[anonymous]

“I have no access to an animal dermatolist unless I want to drive 4 hours”.

Not true. You don’t want to go to one, so be it.

But they are everywhere. Just ask your vet for a referral.

https://www.acvd.org/tools/locator/locator.asp?ids=16_Find_Dermatologist

PS: I have no food recommendations as food has NO effect on environmental allergies.
You may be trying to treat the symptoms, GI distress is a symptom of untreated environmental allergies.
The immune system breaks down and the dog is vulnerable to all kinds of stuff.

[anonymous]

How long has this been going on? Because I have a dog with environmental allergies, I had good results, but, only after going to a veterinary dermatologist.
I thought it was the food too, tried all kinds of things with poor results, my dog is doing well now on ASIT allergen specific immunotherapy times 5 years.
Turns out she can eat most foods but does best on Zignature whitefish (before that Nutrisca salmon) as a base.
So, I would consider going to a specialist if her symptoms go on for more than a year (4 seasons) without significant relief.
Food allergies are rare, environmental allergies are usually the culprit.

[Gillian W]

I know this is an old post, but was wondering if you ever sorted out your pup with these allergies that you were having with your pup, I would like to hear your testimony or others whom have gone through similar issues with this.

My dog is been having similar problems, but not to the extent as yours did, but he’s been having ear infections, which appeared during this summer season, (I live in South Africa) he’s 2 years old now, but during the winter, his ears did not seem to bother him, so this could be an environmental allergy.

About a month ago, I took him to the vet, as his ears was sore, so they decided to flush them out, under anaesthetic. After this procedure was done, they put him on Prednisone (3 tablets twice daily for 4 days, then 2 twice daily for 4 days, then 1 tablet twice daily for 4 days, until we got down to 1 a day for four days), but when that finished the vet did not give me any more, but only continued on with the 750mg Cephalexin twice daily, after several weekly check-ups. I decided to go to another vet, because I was not happy with him being on antibiotics for such a long time, 23 days at that time, and the 2nd vet put him on Medrol, and took him off Cephelexin. 1 a day for 2 days, then 1 every other day. I saw a difference on the 3rd day, but on the 4th days, his ears seemed to gunked up again. Also, I am now busy/transitioning him to a grain free diet, a fish based one only, with no meats or chicken etc.

[haleycookie]

If you think he’s going to be over 55-60 lbs as an adult then he needs to stay on a large breed puppy food for at least a year and a half. Also avoid neutering him until then as well if he isn’t already neutered. I also recommend Fromm large breed puppy or wellness core puppy. Both are formulated correctly for large breed growth. However. I’ve heard the 4health is good for sensitive stomachs. I would try a large breed puppy food first (make sure it has the proper calcium to phos ratios though not all large breed puppy foods do) then if for whatever reason he’s showing to have a sensitive stomach I would then try the 4health. Also have you been to the vet for the scratching? I would do that first just to rule out any health issues and make sure it’s not environmental allergies.

[kimberley w]

He has a host of environmental allergies as well. The heavy hitters there are sweet vernal grass, dust mite, storage mite-tyrophagus and acarus siro

[anonymous]

The blood test, that’s what I thought.
Most allergies are environmental. Ask your vet if a referral to a veterinary dermatologist for intradermal skin testing is indicated if he doesn’t have a positive response to the diet changes and treatment in a reasonable amount of time.
Especially if the symptoms have been going on for 4 seasons/1 year without significant relief from symptoms.
Hope this helps

Evidence Update- Evidence-based Canine Allergy Treatment

[anonymous]

What type of allergy testing was done?

PS: Because if one were to believe the results you have presented. There is no commercial dog food that will meet your criteria. Cross contamination and all.
You would either have to go with prescription/therapeutic food or consult a veterinarian that specializes in nutrition.
Not the internet.

Food allergies are rare and food sensitivities tend to fluctuate. I would consider consulting a veterinary dermatologist for a second opinion, intradermal skin testing (the most accurate way to identify environmental allergens).
Good luck

[anonymous]

What dog food is he on? If he has no issues why do you want to switch?

Hope these sites help

https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/choosing-the-right-diet-for-your-pet/

and http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

I lean toward fish based, Zignature or Nutrisca but that is because one of my dogs has environmental allergies and does best on fish as a base.
I have heard good things about Pro Plan Focus Salmon and may try it in the near future.
I avoid potato, not that there is anything wrong with potato, but I don’t think it should be more than 10% of the diet.
Some kibbles are LOADED with potato (cheap starchy filler)

PS: You may enjoy this 🙂

Ahhh, Dr. Google

[anonymous]

For best results I would make an appointment with a board certified veterinary dermatologist for accurate testing, diagnosis and treatment.

Environmental allergies? Has mange been ruled out? Atopic dermatitis? Medical condition? Has lab work and skin testing been done?
Treatment is often a multifaceted approach. It’s not just about finding the right food, or the right shampoo, or the right supplement.
In fact the food may have nothing to do with his symptoms.

Do you have pet health insurance? You may want to consider getting it before he is officially diagnosed. Treatment can be a little expensive.
If it is environmental allergies, there is no cure. There is effective treatment, however it is lifelong, allergies tend to wax and wane so you may get lucky, they could be mild or seasonal (if that’s what he has). He could very well have some other skin disorder or medical condition that is causing these issues.

Bathing with a very gentle puppy shampoo at least once a week may help, but not if the skin is red, bleeding or irritated, in that case I would defer to the vet.
Talk to your vet, if you want to rule out food sensitivities ask about a prescription/therapeutic diet, that might be a good place to start, it depends on how severe his symptoms are and how uncomfortable the dog is.

