Puppy allergic to .... ?

[BrewskisMommy]

I had brewski at the vet yesterday for a second opinion on his hips, and to ask about a recent itching problem. He has been super itchy all over (near tail, armpits, neck, etc.). He has chewed his lower back so much that he has scabs and the vet said that it is infected. It seemed obvious to me that it was an allergy from day 1, but I wanted to ask the vet for advice on what he could be allergic to. He said that in a puppy that young its impossible to tell and he told me not to bother switching his food. He told me to give benadryl and an antibiotic. I was not happy with this visit, and since I was only there for a second opinion on hips (it was my breeder's vet) I will obviously not return. I will take him to my regular vet if necessary, but I thought I would try to find the answer myself while he finishes his antibiotics.

Are there any tests they can give a puppy to determine his allergy? I started him on Innova about a month and a half ago but his itching has just started in the last few days. Other than that, I can't think of any other changes in food/environment that could have caused his allergy. We give him one or two small milkbones when he goes in his crate, but I could cut that out and just give him kibble instead. We use kibble for training, and sometimes cheese. Any other ideas? Should I see my regular vet ASAP or maybe just ask him to call me? Thanks for any advice!!

-Jenna

[bliss7373]

First, I would definitely follow up with a different vet soon. This sounds fairly severe - and more to the point, it sounds like your poor puppy is pretty miserable. Poor, itchy little thing!

It could be environmental allergies (i.e. not food related). If Pennsylvania is like Ohio right now, everything is in bloom, there is pollen everywhere.....

I have a foster (who will likely just stay with us) who has environmental allergies. He isn't nearly as severe as what you're describing, but in the spring and fall he gets itchy - chews his feet, his belly breaks out in a rash, he gets snuffly, etc.

Raw honey (with propolis still in it) is good for these kinds of allergies, though it may not be enough to totally get rid of the symptoms. We have also been using Azmira's Aller'G (the type for environmental allergies) at the recommendation of a canine nutritionist. Between the two, he's feeling much better.

I don't think honey would be a problem for a puppy (I'd give a teaspoon with each meal) but not sure about the Azmira product. I'd pay close attention to the dosage, too.

Hope he feels better!

[Nishasmom]

Originally Posted by bliss7373

Raw honey (with propolis still in it) is good for these kinds of allergies, though it may not be enough to totally get rid of the symptoms.

Make sure its local honey .

[BrewskisMommy]

thanks for the suggestion! I will try to find some raw honey on my way home from work. I feel so bad for him...he is so itchy that its hard for him to fall asleep. He is always on leash when we are outside but there is this one bush that he likes to dig under, so maybe I'll keep him away from there just in case. Is there anything that I can put on his skin to soothe it? (the equivalent of an oatmeal bath for people?).

[Nishasmom]

They make oatmeal shampoos and "medicated" shampoos for dogs. I prefer the "medicated" version. Usually they are green, and contain soothing ingredients. I find that oatmeal doesn't so much "help" the problem, but it is very mild and non-irritating.

[lblax]

really i would follow the vetrinarians advice and use benadryl and an antibiotic. food allergies are usually not immediate a dog can eat the same food for years then become allergic and innova is one of the biggest alergy causing foods it is a very good food if your dog can tolerate it. bebadryl and antibiotics are very sound advice for this condition

[BrewskisMommy]

Should I start switching his food now or wait until his medications are gone? Is there any way to tell for sure what is causing the allergy? If he is allergic to Innova, would he likely be allergic to canidae as well?