Quote:
Originally Posted by mindy10  I have talked to the vet. She said to try the benydryl or Claritin. I have tried both and it does seem to help some but how often can you give them that. I don't want him to be on it for life. |
I wouldn't bother w/ Benadryl unless able to give it 4x a day - as it needs to be given every 4-6 hrs to be effective. Rather, I'd recommend you use Zyrtec or Claritin as they are both once every 24 hours. When trying an anti-histamine, you want to use it for at least 2 weeks before evaluating it's effectiveness. If it's not working, move to the next one and try it.
Don't worry about him being on it for life - if he needs it for his quality of life, it's the right thing for him to be on it.
As far as your other questions...food or enviro allergies could both cause the "red bumps" (usually turning into pyoderma), itching all over or in only a few places, tearing/eye gunk, paw chewing and licking etcetera.
Does your kiddo chew/lick his paws?
If the OTC anti-hists don't work, then you truly need to move on to the prescription options bc allergies are just miserable to live with for these kiddos. If you get to that point, then I can't recommend highly enough going to a Vet Derm rather than your general vet (who is not likely well versed in allergies)...a Vet Derm will save you money in the long run, believe me!
For more on how to treat allergies and year-round vs. seasonal allergies, def read this entire thread:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/die...tart-here.html
I'd get your kiddo on a fish oil like Ark Naturals Royal Coat (already has the needed Vit E) and a shampoo like Duoxo (buy from Amazon, not at vet's).