allergies

dogcatmom02

Forums Regular
Chandler has been biting and chewing on his paws off and on since May. After trying several medications, we had allergy testing done and the tests came back showing no allergies. Our next step is doing a food trial and if that does not work, he will have to see a veterinary dermatologist. Has anyone had experience with this type off issue and had to see a dermatologist?
 
Did your vet rule out a fungal or bacterial infection? A good dose of antibiotics would clear that up if that was the case. A friend of mine had that issue with her dog and was told it was allergies for 2 years before they found out it was a fungal infection.
 
Seems a few more allergy issues popping up atm - wonder if you're having a bad season over there.

Did you have a look at the itchy sansa thread http://sheltieforums.com/threads/itchy-sansa.25949/#post-364253

What medications did you try? Antihistamines are really trial and error for dogs because many don't work. You may have to get a list of human antihistamines from your vet with dog dosages and work your way through it. Tully gets phenergan. I found the newer antihistamines don't work for Tully, and they are actually not that effective in me either.

When you did allergy testing which was it? The vet dermatologist that I saw for Deska said the blood tests for allergies are very inaccurate and doesn't do them. She does the skin scraping test instead (which requires a shaved sheltie).

I've never did get a diagnosis for Deska, although I didn't go back to the dermatologist again (she wanted us to do another food elimination trial which I'd already done twice before, and it's $300 a visit). The dermatologist did say that Tully's type of allergy, which is the straight licking of the paws type allergy is the easiest for her to treat. But I must say I never bothered because I've managed it for the last 10 years with anithistamines.

I will say regular baths with a vet quality shampoo has helped Deska - I often just wash down the effected parts rather than the whole coat. So perhaps see if bathing Chandler's feet regularly helps - at least you'll get an idea if it's actually his paws that are itching or whether his just licking the paws as a soothing thing for an overall itch.

I know when Tully first showed signs of allergies it helped to record when the paw licking and snorting was at its worst (she also used to lick furniture before I got her on antihistamines). Helped me know best time to give her an antihistamine and also if we went certain places I should wipe her paws down.

And while I remember - we had a bad year for allergies here too. I did find Tully is much worse if she lays near a doorway, whether open or not. So if the door is closed I put draft blockers across the door or I shut the door if it's open.
 
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Interesting reading about Cytopoint. I don't think it's available out here yet. A vet did prescribe Apoquel for Deska, but after reading the potential side effects I decided not to go with it. I worry about using something so new and experimental. But then for dogs that are really bad I guess you'd try anything. I think the option of an injectable rather than pills will make it easier for a lot of people.
 
Hello all... Has anyone every tried essential oils with their sheltie for itching or calming?
 
Hello all... Has anyone every tried essential oils with their sheltie for itching or calming?

I have a few friends in agility that use essential oils for calming. They think it works--though they both admit it could be all in their head!
 
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