Skin Yeast & Allergies

[Vinniedoggy]

I adopted Alex, a little yorkie, this past weekend from a local rescue group. He was given up by his last family because of a bad skin yeast/allergy issue. He has lost most of the hair on his belly and neck and scratches a lot under his arms and belly. He has been through about 6 homes (including his foster placements) in barely 4 years. The last family adopted him from the same rescue but then dumped him off at the pound when his skin yeast infection did not improve (the rescue managed to get him back). However, I was told this family fed him low-end Kibble. The family did apparently take him for some allergy testing (that came back positive for black ant; Botrytis, Fusarium, and penicillum n. mold; Cedar and Sycamore trees; Johnson, KY Blue, and Orchard grasses; and kochia, pigweed, and yellow dock weeds).

Despite his skin issues, Alex is the sweetest, most well-mannered little guy I have ever met! He's perfectly house-broken, eats like a champ, and loves to cuddle. He's also an energetic little walker. Part of the reason I opted to adopt him is because I really feel that he can be helped through better nutrition (and you can't help but feel bad for a dog like him). I've only had him three days, but have already seen a huge improvement in his itching using the following regimen:

1. Raw Diet - Alex gets raw or lightly cooked meat (rotate between raw spareribs, sauteed chicken livers, raw chicken, beef heart, and fish), boiled egg, plain high-fat yogurt, and pumpkin.

2. Supplements - I am giving Alex acidophillus, a green-food supplement (Nu-Pet Canine chewable wafers), and salmon oil with every meal.

3. Skin care - each day, I bathe Alex in colloidal oatmeal. After he is completely dry, I dress him in a cotton onsie (the kind you buy for babies) to prevent him from scratching his skin to the point of being raw. I've noticed that when he's wearing the onsie, he barely scratches at all. When we come in for a walk, I lightly spray him with a diluted mixture of apple cider vinegar.

I've been following this regimen for just three days and the improvements are already apparent. He's not itching nearly as much and the raw patches have already disappeared. He definitely has TONS of energy and sleeps through the night. When he's walking, I remove the onsie and he doesn't itch at all.

My questions are as follows:

1. Does it make sense that this regimen is working? Even though his allergies were found to be environmental, does it make sense that a better diet and strict natural skin-care regimen will help cure his problem?

2. Is there anything I'm missing? Is his diet balanced and is there anything else I should be doing? I'm aiming for a very low-glycemic diet to ensure that any skin yeast is not made worse.

3. The allergist he saw had recommended allergy shots. Is this something I should pursue?

4. What role does stress and lots of change play in skin allergy issues? Given the number of homes this little guy has been through and possibly poor care in his last home, could stress have caused some of this?

We have a consultation appointment with my vet on Friday and I am curious to hear her response to what I'm doing. If anyone has answers to my questions above or can share their own experience dealing with this issue, I would really appreciate to hear from you!!

Thanks.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Vinniedoggy

1. Does it make sense that this regimen is working? Even though his allergies were found to be environmental, does it make sense that a better diet and strict natural skin-care regimen will help cure his problem?

2. Is there anything I'm missing? Is his diet balanced and is there anything else I should be doing? I'm aiming for a very low-glycemic diet to ensure that any skin yeast is not made worse.

3. The allergist he saw had recommended allergy shots. Is this something I should pursue?

4. What role does stress and lots of change play in skin allergy issues? Given the number of homes this little guy has been through and possibly poor care in his last home, could stress have caused some of this?

We have a consultation appointment with my vet on Friday and I am curious to hear her response to what I'm doing. If anyone has answers to my questions above or can share their own experience dealing with this issue, I would really appreciate to hear from you!!

First, bless you for taking in this baby! It sounds like he may, for the first time in his LIFE, be in the hands of someone who truly will help him and love him . Okay...to your questions:

1. Yes, it does make sense that these things are helping bc a healthful, grain-free diet and a diligent hygiene program can do small wonders for allergy dogs. As to whether this is a "cure", I can't even guess at that....allergies in dogs are extremely individual and complicated.

2. Not sure if diet is balanced. I feed raw, however, I feed pre-made, AAFCO-approved raw (by Primal) - so this raw is balanced. Whether or not the diet your feeding is balanced would involve looking at soooo many things. Was the diet balanced for his weight etc, by a canine nutritionist? It is very good that you're keeping simple carbs out of the diet !

3. Allergy shots are an option, yes - and it's nice that the testing has already been done (was this skin-testing, do you know? Or blood testing?). Also, are the things he is allergic to present in your geographical area? Has Alex tried Atopica or steroids yet? If yes, what were the outcomes?

