Allergies
 

So Boomer and Thumper went to the Vet today and he diagnosed them both with skin allergies. (I figured that is what was bothering them) My poor babies. The Vet also took blood and I am waiting on the results. The blood is just for a baseline since they are rescues.

Right now the Vet wants me to put them on Benadryl 1/2 a tablet twice every other day and Temporal P (spelling off) 1/2 a tablet every other day.

Boomer also has a food allergy so we are switching the food once again. The Vet suggested Nature's Balance Grain Free. I just picked up the Duck and Potato. For treats I picked up dried sweet potato chews which they seem to like.

I cringed when I had to throw out my other treats and food. Just the thought of wasted money. Oh well if it helps them get better I will do it.

One question I did have and I'll ask the vet at our next appt as well once I see if it is working when can I start to gradually add in other proteins? The Vet mentioned changing up their food every four months. The only protein he doesn't want me to give them is chicken.

These dogs are costing me an arm and leg but I love them. He doesn't want to allergy test them yet because the results are only 60-70% accurate and he said if we can find out a way to minimize their allergies naturally it will be less costly and better for them. The test alone is $400.00 for each one (ouch)

I have a lot of experience w/ allergies, so I feel your pain!

Benadryl is usually not a good option for dog allergies, and is usually not used by Vet Derms bc of it's very short half-life; you end up having to give it 4x a day in order for it to even be therapeutic and evaluated properly. Temaril-P can be a nice option for seasonal allergies, but not great for year 'round issues (like dust or whatever) bc it has steroid.

How was a food allergy diagnosed? Food allergies can really only be diagnosed by doing an elimination diet first. Otherwise, it's just a guess -- and food allergies are actually very rare - accounting for only about 10% of allergies in dogs.

You should definitely read this thread: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/die...tart-here.html