Allergy obsession update-Zyrtec??

[Latte's Mom]

I purchased the Target brand Zrytec but I really don't think I should give it to her along with the Cortalone, so I'm going to call the vet's office in the morning and ask. She is still scratching her sides/armpits today, but I think it's a bit less.

I am perfectly adept at cutting the pills with a pill cutter and can get it down her (fairly) easily.

Has anyone tried the "new" food with the hydrolized protein?

I already wash the sheets in free and clear detergent, my hubby vacuums regularly and I feel like I'm burning myself out trying to get this itching under control. I appreciate the suggestions.

[Ringo1]

We had Ringo on Zyrtech for quite a while and really, I could not see that it helped him at all.

Although I do have him on a grain-free food and try to avoid chicken - his allergies are also environmental because they occur often in the spring and fall.

If we have to now - we skip the Zyrtech entirely and go to a prescription shampoo and a very low dose of prednisone. Sometimes, it's the only thing that will work for him.

Good Luck.

[Latte's Mom]

Thank you for the reply. I can see some improvement today on the cortisone. She takes Cortalone. What does Ringo take? I am going to ask if there's a chance that after a while, the same type of cortisone doesn't work as well. I went through her records and she's been using the same thing for 4 years. What is the name of the shampoo? Someone mentioned shampoo with tea tree oil, but that didn't help her. We use Avoderm and a Rx conditioner. She also takes Divonite liquid-it has tons of Omega 3 fatty acids in it. It takes a while for it to work, but I am hopeful. It is awfully hard to be patient with allergies, isn't it? It's a good thing they're cute.

[Latte's Mom]

Originally Posted by lynzy420

Varl testing and/or Goo for allergies. Varl has changed my Miss Mini's life, it is not a skin test, it is not overly expensive, and it is incredible. Goo has just been ordered and I'm trying it. If your obsessed as I am, trust me this is worth trying.

How much is "not too expensive" for the VARL test? I am using Dinovite instead of Goo. Much less expensive.

[LuvTaycieGirl]

Originally Posted by Latte's Mom

I purchased the Target brand Zrytec but I really don't think I should give it to her along with the Cortalone, so I'm going to call the vet's office in the morning and ask. She is still scratching her sides/armpits today, but I think it's a bit less.

I am perfectly adept at cutting the pills with a pill cutter and can get it down her (fairly) easily.

Has anyone tried the "new" food with the hydrolized protein?

I already wash the sheets in free and clear detergent, my hubby vacuums regularly and I feel like I'm burning myself out trying to get this itching under control. I appreciate the suggestions.

I hope you find what works for your little one! Allergies can be so frustrating.

As far as trying a Hydrolized Diet. My Taycie has been on Royal Canin HP Moderate Calorie which is Hydrolized for about 6 months. I started her on a strict elimination diet and she was put on RC Rabbit and Potato. About 8 weeks into it she started to have horrible flair ups.

I was at a loss.. she was a mess. I didn't know what else to do. She was itchy, scratchy, her eyes where horribly watery, and her stomach was a mess.. In return I was a mess as well because she was so uncomfortable.

Sooo back to the vet we went and I disussed everything with her. She agreed trying a Hydrolized diet was the next best step or rather last step before sending us to a Dermatologist..

So here I am 6 months later and it has been life changing for her. She also has other issues but as far as allegies go this diet stopped the itching and scratching and it hasn't returned.

As far as enviromental allergies are concered she is taking both Claratin and Chlorpheniramine to help. She has been on this since about September???? I just started back up because spring is in the air.. AND pollen is crazy right now... My car was covered...

Good luck! I hope you find your answer. I know how discouraging it can be. For Taycie, it made a WORLD of difference!

[Latte's Mom]

This is sooooo helpful!! Our babies were eating the same food and flared up! I am calling the vet to day to get her in and have a long talk and try the other food. Also, what is the second thing you give her for allergies? It starts with a "c"? Is that the generic for Atopica or just and OTC allergy med?

[Latte's Mom]

I got the hydrolized food today!!! Very excited-and she likes it!! AND the vet said that she could very well have developed a tolerance to the Cotralone and that's why it doesn't work for her as well any more. So we're going to stick with Zyrtec and Benedryl and see how it goes.