Allergic to everything?!
 

Hey guys, this one isn't actually about my Yorkie, I hope that's alright... This has just really been frustrating me.

My Stepmother has a Shih Tzu named Ki who is about 6 years old. We unfortunately acquired her from a pet store before we even knew what the term "puppy mill" meant. I have a feeling this problem might spawn from there, but I'll let you decide.

Since about the first month we had her, she's had a "problem" with itching. I use the term in quotations because I seem to be the only one who doesn't notice it. My stepmother has taken her to numerous vets, tried natural remedies out the wazoo, and had her on pregnazone at one time to see if that would clear it up.

Needless to say, it didn't. She feeds her this really expensive dog food that's dehydrated and stuff (forgive me, I can't remember the name for the life of me and she already trashed the box.)

And every time I suggest something to her, she says "She's allergic to it." Which brings me to the discussion we had today. My Stepmom was going to give the dog half a benadryll for the itching and was trying to figure out what to put it in because she won't take it alone. And I said "Well, why don't you put it in a piece of fruit or veggie? She can't be allergic to that." I couldn't believe it. "Yes she can." And I just gave her the biggest 'excuse me?' look I could muster. "Then what's in her dog food?" and she responded with "Well, it's the way it's processed!" My last response to this was "It can't be that much better than what we eat!"

I'm no dog expert. For all I know, I could be completely wrong. But I don't think a dog can be allergic to beef, chicken, pork, fruits, and vegetables all at the same time. If at all. What do I think? I think she's just itching! She doesn't chew her skin raw all the time like my dog Jason used to. She'll just rub her butt against the furniture every so often and lick herself. If anyone could give me some insight into this or confirm that I'm not stupid, I'd be really really grateful.

It must be so uncomfortable for Ki to be itching so much. There can be many reasons for the itch....allergies to a flea bite, food, environment, over- vaccination, etc.etc......Some people have some luck with omega 3 oils but it does take 3-6 weeks to see if it's working.....it has to be a good one like this one, or it will not be beneficial.....

Ark Naturals Royal Coat Express for Dogs & Cats,...
All I could find that I had in my bookmarks was these two links concerning itching.....I don't know if there is anything useful in them........:)

Natural Itch Relief for Dogs | Remedies for Itchy Dog Skin

Pet allergies and hotspots - natural flea prevention and treatments

These two books could have some helpful advise.....

Amazon.com: The Allergy Solution for Dogs: Natural and Conventional Therapies to Ease Discomfort and Enhance Your Dog's Quality of Life (The Natural Vet) (0086874526723): Shawn Messonnier: Books

Amazon.com: The Nature of Animal Healing : The...

Anything she tries, whether its omega 3's or diet is going to take time, hang in there, I hope she's better soon......and good luck.....:)

Her itching consists of her rubbing her butt on the furniture and licking her butt? If yes, have her anal glands checked. This has nothing to do with allergies. It has to do with small dog breeds.

And yes dogs can be allergic to everything. Food allergies can affect itching on the face and front paws at the start.