Cocker Spaniel with Allergies - Advise Please

[micki76]

My Chester is now 14 and we have dealt with allergies his whole life. Over the years we've done allergy injections like you're trying now, steroids, antihistamines (I can think of at least 5 different ones), steroid/antihistamine combos, holistics, even acupuncture. He's been on every food you could possibly imagine that didn't contain beef, chicken, lamb or turkey. We've seen a VERY expensive allergy specialist near Dallas and many, many, many 'regular' vets. FINALLY about a year and a half ago our awesome new vet suggested we try Atopica.

BAM!! After having bloody paws for so many years (and I don't just mean red or irritated, I came home one day to a completely degloved paw up to the elbow) we have NOTHING. Every once in a while he has a bit of chewing, but I don't think it's anything more than some normal itchies.

We did the prescription foods for a short time, but then finally settled on Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Fish & Sweet Potato. We occasionally throw caution to the wind and feed him the Venison and Sweet Potato in the same brand. Both are 100% grain free, which I was surprised to realize was a large portion of Chester's issues, too. (That never showed up on any tests, but I saw a difference immediately)

There have been a few times, like that degloving incident, that I almost euthanized him because I felt that all he did was suffer constantly, for YEARS.

All that to say don't give up. There is a workable solution out there for your baby. Who knows, maybe ask about Atopica and see how it works? It's pricey, but as you know, if it works it's worth it's weight in gold. I would give anything to have had this sooner, but at least I have it now.

Best of luck and let me know if you have any questions. I have years of experiences both good and bad, and understand the stress of your situation.

[Cataholic]

Long time, no see Micki76!! I will look up Atopica. Thanks for that.

Mrich- not sure where you are, but the food Micki 76 and I both feed our dogs is no where near $90/bag. It is a great, high quality food. It comes in wet, dry and treats.

[Edwina's Secretary]

My mother's cocker spaniel has allergies and is CONSTANTLY chewing on his feet - or his ears. He takes benedril and eats food with no grains in it. It has helped.

[MRichardson50]

Thanks to all for sharing their stories.

I will definitely look for the Natural Balance food and also ask for the Atopica. At this point, I don't care what it costs, but I bet the food is not $90 a bag.

By the way, I am from Michigan. I'm sure I could find the Natural Balance food at either Pet Smart or Pet Supplies.

The vet just put her on streroids for 10 days. A little relief for Sophie, but short lived.

I am hesitant about continuing the allergy shots. I do believe they are making her worse.

The other option my vet told me was after she goes for a walk to rinse her feet off. This will remove any environmental allergies that she came in to contact with. I will start this as well.

[Karen]

The other option my vet told me was after she goes for a walk to rinse her feet off. This will remove any environmental allergies that she came in to contact with. I will start this as well.

Also keep a (used is fine) dryer sheet or damp towel near the door, and wipe her body off as well, just a quick rub down will be nice for her, and remove any pollen that has settled on her coat!

[micki76]

Also keep a (used is fine) dryer sheet or damp towel near the door, and wipe her body off as well, just a quick rub down will be nice for her, and remove any pollen that has settled on her coat!

^This. I had many vets tell me the grass allergies Chester has are from contact, but contact allergies are rare and the grass allergies are actually from INHALED pollen. Most inhaled allergies present in dogs as itching, either feet or ears, whereas in humans, we just sneeze and have itchy eyes.

Be careful with the steroids and use them sparingly in short courses like you're doing. Not only do they cause systemic issues, but they can also make the allergies worse by lowering the immune system. You get a temporary benefit, but it creates a worse problem long term, especially if you use them for more than a 10-14 day course.

I haven't found the Natural Balance in the Dallas area at Petsmart, but our Petco stores carry all the flavors. It also comes in Duck & Potato and Bison and Potato, but those didn't work as well for us. I buy the largest bag (28lbs) and I think it's maybe $50?

Cataholic - I still read PT a lot. Probably should post occasionally, but I don't feel like I know anyone here anymore so I'm hesitant to do so. I shouldn't be, though.

[Karen]

^This. I had many vets tell me the grass allergies Chester has are from contact, but contact allergies are rare and the grass allergies are actually from INHALED pollen. Most inhaled allergies present in dogs as itching, either feet or ears, whereas in humans, we just sneeze and have itchy eyes.

Yes, the dryer sheet/damp cloth wipe down is just an extra preventative, as dogs often curl up to seep, and will then inhale whatever's on their coat as well, or get it on their beds, and when they roll over, breathe it in.

Cataholic - I still read PT a lot. Probably should post occasionally, but I don't feel like I know anyone here anymore so I'm hesitant to do so. I shouldn't be, though.

Lots of folks here know you, and don't post as much, but keep on posting and new folks will get to know you, too!