet didn't help at all with the allergy shot thing because it made things so much worse for her. I just really want her to be healthy, itch free and the happy girl she has always been before this all started happening. I also seen something on the internet about "blue coated dogs" having more hair and skin problems; is this true?

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by pit_lover

So I should stop bathing her with the medicated shampoo? It says on the label to bath with the shampoo twice a week and to leave on dog for 10-15 mins before rinsing it out. Even though she has stopped itching as much, she does have very dry and flaky skin so I will stop bathing her, unless she really needs it like you said, and just resort to brushing her. Would baby oil help if I used it to spray her bold spots to put some extra oil in her skin; or will that worsen it? I also thought about giving her a good shave; because the hair looks dry and dead to me down her back bone, above her tail, hips, shoulders and neck. Would that be a BAD idea or maybe a option?

Have you read all the 'helps' I gave you---I think you will find some of your answers there! Read about the vinegar for itchy skin! I would look into that instead of all that bathing---which can make your dog itch because the shampoo is stripping the coat of its natural oils. I can't answer your question on the baby oil----I am no expert and have to research---which you can do too by using your browser--Baby oil for dogs, etc. As to the shaving--iffy question ---I think one of the 1st links I gave you had some answers on that.

Here is a link on Benadryl, etc. Not done looking yet--This link is not the best answer on weaning but will find more info yet.-->
Dog Allergies and Their Causes

I am not satisfied with what I found about weaning off the Benadryl. I would ask your vet how to go about doing that--I know it has to be gradual. Did find this though:Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Side effects of Benadryl include drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention, vomiting and diarrhea. Benadryl overdose symptoms are seizures, extreme drowsiness, coma, respiratory depression and death. Do not use Benadryl in animals that are allergic to it or other antihistamines. Do not use in animals with glaucoma, prostate disease, urinary obstruction, and high blood pressure. Do not use in pregnant or nursing animals. Use with caution when given with other depressant drugs such as tranquilizers or barbiturates.
I am a person very much against a lot of the drugs prescribed to our dogs----I hope you can safely get off the Benadryl with no ill effects.

Good luck! Keep us informed on how your dog is doing--We worry if we never hear back. Have to go feed my 2 boys (dogs) now. Can see them in my album on my profile page if you like.

Check out this site to maybe help you decide whether to shave or not. It appears to be taking a chance on what will happen.---dogs being 'individuals' : Will a collie's hair grow back after being shaved?

[Lara's mom]

Try buying an aloe vera plant. Split a leaf lengthwise and apply the jelly inside to the itchy bald areas. I doubt it will grow hair back but it should help with the irritation. Wrap any unused jelly in the leaf in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. Twice a day should do it. Hope this helps.

[Bacis Dad]

Sorry to hear of the issue you are dealing with, I know it can be very annoying to you and the dog.
First you are bathing WAY too frequently, I only give baths as needed (Maybe once a month or every other month). Bathing that frequently has a reverse effect and dries out the coat.
In all honesty it sounds like your vet has you in a vicious cycle. You're directed to overbathe, while on a (low quality) prescription diet, with medication that can directly effect your dogs skin and immune system, but heres a cap that will help the skin...
The problems that you are explaining are most of the time due to a low quality diet. When the hair is slow to grow back this is a major indicator. (My dog had to be rushed to the ER 3 weeks ago, they shaved her leg for IVs and her hair has almost completely grown back! She is better now!
I would HIGHLY reccomend getting your dog onto a raw diet. Expensive but will save you TONS in vet bills! (this is controversial to some but I swear by it! If you are too concerned, get a grain free diet like Innova Evo or fresh food diet like honest kitchen)
As far as supplements Missing Link is great but I worked with this herbalist in Australia and his formulas are AMAZING!!! Heres a link for the remedy I would recommend for you
`Skin Problems, Herbal Blood Cleanser - Robert McDowell's Herbal Treatments. Human, Canine and Equine. Cancer Support, Radiotherapy Support, Articles and Online Consultation.
The problem you are having is not skin deep! It is your dogs over all health and immune system. A high quality diet and an immuno support (temporarily) will be the answer you are looking for!
Best of luck!

