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Originally Posted by Ellie May  Antihistamines need to be given consistently for at least 10 days to evaluate their affect. I'd give the hydroxyzine as the vet prescribed and see what you get. It is indicated for environmental allergies and not so much food allergies. However, antihistamines don't always work well for dog allergies.
When trying to figure out if it's a food causing the problem, and elimination diet needs to be done with a novel protein and carb source. This is with no treats or chews and for "at least" 60 days but preferably 12 weeks.
If it happens when outside, then environmental allergies may be the culprit. If antihistamines don't work, steroids could be tried. Atopica is also something that should work. While it's an immunosuppressant, it's somewhat safer than steroids if you are going to use it for years. Ultimately, if environmental alleriges are suspected, skin allergy testing and allergy shots are almost always the way to go (unless it's just at a very specific time of year and for a short period, then one of the above drugs may be a good option). There is an allergy thread in the YT Library with some good info.
If there is whining involved with the scratching and this happens constantly, then it is a quality of life issue, and if needed, steroids should be used. |
What she said. Here is the Library thread for allergies:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/die...tart-here.html
Gosh, sooooo many kiddos suffering from allergies. From our Vet Derm - they tell us yorkies is one of the most commonly seen breed.