[palsco]

We are just new to this forum. Kind of looking for input or info on allergies. Cosby is a 3 1/2 yr old 15/16 pound shitzu chihuahua mix and seems to have an allergy to maybe food (probable) and grass??? Keeps getting hot spots on his lower back and sometimes rash on his belly and his front leg pits. We have started to use the Go new salmon and oatmeal food to see if this works. Not sure yet though.
Got some medicated spray for hot spots, etc but doesn't seem to do anything.
Don't really want to take him to the vet for pills to take constantly??? Cosby is a little bit anxious has he does not like to be left alone and goes crazy when we get home from work at 5pm. He sleeps on top of our bed at night wiggling in to get comfy. Rings a bell to go out to potty. Loves to hides is stuffed bone from simply everyone but gets pretty anxious about where to hide it. Kind of funny.
He is very needy and loves to be held and patted and massaged. We love him to death - probably too much But need some help on this itchy allergy issue. We got him from someone who just didn't want him any more because she was just never home and was not fair to him so consequently he is now quite anxious about things/people and only warming up to a few certain people.
Anyone have similar problems or ideas??? Thanks.

[lange]

Hi & welcome to the forum. Sorry your dealing with allergies. It's not usually easy to figure out. I was wondering whether your dogs vet has looked him over? If he has any secondary problems because of the allergies, they need to be the priority being treated while simultaneously figuring out what is causing the allergies.

It's a good idea to do a food trial if that's what you're planning.. Just remember you have to keep the treats away as well & stick to one protein/carb source for 2-3 months. If you don't do a clean food trial and this ends up being food related, you'll never know what the culprit might be. If it's an inhalant it'll be even harder to pin point. If you don't know how to do a food trial, here is a link with an easy explanation: dog-with-dog-food-allergy.html

What I would recommend is using apple cider vinegar(organic only!)/water mixture as a topical spray (but secondary problems need to first be prioritized here). And I also like adding apple cider vinegar mixed into the food. Giving your dog a good quality fish oil on a daily basis is a must imo.

I went through a probable allergy with my dog early this year. You can read it here: Kuma's losing fur to get some ideas of what I've done & some suggestions I was also given on there that might help you. I still think there were more issues with my girl but I may never know what exactly happened since I haven't had real answers. She was also very young which, from my understanding, doesn't happen often w/dogs & allergies.
I hope you can figure out what is causing your Cosby problems. Good luck!