Allergy testing

[.sarah]

Yeah, it's a blood test. I don't know if there's another kind? I'll try anything until we get a result.

[DogLover9501]

I think the other kind would be the same as they do on humans(on the skin). Usually done by an animal dermatologist. We don't have any here.

I know the blood tests do find things(or narrow them down) for some people. So I hope you do find out something.

Jasper has been going through alergies since he was 5 months old, and we tried things until our vet didn't know what else to do. However, I have found things that helped on my own. He's doing pretty good right now

Keep us posted.

[Jessika]

When it got so bad he bled, I would put something like neosporin or polysporin on it. I've heard using goldbond body powder all over their body helps (but was unsure so I have not taken that route). Otherwise what really helped for me this last time was we went to Walmart looking for an oatmeal shampoo but they were out, instead they had this Medicated Shampoo from Hartz (I know I'm usually not too fond of Hartz, either). HJ gave him a bath using it, and it worked! I don't know what it did but he stopped scratching almost immediately. Up until the bath we gave him a benedryl a day.

Another option for hot spots (I forget if its ok to use if the skin is broken) is they have the anti itch spray stuff, but we've never used that. I've heard it works though, especially on their paws.

[lv4dogs]

Raustyk has had extensive allergy testing in the past. It's very similar to human allergy testing, onsiously the more extensive the test the more envolved it is. This should be done by a specialist only. They shave a patch of hair & inject a bunch of different common allergy causing substance, wait 24-48 hours (can't remember for sure). They then examine the area to see what locations are irritated.

Does she happen to eat out of plastic bowls? That could be part of the problem thats causing the irritation around the mouth. It's very comon for dogs who eat out of plastic to get allergy/pimple type symptoms on the muzzle.

[lv4dogs]

I am SO sorry, I forgot to add that I wish yous the best of luck tomorrow & it's really not that bad. We'll be wishing for something simple.

[Dixieland Dancer]

Does she happen to eat out of plastic bowls? That could be part of the problem thats causing the irritation around the mouth. It's very comon for dogs who eat out of plastic to get allergy/pimple type symptoms on the muzzle.

I was going to ask this same question. Plastic is a big no no for dogs. It holds bacteria that cause problems such as what you are seeing around your dogs mouth. Switch to stainless steel bowls for both feeding and drinking and make sure they get a good soapy water clean out at least once a week (or more).

My Dusty was allergy tested. I'll write more about it tomorrow as I am being called in a different direction now by my human kid.

[Karen]

She has my utmost sympathy. As an "allergic person," tell her I feel her pain, and hope you'll be able to figure out both what's bothering her, and how to combat it. Poor Super Nova!

[.sarah]

No, we don't use plastic bowls. We use ceramic, and they are washed after every use. Thanks though.