[delvon]

DAISEY HAS HAD SO MANY TREATMENTS BY THE VET NOW THE LATEST BEING STEROID INJECTION. I HAVE CHANGED HER DIET EVERYTHING BUT SHE STILL KEEPS SCRATCHING DIRECTLY SHE HEALS IN ONE PLACE ITS STARTS IN ANOTHER. SHE HAS A LOVELY COAT & I GIVE HER VITAMINS ETC. AQT THE MOMENT SHE IS SCRATCHING UNDER HER FRONT ARM, SHE MAKES HERSELF BLEED, THE VET HAS NOW GIVEN HER ATOPICA 50MG £78 FOR 15 TABLETS & RECKONS SHE WILL HAVE TO TAKE THEN DAILY IF THEY ARE SHOWN TO WORK. wE HAVE HER INSURED BUT THE PROBLEM STARTED BEFORE HER INSURANCE SO IS AN EXISTING PROBLEM. I AM A PENSIONER SO THIS COST IS BEYOND ME HAS ANYONE ANY IDEAS OF A CHEAPER TREATMENT? HOPEFULLY SOMEONE HAS PLEASE...

[Lara's mom]

What are you feeding her? From what I've read, two of the big triggers for allergies are chicken and grains. Have you tried a fish based grain free dry food?

Are you at all interested in home cooking for your dog? If so, PM me and I'll pass along some recipes I've developed for friends who's dogs suffer from allergies.

I'm sorry your insurance won't cover it. I always insure mine as soon as I get them so I don't run into that.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by delvon

DAISEY HAS HAD SO MANY TREATMENTS BY THE VET NOW THE LATEST BEING STEROID INJECTION. I HAVE CHANGED HER DIET EVERYTHING BUT SHE STILL KEEPS SCRATCHING DIRECTLY SHE HEALS IN ONE PLACE ITS STARTS IN ANOTHER. SHE HAS A LOVELY COAT & I GIVE HER VITAMINS ETC. AQT THE MOMENT SHE IS SCRATCHING UNDER HER FRONT ARM, SHE MAKES HERSELF BLEED, THE VET HAS NOW GIVEN HER ATOPICA 50MG £78 FOR 15 TABLETS & RECKONS SHE WILL HAVE TO TAKE THEN DAILY IF THEY ARE SHOWN TO WORK. wE HAVE HER INSURED BUT THE PROBLEM STARTED BEFORE HER INSURANCE SO IS AN EXISTING PROBLEM. I AM A PENSIONER SO THIS COST IS BEYOND ME HAS ANYONE ANY IDEAS OF A CHEAPER TREATMENT? HOPEFULLY SOMEONE HAS PLEASE...

This thread might be helpful--Please read all the posts!


itchy cocker

Another link: Flea Allergy Dermatitis?

What About Vinegar!!

A lot of reading there but well worth the time if there is something there that helps and most don't cost much!!

[Todd]

I agree with Laura's Mom. What are you feeding the dog and what have you fed in the past? Food allergies re very common in dogs. Have you tried california natural? This food is specifically designed for dogs with allergies because of the limited amount of ingredients. As Laura's Mom suggested, the allergy could be grains or a meat source. Try a grain-free food in this case. The best diet for a dog with allergies is homecooked or raw, which is what I feed my dog. let me know if any of these diets are of interest to you and I can give you more info. Raw is very economical as well. I get chicken quarters for 50 cents per pound! I occasionaly get ground turkey too for 1.00per pound. I think a raw diet would solve this problem completely if it is infact a food allergy. You know exactly what's going into a food u put together yourself so u can eliminate certain ingredients to find allergy trigger foods.

Could fleas be adding to or causing the problem? Dogs can actually be allergic to flea bites which can cause terrible itching. Her's some info from the web;

Flea allergy dermatitis, Flea bite hypersensitivity

Flea allergy

AffectedAnimals:

Any breed or sex of dog can be affected. The average age for flea allergy is three to five years. Cats also can be allergic to fleas.

Overview:

Dogs that have flea allergy dermatitis are hypersensitive to the saliva a flea passes into the dog’s skin when it bites. The bite from a single flea will have a minimal affect on a normal animal, but dogs with flea allergy will experience immediate itching, redness and swelling. It is the dogs themselves, and not the fleas, that typically do the worst damage. When a dog scratches its fleabites excessively, hair loss and skin abrasions can result. Some dogs will develop circular, red, painful sores called hot spots that can occur anywhere on the skin, but commonly are seen along the back and tail base.

The most common canine allergic skin disorder, flea allergy only can be resolved by preventing the dog from being bitten by the flea and removing all the fleas from the dog’s environment. There are medications available, however, that will alleviate the itching and discomfort until complete flea control is achieved.