4. My belief is yes, stress contributes to the state of health in all creatures.

I guess my BIGGEST question is....has this yeast been cultured and identified, first of all? I mean, with this much recurrence, I'd sure want to know *exactly* which species of yeast this is. I'd also want to know how the yeast was previously treated -- just topically? Bc for chronic yeast, oral meds (via mouth) should be given to treat systemically, not just topically. And the med given should be based on the yeast-type (from the culture results).

Also, did this kiddo ever have mites/mange? Bc following Tx of mites/mange, yeast will usually follow.

If this were me, I'd be making an appt with a Vet Derm, esp since this seems chronic.

[Vinniedoggy]

Thank you so much for this response. I have an appt with the vet on Friday and will take this info with me. Ironically, the previous owners took Alex to the same vet I use and they have his records. In addition, I have the allergy testing records as well.

Where can I find a canine nutritionist? I live in the DC area. I have used nature's variety and Primal for my other yorkie for years and have been quite happy with both brands. I will probably try to transition Alex to this, as it is likely more balaned than what I'm feeding him.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Vinniedoggy

Thank you so much for this response. I have an appt with the vet on Friday and will take this info with me. Ironically, the previous owners took Alex to the same vet I use and they have his records. In addition, I have the allergy testing records as well.

Where can I find a canine nutritionist? I live in the DC area. I have used nature's variety and Primal for my other yorkie for years and have been quite happy with both brands. I will probably try to transition Alex to this, as it is likely more balaned than what I'm feeding him.

Here is a list of nutritionists if you ever need them : http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...itionists.html

I like both of those brands too (also, Stella & Chewys, and Bravo is good). If what you're feeding him now is temporary and short-term, it should be okay to feed an unbalanced diet for a while. Depending on what your goal is though, if you're maybe thinking of a homemade diet long-term, I'd suggest a pro - esp. for an allergy kiddo.

Btw...not even sure it's worthwhile mentioning...but the other thing that's often tried w/ allergy dogs is over-the-counter anti-histamines...not sure if you've been down this road? Benadryl doesn't seem efficacious in most cases, but sometimes Zyrtec or Claritin can bring relief in some dogs.

Of course, if Alex still actually has a yeast infection right now - clearing just that up first (w/out any other intervention) would be very interesting to evaluate before going down any other road.

Good luck at your appt - and please keep us posted, I'd love to hear how he does!

[beachdog]

my dog Paris had terrible skin allergies and yeasty sores. I switched him to Blue Baffalo senior and he is doing great. When I tried the Sweetpotato/salmon the sores started coming back so I switched back and no more sores!

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by beachdog

my dog Paris had terrible skin allergies and yeasty sores. I switched him to Blue Baffalo senior and he is doing great. When I tried the Sweetpotato/salmon the sores started coming back so I switched back and no more sores!

Interesting! Does Blue Buff have any potato in it? Bc there are some schools of thought who say the the white potato can be rather inflammatory for dogs, and in some dogs even the sweet potato can cause issues. So if Blue Buff has no potato, that may be one one the culprits for your kiddo.

[Vinniedoggy]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Here is a list of nutritionists if you ever need them : http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...itionists.html

I like both of those brands too (also, Stella & Chewys, and Bravo is good). If what you're feeding him now is temporary and short-term, it should be okay to feed an unbalanced diet for a while. Depending on what your goal is though, if you're maybe thinking of a homemade diet long-term, I'd suggest a pro - esp. for an allergy kiddo.

Btw...not even sure it's worthwhile mentioning...but the other thing that's often tried w/ allergy dogs is over-the-counter anti-histamines...not sure if you've been down this road? Benadryl doesn't seem efficacious in most cases, but sometimes Zyrtec or Claritin can bring relief in some dogs.

Of course, if Alex still actually has a yeast infection right now - clearing just that up first (w/out any other intervention) would be very interesting to evaluate before going down any other road.

Good luck at your appt - and please keep us posted, I'd love to hear how he does!

Thanks for the info on the nutritionists. Unfortunately, none are in my area, but I'd be willing to make a day trip somewhere. I am going to try and gradually transition Alex onto Nature's Variety. It has worked so well for my other dog and that's probably the best shot at getting him on a normal, healthy, balanced diet.

I will definitely ask the vet about Zyrtec or Claritin. I have a friend who mentioned that he gave his dog Claritin and it worked wonders. The foster mom had been giving him Benadryl and she said it helped, but she stopped using it. Antihistamines like Benadryl often have a nasty rebound effect (that is, they make you feel better at first, but then when you stop taking it, the itching comes back). From my own personal experience, Claritan and Zyrtec do not have that effect. I know he has been given steroids in the past, but I do not want to go down that path again (and from what his records indicate, they were of no help anyway).

He has only itched a slight bit today. I gave him an oatmeal bath this evening, put his little onsie back on, and he is sleeping soundly. We've been with him all day and his itching has been very minimal, just a little more than your average dog would itch on an average summer day. Therefore, I'm incredibly optimistic that we're on the right course, but will consult with the vet regardless this Friday.