[CorkyMax]

Was going to mention this before in another thread but kind of forgot about it. I had read before that you have to use a MATURE plant but had forgot how old it had to be and the description for a mature plant---Can't remember if it is the plain green leaves that indicate a mature plant or if it is the 'speckled' with white/lighter green leaves. I am thinking it is the plain that is mature but don't bet on it!! Does anyone know which is which? I will do some more searching to try to find out. In the meantime I found this: BTW young aloe plants have only very small amounts of their 'miracle cure' ingredients. It has to be 3 years old and concentrate the trace elements in sufficient quantity.
Be back here if I find anything!
[B][COLOR="Green"]Not exactly what I was looking for but still informative:[B]Choosing Leaves
To obtain aloe vera gel from the plant, choose one or two large, healthy outer leaves growing from the base of the plant. The leaves should be at least 8" long. The chosen leaves should be thick, green and growing close to the soil. If leaves are too small, are not growing close to the soil or they are all growing upright from the middle of the plant, then they should not be removed because the plant is not yet mature. Aloe vera gel is not as potent unless it comes from a mature plant.
Cutting and Preparing Leaves
Use a sharp, non-serrated kitchen knife to cut the leaf from the plant at a slight angle. Take the cutting and set it upright in a glass measuring cup or bowl. Allow the leaf to sit for about fifteen minutes until yellow latex sap is drained.

After draining the leaf, place it on a cutting board and use the knife to cut the tip of the leaf. Then cut down the sides of each leaf lengthwise to remove the serrated edges. Once the sharp edges are gone, slice the inside of the leaf in half lengthwise in order to separate the front and the back.

Using a teaspoon, scoop out the clear gel by pressing against the inside of the leaf lightly and firmly.

Use the gel immediately or store it in a glass container for up to one year in the refrigerator.

Also found this: ■Aloe Vera is an astringent and may cause skin to dry. You can apply baby oil or other lubricant along with the aloe to help prevent dryness.

[Lara's mom]

Thanks Corky/Max: I never thought to say to make sure it was a mature plant.

[Mr. Vega]

I think before you go changing everything about this dog's lifestyle, it might be important to make sure the flea allergy dermatitis has completely resolved first, and then think about that stuff if you want to. Call your vet and discuss the frequency in which you're bathing your dog. You've payed him for his services, any vet worth .02 will be willing to discuss something as simple as how often to bathe with a medicated shampoo.

Most importantly!!!!!

I can not tell you how many clients I've seen that had dogs w/ flea allergy dermatitis. Let's just say, a lot. Many of them kept wondering why it kept coming back. It is extremely common for fleas to be living in a house where a dog has this allergy. I've had people swear up and down there's no way fleas are in their house. Month goes by, they finally agree to treat their carpets and wham - the problem resolves. So, in the future, if you find your dog is repeatedly visiting this little flea allergy dermatitis problem, I'd say look to the carpet for your answer.

Also, many owners are not aware that flea and tick preventative do not provide a forcefield around the dog and prevent them from even getting on the dog. All they do is get rid of the fleas after they get on the dog and try to take a little blood meal. Meaning, a dog on flea preventative can still have ongoing flea allergy dermatitis.

[pit_lover]

Thank you for all your help, everyone! you really gave me some in site on my baby girl. I'm taken her back to our "favorite" place today... Dr. V.T. as we call him. I think she knows the word "vet" lol.... ill let everyone know how it goes! :-D

[rayter]

I would suggest one of the coat/fur supplements available to stimulate hair growth to help increase the growth. Protein also helps grow hair, build muscles, and keep bones in good shape. Give your dog some protein vitamins.