Clinical Signs:

Pruritus, alopecia, barbered hairs, papules, erythematous macules with crusts, and acute moist dermatitis can be seen in a typical dorsal lumbar and tail base pattern. The lesions can extend to the thighs and caudal abdominal areas. Secondary pyotraumatic dermatitis, pyoderma, and seborrhea are commonly noted. Chronic skin changes include thickening of the dermis with acanthosis, hyperkeratosis and lichenification.

Symptoms:

Common findings in a dog that is allergic to fleas include increased scratching or itchiness, loss of hair, hairs that appear broken, crusts and erosions of the skin, and pimple-like bumps. Thickened skin with darkened areas can be seen in severe cases. Fleas or flea feces, which can be difficult to detect, indicate the presence of fleas. Hot spots sometimes can be seen along the dog’s back and tail base. These sores are usually circular, red, oozing, and very painful, often requiring medical attention.

Description:

Flea allergy is the most common canine allergic skin disorder, affecting dogs with an abnormal sensitivity to the saliva a flea injects into the skin when it takes a blood meal. In reaction to flea allergen, allergic dogs will have inflammation and irritation of their skin—not to mention intense itchiness. Hair loss and skin lesions can result when a dog scratches or bites its irritated skin.

The problem may last year-round in warm climates or in flea-infested indoor environments. In regions with cold winters, the allergy will appear seasonally during the warm months of the year. Treatment of flea allergy requires eliminating the fleas from the dog, other pets, and the surroundings. Various medications can provide temporary relief of itching for severely affected dogs until flea control is achieved.

It may be difficult to detect fleas on a dog, but brushing it over a white sheet may help: flea feces, a dark, black material, that falls from the dog’s hair onto the sheet would suggest the presence of fleas. A flea comb also can be used to look for the feces or the fleas themselves. Dogs should be examined often if itching is noted.

Diagnosis:

The symptoms of flea allergy can mimic other disorders of the skin. Before concluding that a dog is allergic to fleas, the examining veterinarian first will attempt to rule out allergies to food and inhalants, internal parasites, drug reactions, hair follicle inflammation (folliculitis), fungal infection, and other topical parasites—all of which may have signs similar to an allergic reaction to fleas. A thorough history and physical exam will be required, during which the veterinarian will analyze the type and size of the skin lesions.

It is often very beneficial for dogs with suspected allergies to be tested for allergens that may be causing the dog to be itchy and uncomfortable. There are two common techniques that veterinarians can use to determine any underlying allergies to allergens such as fleas. One technique is called intradermal skin testing which requires the injection of different allergens into the skin. This usually is done by a veterinary dermatologist and may require sedation. The second technique involves taking a blood sample and sending it to a laboratory for allergy testing. This is called serologic allergy testing. There are varying opinions about serologic testing, so consultation with the examining veterinarian will be necessary.

Prognosis:

A dog with flea allergy dermatitis will always remain allergic to fleas. The severity of this allergy typically worsens as the dog ages. If fleas are eliminated from the dog’s environment, the dog will stop suffering the symptoms of flea allergy. If the response is incomplete but flea control has been achieved, the dog should be reevaluated by the veterinarian for concurrent allergies.

Transmission or Cause:

When a flea sucks blood from a dog, it passes its saliva into the dog’s skin. Dogs that are allergic to flea allergen will experience swelling, irritation, and itchiness. When the dog scratches the bites, further trauma to the skin—lesions, hair loss, and more intense itchiness—will result. A single flea bite can cause these symptoms in an allergic dog; animals without this allergy must be bitten many more times before their skin becomes irritated.

Treatment:

The goals of treatment are to alleviate the dog's allergic reaction to fleas by preventing the flea from biting the animal and eliminating the fleas from the environment. It is very important that owners completely remove the fleas and their eggs from the animal’s environment. This involves the treatment of all household animals for fleas to prevent the allergic dog from becoming reinfested. There are many commercially available products that kill fleas both indoors and outdoors. Additional products have been designed for use on the dog. Professional pest extermination companies, which usually carry a satisfaction guarantee, are also an option. A veterinarian can customize a flea control program to meet an allergic dog’s individual needs.

Therapy for the allergic reaction is based on the severity and history of the symptoms. Following an evaluation of the dog, the veterinarian may prescribe any of the following medications: topical treatments, medicated shampoos, steroids, antihistamines, antibiotics, and fatty acid supplements such as skin oil replacement. The examining veterinarian often will recommend a commercially available product that kills fleas on contact, before they have a chance to bite. These products are ideal in helping prevent further flea allergic reactions.

The effectiveness of allergy shots, or hyposensitization, for treating flea bite hypersensitivity remains controversial. This method of treatment, prescribed by a veterinary dermatologist, usually is reserved as a final therapeutic step for severely afflicted animals not responding to strict flea control.

Prevention:

Prevent fleas from entering the household. If evidence of fleas is noted on the dog or on any other pets in the household, early intervention can stop the problem before the symptoms become severe.

