Gidgett's Allergies?!

You guys said that you could try and answer any questions we have. So, my question is that Gidgett has allergies and behind her ear and under her chin gets irritates really bad and she scratches it at night. The only thing the vet here tells me to do is give her benedryl and let the shampoo (I bought from them) sit on her skin for 10 minutes and they changed her food to Duck and potato (very expensive)! I was just wondering if you guys have been through this and if you know what should I do? HELP!!!!

Thanks,
Keisha

I can't imagine a vet recommending leaving a shampoo on the skin if the skin is irritated. I don't know much aobut all this. I am a newer pug owner. Maybe some of the more experienced owners can help. Who is your vet?

Nic

I am assuming the shampoo the vet said to leave on the skin was probably some type of medicated shampoo which could help soothe the itching. There are different types of food that you could try to help pinpoint if it is a food allergy and exactly what that food is. A lot of times it is chicken which is probablly why the vet put you on duck and potatoe. But it may not be the types of meat she is allergic to, it could be the grains like corn or wheat. So talking with your vet about trying oher types of food is an option. But most foods that are good for allergies will be expensive. Also to help with the itching the vet could give a shot. This will normally help relieve the itching for 1 to 2 months depending on the severity. Also make sure she is on a flea preventative. If it is a flea allergy, only one flea bite could drive a dog crazy. Although if the itching is under the chin it prolly isn't due to a flea allergy. Normally flea allergies will have itching around the back end and near the tail. I would check with your vet again to see what other options there are.

Bailey is allergic to just about everything. We had a test done by our old vet in oklahoma city to see exactly what she was allergic to. Then we started to give her allergy shots, because benedryl and the other stuff he gave us just didn't work enough on its own. If he doesn't go to all the necessary tests and does absolutely everything he can to help you and your dog find another vet.

Yes it is medicated shampoo, the vet in Lafayette who put her on duck and potato is Dr. Rausch and Guidry of Town and Country Vet. I'm sure if I could go back there he would do something to help her, but we live in Texas now and can't bring her whenever I want to the one in Lafayette. The vets here don't do anything and I haven't found a good vet yet. When we moved here she was lonely and depressed and she got mites and we had to dip her for a month in midaban dips. Then after that was when she started to get allergies and I'm just tired of seeing her scratch til she bleeds. She does this at night when she is in her kennel and I can't stop her from scratching. She scratches behind her ear, under her chin, sides of the eyes, front paws, and she gets hives like in the creases of her front legs. It breaks my heart!

She definitely does not have fleas we treat her every month religiously! So, should I request an allergy test here? Will they just give her an allergy test with the request of the owner?

I would definately request an allergy test. I would call around before bringing her in and explain the situation and see who could either try something different or do the test. Sometimes if a shot is given (I think it is a cortisone shot) all it takes is that one. It will give her enough relief so she stops scratching and it can heal. Then by just changing the diet it can be controlled. Also if she is scratching so bad she is bleeding there is a a gentamicin spray that can be prescribed to help soothe the skin till it heals. I would try to find another vet that is willing to do more. Also if you get the medical records faxed over it will show the vet what has already been done which may help eliminate duplicating some of the treatments. Good luck. I know how frustrating it can be.

Have you had a scraping done to see if she is over the mites?

Go to WalMart, buy some pure AloeVera. It's clear, comes in a bottle & costs about $1.00.
Slather it on the itchy spots. It won't hurt her, it all natural, & it has aways stopped itching for my Pugs. Use it as often as you need, & be very generous!

PugHugs

Yes I have had her scraped lots of times. I didn't want those bugs on my baby anymore! I'm sure that she doesn't have demaderma anymore.

I just ordered some doggie shampoo from a spa that carries all AloeVera products and I was waiting for that to come in. But, thanks for the advice about the pure AloeVera. I forgot how much I loved you guys for the advice. I'm so glad to be back! Thanks a bunch for all the help!

I have also been giving her benadryl daily! I am trying so hard to be a great pug mom and make my baby girl feel better but haven't been successful and I feel as though I have failed. I hate seeing her like this, it kills me to see her ear in the mornings. She is suffering so much, and I feel like there is nothing I can do to make her better. Thanks for all the help, I have been going to this vet for a year in April and have gotten no help they just give me antibiotics and send me home. I am definitely changing their vet!