something is wrong with Clarabelle

[MissyGallant]

We bought a new bag of food a couple of weeks ago. Same everything, but a different bag. She started itching. This is the same time that Casey died and everyone got baths. On Monday, the vet put her on antihistamines because allwrgens are through the roof right now. Today we had to rush her back because she chewed the fur off her butt and tail. He recommended a change to grain free food, probiotics, gave her steroids, antibiotics, and spray on stuff.

She didn't eat her dinner. I'm scared. Casey started with one missed meal too.

 

[Caro]

Antihistamines can be hit and miss with dogs. You may want to try a different type. I tried several before hitting on Phenergan for Tully's allergies, but every dog is different.

Deska is recovering from a lick granuloma as well (which is what you described) from some sort of contact allergy where we are visiting atm. Got pretty nasty and infected, and now has a yeast infection. He was on cortisone or the itch and cephalexin for the wound. But the cephalexin made him sick. So if Clarabelle is off her food now it could be the antibiotic. Mind you, once the cortisone hits you might want to hide all the food in case she gets real hungry.

Have you given her flea remedies lately? Because flea loads tend to be high in spring and butt and tail is where fleas like to congregate. Also, when she comes inside give her feet and lower legs a good wipe to remove allergens and don't let her lay on the grass.

 

[Harbour]

Saying prayers for her to feel better quickly.

 

[tesslynn]

blessings on Clarabelle

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recalls/

by chance is the dry food on the recall alert list?

Personally, if she wasn't eating, I would immediately put her on strictly people food so I knew what was going in her system. Any chance they changed the formula on the food you are using, that can cause upsets. Shelties are so food sensitive and reactive. Any new treats lately? Is she walking in areas that could be sprayed with chemicals that she might be ingesting? Did you change cleaning products?

Pollens and mold are high this year- pollen.com can be specific for your zip code, might be a clue there.

My 2nd sheltie became so reactive as she aged that I became obsessed with making sure she didn't have issues or exposure to stuff that was harmful to her.

Best wishes finding relief and solutions for Clarabelle!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sable]

Look at Earthborn, its probiotics, and no grain. The company even has
treats that are great. The protein is not high.

 

[MissyGallant]

The dog food is not on a recall. However, it's the best guess. Here are our thoughts.

If it was in the water, the cats would be itching, so would every other dog in town. Vet's dog is fine, and he lives a couple of blocks away from us.

If it was something in our yard, it would be on their fur and get on Annabelle's cat. They sleep together every night. Caruso is not scratching. Neither are any of the cats.

It started with the newest bag of food. There is a list of complaints about our food brand- ALL within the past two weeks. Some of them included the sudden death of their dog (which brings up Casey and I can't even think about that scenario).

Conclusion- there is something in that batch of food.

So, we've done a hard switch on dog foods. We added probiotics to help that transition. They are all getting antihistamines, which seem to help. Clara got steroids, antibiotics, and a soothing spray and a cone of shame. We even went off of lamb in the food just in case. We were already on just Lamb and Rice, but we've taken out the grain and the lamb.

Her spot is healing. She hates the cone, but is adapting to having to wear it. She blames me and won't let me near her at the moment. DH puts it on her too, but I'm the only one who is getting blamed for it. She goes to him. But she won't come near me right now. My second broken heart of the past two weeks.

 

[tesslynn]

The dog food is not on a recall. However, it's the best guess. Here are our thoughts.

If it was in the water, the cats would be itching, so would every other dog in town. Vet's dog is fine, and he lives a couple of blocks away from us.

If it was something in our yard, it would be on their fur and get on Annabelle's cat. They sleep together every night. Caruso is not scratching. Neither are any of the cats.

It started with the newest bag of food. There is a list of complaints about our food brand- ALL within the past two weeks. Some of them included the sudden death of their dog (which brings up Casey and I can't even think about that scenario).

Conclusion- there is something in that batch of food.

So, we've done a hard switch on dog foods. We added probiotics to help that transition. They are all getting antihistamines, which seem to help. Clara got steroids, antibiotics, and a soothing spray and a cone of shame. We even went off of lamb in the food just in case. We were already on just Lamb and Rice, but we've taken out the grain and the lamb.

Her spot is healing. She hates the cone, but is adapting to having to wear it. She blames me and won't let me near her at the moment. DH puts it on her too, but I'm the only one who is getting blamed for it. She goes to him. But she won't come near me right now. My second broken heart of the past two weeks.

Glad you pinpointed it!!!!! None of my dogs tolerated the cone of shame well, they thought it was punishment and I got the stink eye. Once Clarabelle is healed and feeling herself, I bet she won't hold you responsible. Aren't sheltie's funny that way, oh well part of the joy of ownership. Give her hugs from Kaleigh & Savannah, they love to lick other shelties we meet-they KNOW, ha.