[Todd]

As I did some more research online I came across another catagory of issues that could potentially be causing this issue. Here's some info from the net;

Parasitic Skin Diseases

Scabies is an intensely pruritic skin condition caused by the sarcoptic mange mite. Lesions are seen on the ears, elbows and hocks (ankles).

Demodectic mange is caused by the demodex mite. This is usually a disease of young dogs and causes dramatic hair loss and dermatitis. This disease is often not pruritic, but can lead to a secondary bacterial infection of the skin (pyoderma) which may be itchy.

Fleas can cause pruritus in dogs that are not flea allergic, although the degree of pruritus is less severe.

Cheyletiellosis is an itchy skin condition caused by the cheyletiella mite. Lesions are usually most dramatic along the top of the back. These mites are sometimes visible to the naked eye as small, moving, white specks, hence the name "walking dandruff mite".

Lice are small insects that are easily seen with the naked eye that can cause pruritus.

Ear mites cause itching of the ears in dogs and can sometimes cause itching elsewhere on the body.

There are many other causes of pruritus, including secondary bacterial skin infections (pyoderma) and secondary yeast infections.

Pruritus (Itchiness) in Dogs

In the meantime, here are some natural remedies and such I found online that may be helpful as complementary treatments;

Bathe your dog. Dilute a little tearless dog shampoo with warm water and rub it in a ring all the way around your dog’s neck before bathing him. The ring will prevent fleas from traveling from his body to his head during his bath. Use your sink for small dogs and a large tub for big dogs and allow them to sit in warm soapy water while you massage their skin. Fleas will drown below the ring line but you will have to pick off the fleas on the head area. Bathe your dog weekly until all fleas are gone.

Boil 2 quarts of water and add a handful of regular or quick-cooking oatmeal to the water. Allow the water to boil for 10 minutes and let it stand until cool. Strain the water and discard the solids. Use the oatmeal water as a soothing rinse after your dog’s bath.

Stop the histamine effect of allergens in your dog with an over-the-counter antihistamine. Look for a product that only contains diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl or a generic brand. Administer one 25mg tablet for every 50 pounds of body weight. Divide a tablet with a sharp knife, accordingly, for small dogs.

Supplement your dog’s diet with flaxseed oil to strengthen his skin’s immunity to contact irritants. Dr. Autumn Drouin, DVM, author of “The Allergy Cover-Up,” suggests the essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil and salmon oil might reduce the effect of an allergic reaction.

If you’ve eliminated all other causes of an allergic reaction in your dog, try a different dog food. Some dogs react negatively to fillers and additives in their food.

Clean a puppy’s kennel daily if she develops a rash on her soft pink underbelly. This skin is highly sensitive to contact with urine or feces, two common elements in a puppy’s pen. A clean, dry floor will keep a puppy from developing a urine rash. Once the rash is present, use warm water (with iodine, at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 2 cups of water) and a soft rag dipped in the solution to bathe the irritated area.

Vacuum your carpet and sweep your floor daily if your dog has an allergy to dust or pollen. In addition, brew a cup of generic black tea, dilute it by adding 2 cups of water, and fill a spray bottle with the solution. After cleaning, mist the interior of your home with the solution, as this will kill dust mites. Avoid misting light-colored upholstery fabrics.

Pet Allergies and Skin Problems: Natural Prevention and Solution

Some Useful Home Remedies for Dogs Dry Itchy Skin and Other Skin Ailments

Good luck!

[GSDS4Life]

It could also be something enviromental. Something in the house. Air freshner, carpet cleaner ect. Or something on the grass when she lays down.

How long has she been itchy?

With food allergies, it usually starts with the licking of the paws.

[OrangeDog]

GSD brings up a good point. It could be something in your house. I had a client with a half poodle half golden retriever mix that started itching like crazy shortly after she moved. Grooming dident help, diet dident help, the vet could not help... turns out her landlord had shampooed the carpet just before she moved in and when she moved (shortly after for other reasons) the itching went away.

California natural is a good one. Wellness and Blue Buffalo also make limited ingredient foods that are turkey, duck or fish based. In the UK you may want to look into James WellBeloved which is an excellent food (I wish we had it in the states - I always stock up on their dog snacks when I go to England)

[eppie]

Our shepherd is quite allergic, she is doing well on Hills Prescription diet DD salmon and potato - I have been giving her 1/4 teaspoon olive oil daily lately since she seems to have dry skin - lots white flakes
The vet also gave me prescription drops - steroid/antibiotic

[Todd]

Originally Posted by eppie

Our shepherd is quite allergic, she is doing well on Hills Prescription diet DD salmon and potato - I have been giving her 1/4 teaspoon olive oil daily lately since she seems to have dry skin - lots white flakes
The vet also gave me prescription drops - steroid/antibiotic

The Hills isn't going to do her any favors. Prescription or not it's a very low quality food. If you're not going to cook or feed a raw diet for the dog at least try California Natural. It's a very healthy food with limited ingredients made specifically for dogs with allergies. You're dog could also potentially have a food allergy with grains where a grain free food may be beneficial.