Oh, and my other dog LOVES Stella & Chewy's. It's so nice that there are a growing number of natural dog stores (at least there are in the DC area) that carry these wholesome, dog-appropriate foods!

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Vinniedoggy

Thanks for the info on the nutritionists. Unfortunately, none are in my area, but I'd be willing to make a day trip somewhere. I am going to try and gradually transition Alex onto Nature's Variety. It has worked so well for my other dog and that's probably the best shot at getting him on a normal, healthy, balanced diet.

I will definitely ask the vet about Zyrtec or Claritin. I have a friend who mentioned that he gave his dog Claritin and it worked wonders. The foster mom had been giving him Benadryl and she said it helped, but she stopped using it. Antihistamines like Benadryl often have a nasty rebound effect (that is, they make you feel better at first, but then when you stop taking it, the itching comes back). From my own personal experience, Claritan and Zyrtec do not have that effect. I know he has been given steroids in the past, but I do not want to go down that path again (and from what his records indicate, they were of no help anyway).

He has only itched a slight bit today. I gave him an oatmeal bath this evening, put his little onsie back on, and he is sleeping soundly. We've been with him all day and his itching has been very minimal, just a little more than your average dog would itch on an average summer day. Therefore, I'm incredibly optimistic that we're on the right course, but will consult with the vet regardless this Friday.

Oh, and my other dog LOVES Stella & Chewy's. It's so nice that there are a growing number of natural dog stores (at least there are in the DC area) that carry these wholesome, dog-appropriate foods!

Almost all the nutritionists do phone consults - I'm sorry, I should have clarified that!

It's just wonderful that he's had such a symptom reduction *already* - I mean, if you can heal him without meds, that's just ideal. Ya know, they also have Colloidal Oatmeal Sprays (for btwn baths), too. A supplement you might think about is Coconut Oil (ie CocoTherapy) or Fish Oil (Ark Naturals) as the Omegas in these have anti-inflam properties and can help w/ skin issues.

Oh, almost forgot this -- just fyi, NaturesV does contain flax. Some dogs w/ allergy issues are also sensitive to flax. Many of the Primal formulas do not contain any flax whatsoever. Not sure about Stella or Bravo though.

My Marcel is on Atopica and he went from waking up in the night to chew his paws (from pollens), to having almost no symptoms at all (maybe occasional breakthrough on very high pollen days).

[Vinniedoggy]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Almost all the nutritionists do phone consults - I'm sorry, I should have clarified that!

It's just wonderful that he's had such a symptom reduction *already* - I mean, if you can heal him without meds, that's just ideal. Ya know, they also have Colloidal Oatmeal Sprays (for btwn baths), too. A supplement you might think about is Coconut Oil (ie CocoTherapy) or Fish Oil (Ark Naturals) as the Omegas in these have anti-inflam properties and can help w/ skin issues.

Oh, almost forgot this -- just fyi, NaturesV does contain flax. Some dogs w/ allergy issues are also sensitive to flax. Many of the Primal formulas do not contain any flax whatsoever. Not sure about Stella or Bravo though.

My Marcel is on Atopica and he went from waking up in the night to chew his paws (from pollens), to having almost no symptoms at all (maybe occasional breakthrough on very high pollen days).

Yes, the rather quick reduction in symptoms is encouraging. Thanks for the info on the flax. I will keep an eye on him tonight (just fed him some Nature's Variety for the first time). So far, so good.

Incidentally, the first night home was horrible - he was up all night chewing and scratching. The next day, we started him on the above regimen and we noticed improvement in 24 hours. I'm keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed that this is a permanent, steady improvement. I know he will always have issues with allergies and will always have to be kept on a strict diet, but if I can control it with diet alone and not have to put him on medication, that will make us all very happy!

[lil fu fu girl]

Sounds like Wylies Mom has given you tons of great advice.

Too many times we forget to say thank you to those who take the time to care. Your random act of selfless kindness has not gone unnoticed. Thanks... from all of us here who believe in a better world for all of God's creatures.

[Vinniedoggy]

Originally Posted by lil fu fu girl

Sounds like Wylies Mom has given you tons of great advice.

Too many times we forget to say thank you to those who take the time to care. Your random act of selfless kindness has not gone unnoticed. Thanks... from all of us here who believe in a better world for all of God's creatures.

Awww...thank you. That means a lot. I just hope I can help him. I don't care if his hair ever grows back on his tummy or what he looks like; I just want him to be happy. I have a feeling I'm on the right track, but will still go to the vet on Friday to see what she thinks. Besides, he is such a sweet, playful little guy that all this isn't really selfless - I get paid in kisses and sweetness a thousand times over.

Oh, Lil Fu Fu Girl, we love your signature line. So very true!