Question:
I have a 9-year-old golden retriever who developed allergies last fall. The diagnosis from the vet was startling to me, as I did not realize that this could occur so late in her life.
Her belly turned blackish in color, and the vet said this was due to inflammation. We started treatment with antihistamines. After a week, she didn't appear better, so I took her back and a round of steroids was then prescribed, which seemed to help. I then kept her on antihistamines until we had a hard frost. With spring approaching, the vet recommended starting up the antihistamines well before we thaw in upstate New York. I am assuming the vet would want her to remain on them until the next winter and frost. I am not crazy about keeping her on meds for such a prolonged period. Do you have any suggestions/recommendations?
Her diet consists of a mix of Iams lamb/rice and Nutro Max lamb/rice. In addition, I mix in a scrambled egg and cheese (in the morning). Her evening meal gets a homemade mix of chicken, mixed vegetables and some type of grain (barley, rice, oats).
C.T., Red Hook, NY Jul 04, 2011
Answer:
Seasonal allergies in dogs are an all too common affliction, generally developing in older dogs, who develop a hypersensitivity to certain allergens after repeated seasonal exposures. Leaf mold and grass pollen in the fall are common culprits. Early flowering grasses and other plants in the spring can also be triggers and "crossing over" can occur when hypersensitivity to one allergen leads to a greater sensitivity to other allergens.
First, avoid vaccinations, anti-flea/tick treatments and other drugs that may aggravate your dog's condition. A soothing oatmeal-, chamomile- or baby-shampoo every couple of weeks to remove allergens from her fur may help along with cotton towels to lie on (washed weekly). Food supplements such as Brewer's yeast, flaxseed oil and local honey or bee pollen help many dogs with skin problems. I would not start her on antihistamines until the first indications of skin reactivity are evident since these preventive measures may suffice.
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