[eppie]

We have had EXTREMELY good results with our pets after the vet wore me down and convinced me to feed the prescription foods - our senior cat adopted at eleven had quite a few health problems but after a year on the GD formula her blood work is completely normal and she is more actice at 18 than the younger cats. Eppie is doing well since we switched her to the DD and I have added a quarter teaspoon of olive oil a day to help - her dandruf is dissappearing and she is progressing well gaining weight and eating less - she was underwieght and had a poor coat when we adopted her 6 months ago - she is around 3 years old - I know people who feed cooked/raw and they are happy with that - we have had dogs in the past that could survive on anything but they were all mixed breed - I insisted on seeing the data sheets on what was in the food before buying - unfortunately only the vet has that information available - the info on the food package is only a tiny bit of the actual composition of the food - I no longer buy food from any place but the vet

[Todd]

Originally Posted by eppie

We have had EXTREMELY good results with our pets after the vet wore me down and convinced me to feed the prescription foods - our senior cat adopted at eleven had quite a few health problems but after a year on the GD formula her blood work is completely normal and she is more actice at 18 than the younger cats. Eppie is doing well since we switched her to the DD and I have added a quarter teaspoon of olive oil a day to help - her dandruf is dissappearing and she is progressing well gaining weight and eating less - she was underwieght and had a poor coat when we adopted her 6 months ago - she is around 3 years old - I know people who feed cooked/raw and they are happy with that - we have had dogs in the past that could survive on anything but they were all mixed breed - I insisted on seeing the data sheets on what was in the food before buying - unfortunately only the vet has that information available - the info on the food package is only a tiny bit of the actual composition of the food - I no longer buy food from any place but the vet

Well pet food is always going to be something where everyone has their own opinion on, but I am glad to hear the improvements in your pets health. The olive oil is really great. Glad you're using it. Try some fish oil also.Great for not only skin and coat health but also things like heart health, cancer preventitive, etc.

[angiesample]

We have a dog in our family who would just lick and lick and lick to the point where she literally would have no tail and no hair on her behind and legs.. and i mean this dog is fluffy!! We tried several approaches before coming across something called Sea mill.. it is a supplement that u just sprinkle over the food. We saw huge improvements in about two days. We have sense added fish oil to her diet and switched to a fish based food. Our dog is a completely different dog. Not only does she not have patches but people walk up to us all the time and ask us what we feed her.. Her coat is so shiny and healthy.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by angiesample

We have a dog in our family who would just lick and lick and lick to the point where she literally would have no tail and no hair on her behind and legs.. and i mean this dog is fluffy!! We tried several approaches before coming across something called Sea mill.. it is a supplement that u just sprinkle over the food. We saw huge improvements in about two days. We have sense added fish oil to her diet and switched to a fish based food. Our dog is a completely different dog. Not only does she not have patches but people walk up to us all the time and ask us what we feed her.. Her coat is so shiny and healthy.

May I ask which fish based food you are feeding? A homemade/raw deal or kibble? Just was going to recommend Origin's new fish formula.

[lacoe55]

Hi, we have a shar-pei/lab mix (1 1/2 years old). About seven months ago she started scratching and biting constantly, she started showing bald spots with little bumps in them. We took her to the vet and the bald spots turned out to be ringworm. She was put on treatment for that and after the second course the bald spots/bumps disappeared. Not the itching though, then she started showing dandruff, back to the vet. This was seborrhea, she was put on anti-histamines, two different kinds and neither one worked. The itching/dandruff continued. The vet said the only alternative left was steroids or the very expensive allergy testing to find exactly what kind of med would work for her. We definitely didn't want to put her on steroids having been told by the vet of all the side effects and she being so young. The allergy testing we can't afford. So I started reading books on dog health problems and found the one by Betsy Brevitz DVM(Complete Healthy Dog Handbook) where she mentions (page 107) shampoos that contain "coal tar" as being effective for treating this seborrhea problem. We found the Perfect Coat brand one at Petsmart and have used it on her every other day for a week and the itching is 95% gone. She still shows a bit of dandruff but in the book it says that it takes a while to get rid of all the flakes and skin debris. Eventually one should be able to do the bathing only once a month.
Anyway, we are very hopeful about this being the solution. After spending hundreds of dollars in meds, it's amazing that a 9.00 shampoo has worked the best.

[CorkyMax]

Thank you for posting that good info! It is this kind of thing that can be very helpful to a lot of people, and lol, the dog!! Should have a section in here called Things That Have Worked For Me sort of thing!