Atopy Allergies......

[Stac&Syd]

I am looking for any suggestions on dealing with Atopy Allergies. Our Golden has had many ear infections, sheds unbelievably, chews feet, itches chin etc... She was given a Depo Medryl shot 3 weeks ago which helped the problem, however it has wore off and her follow up appointment is next Thursday. When we visited the vet 3 weeks ago he mentioned she would be treated with antihistamines and or steroids. I told him up front I am totally against giving her steroids, which he was very understanding, I am just wondering what I can do around my home to try and prevent so many of the problems that go with this.

[theGoldenPup]

I'm not sure what atopy allergies are, but does that mean you don't really know because of the many sources? If you could find out what it is, that could help you change your lifestyle.

Diet and exercise, caution when introducing anything new to the home/enviroment.

Maybe keep a journal of things you do (new furniture, vaccumm, cleaners), and any symptoms you see that day, and possibly over time you may see some sort of pattern?

Hope this goes well for both of you. I like your choice!

GoldenPup

[Merlinsmom]

Im not sure what atopy allergies are-but my vet also uses homeopathic remedies as an alternative to the usual treatments-if you want them...

Merlin has an allergy to a particular weed here-called Wandering Dew-if he runs on it in the garden it makes him itch and scratch dreadfully...and we used a homeopathic remedy for that from our vet -and it worked..

Just a suggestion-but it might help to find someone who does this as well. :)

[johnwa]

Well, we've done some library research for you. And the text below is a quote from the library text. Hope it helps you out some.


The most effective long-term solution would be to change the dog's living circumstances to avoid the allergen. The atopic dog is usually allergic to many different allergens, however, and it often is not pratical or feasible to avoid exposure to them all.
Most dog's with atopy respond well to treatment. A first and most important step is to reduce the threshold for scratching by treating and eliminating all associated irritave skin problems such as seborrhea and pyoderma.
Antihistamines control itching and scratching in 20 to 40 percent of atopic dog's. Corticosteroids are the most effective anti-itch drugs, but also have the most serious side effects. They are best used intermittently in low doses and for a limited time. Preparations containing hydrocortisone with Pramoxine are often prescribed for treating local areas of itching. Pramoxine is a topical anesthetic that provides temporary relief from pain and itching.
Derm Caps and other essential fatty acid products derived from fish oils have produced good results in some dogs. They are as nutritional supplements in conjunction with other therapies. A variety of shampoos are available and may be prescribed by your vet to rehydrate the skin, treat bacterial infection and control seborrhea. Dog's that do not repond to medical treatment can be considered for immunotherpay with hyposensitization. This involves skin testing to identify the allergen(s) and then desensitizing the dog to the specific irritants through a series of injections given over a period of 9 to 12 months or longer.

[3 goldens]

My KayCee has allergies to certain grasses, mold spores, etc. HOWEVER (knock on wood) she has not had a single hot spot from licking and chewing in over a year. One thing I do give her is Vitacaps from Dr. Foster & Smith catalog. They do seem to help. Has the omega fats in them that conditions the skin and helps cut down on itching. I also give EsterC. Right now she is on that nasty science diet RD for weight loss. Nothing else has worked, so it has to be that RD and it does work for her. You might try the vitacaps and see if they help as they seemed to help KayCee

[Stac&Syd]

Thank you 3 goldens. I do have her on the vita caps from Drs Foster & Smith now,(I wondered if anyone else used their products)I have seen an improvement in her. She doesn't get hot spots but just chews her feet and licks her legs mostly. She also licks her front legs and then wipes her face, we always said she was "washing her face" but from what I have read this is another symptom of allergies. She has a follow up appointment this Thursday with the Vet to see what our next step is. I am trying to find a premium food to get her on, but where we live there is nothing close to get premium foods. Everything is about 2 hours away (petsmart, petco etc) I am going to see if the Vet can order us something. The good this is it has been about 6 weeks since we had an ear infection.Woohoo. :029

Thank you for your input, I appreciate it. :dogbark