Question:
We have a 1-year-old cockapoo who appears to be suffering from severe allergies. We've been treating him with antihistamines, with minimal success. After reading up on dog allergies, I was surprised to find that they are not only common but several types of allergies can be tested for. Our dog constantly scratches and itches, to the point of turning his skin raw and scratching off clumps of hair. This condition is bad even during the winter, when I assume there are no molds or grasses that would contribute to an outdoor environmental condition. We don't think food is causing the problem, either. We're trying to find a vet who specializes in allergies to learn more about what may be making our dog's life miserable. What are your thoughts on this issue?
R.A.M., Springfield, Va Sep 05, 2010
Answer:
For various reasons, your dog's immune system has become impaired, so giving antihistamines (or steroids) won't help and could make things worse. A holistic approach is called for -- a homemade, whole-food diet of known ingredients (deleting some, adding others to retest for hypersensitivity) would be beneficial. Cover all areas where your dog likes to lie and sleep with old cotton sheets that you wash weekly in hot water and a little white vinegar; bathe him every two weeks with mild baby shampoo; and boost his immune system and improve skin condition with nutraceutical supplements such as flaxseed oil (1/2 teaspoon for a 15-pound dog) and one pediatric (child's) multimineral and multivitamin tablet (or similar supplement) that your veterinarian can prescribe. A few drops of primrose oil can be used as an alternative to flaxseed oil.
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