I would go directly to the specialist if it was my dog, my dog sees a veterinary dermatologist once a year and has had a positive response to treatment.
She did well on Nutrisca salmon for years but is now on Zignature whitefish or catfish.
You could add fish oil (approved for veterinary use) once a day to his food, it’s supposed to help with dry skin. I add a little water and a topper, like a bit of scrambled egg (2 meals per day)

[anonymous]

*crickets*

I have never tried the brands that you mentioned. For a limited ingredient food I have had good luck with Nutrisca (salmon) and Zignature (whitefish or catfish).
Both are grain free and potato free, one of my dogs gets loose stools on foods that contain potato (sweet or white). The other one has environmental allergies and sees a specialist with good results.

Nothing wrong with potato, except I don’t think it should be more than 10% of the diet and a lot of kibbles are LOADED with potato (cheap starchy filler). So, I avoid potato altogether.

I have heard good things about Pro Plan Focus for sensitive stomach and skin, it’s not grain free, but it is potato free. I may give it a try in the near future.

[anonymous]

Zignature, for something a bit more reasonable, Nutrisca
I have found that grain free and avoiding potatoes helps.
From a previous post of mine per:
Excerpts (out of context) from article below: https://www.vetsecure.com/veterinarymedicalclinic.com/articles/136
Overview:
“Anal sacs are the reservoirs for the secretions of anal glands which are located on either side of a dog’s anus, at approximately four and eight o’clock. These sacs contain liquid secretions from the anal gland, which, in healthy animals, are normally pale yellow-brown to grayish in color. The contents are usually emptied during normal bowel movements, or when a dog is nervous or scared. In most animals, these sacs empty easily. However, some dogs, especially small breed dogs, are not able to empty the sacs properly and become susceptible to anal sac disease”.
Transmission or Cause:
“The cause of anal sac disease is unknown. Smaller dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas and poodles, are most often affected. Excessive anal gland production, soft feces or diarrhea, poor muscle tone, and obesity also contribute to higher risk of developing anal sac disease. Anal sac abscess tends to occur after an impacted anal gland has become so severely swollen and infected that the anal sac forms an abscess and ruptures”.
Prevention:
“Expression of the anal sacs every few weeks or months often will help prevent anal gland fluid from accumulating and becoming thickened again. High fiber diets have been shown to help prevent anal sac disease in at-risk dogs, especially those that are obese”.

Regarding allergies, it would be best to make an appointment with a board certified veterinary dermatologist for testing/ diagnosis/treatment, if you don’t have good results with your regular vet within a reasonable amount of time.
In the meantime, has your vet recommended a prescription food/therapeutic diet? That may be a good place to start.
Beware of homeopathic miracle cures, forget about mail-in hair and saliva tests (no good).
For science-based veterinary medicine go here http://skeptvet.com/Blog/
You can use the search engine there to look up topics.
This site has a search engine too, see my posts.
Good luck
PS: Regarding the blood test via vet, food allergies are rare and food sensitivities tend to fluctuate. Intradermal skin testing done by a veterinary dermatologist is the most accurate. My dog has environmental allergies, her anal gland issues cleared up immediately after she started the prescribed treatment by the specialist.

[anonymous]

That study is not a reliable source of information. And the site you are referring to is a homeopathic site.
I use kibble as a base, add chicken broth or tuna or scrambled egg, plus a little water.
So that the kibble is about 1/2 to 2/3 of the diet. I find this works well.
I first went to fish kibble with no potato, because my sensitive dog with environmental allergies does best on it, it works for my other dog too 🙂

[anonymous]

I’d go with the Pro Plan Focus, just my opinion.

Yes I have a dog that is sensitive, doesn’t do well with potato. My other one has environmental allergies, has nothing to do with the food. In fact, I am using Mighty Dog (grains and all) as a topper for this one with good results.

Every dog is different, buy a small bag first and see how it goes.

[Adriana R]

Jr has never had salmon before and I know that my neighbor had bought a bag of salmon and his dog’s wouldn’t eat it. I recommended adding a bit of chicken broth and they ate it.
Jr can sometimes be very picky. I’m wondering if he even would touch the salmon. He has had Simply Nourish limited ingredient lamb and he did eat it.
I once bought Nutro and it made Jr sick. But I’m kinda wondering if he’d doing fine on their limited ingredient formula.
Next time I go to Frys I’ll see if they still sell Nutrisca.
Jr hasn’t had an test for his allergies. But I do really believe he has environmental allergies as well as allergic to grains.
I think I’ll look for a grain free kibble with only lamb as a protein

[anonymous]

I went through the allergy thing with my small breed, in the end it was determined that her allergies were environmental and had nothing to do with food.
She is stable now and sees a veterinary dermatologist once a year. She receives ASIT, treatment is lifelong, her allergy symptoms were severe.
These little ones can be high maintenance, as you know. 🙂

I never tried the lamb, but that might be a good idea. She seemed to do the best on the Nutrisca salmon (no grain/no potato) as a base, that’s why I mentioned it.

[anonymous]

You’re welcome. The other thing I wanted to mention is that as she responded to the treatment prescribed by the dermatologist for the environmental allergies, her food sensitivities decreased immensely.
She now tolerates a variety of toppers, I just use the kibble as a base.
She’s sees the specialist once a year, has occasional flare ups, but nothing extreme.

[anonymous]

The first step is to get an accurate diagnosis.
She could have both food sensitivities and environmental allergies, or some other medical condition causing the symptoms you describe.
The only accurate test for environmental allergies is intradermal skin testing done by a veterinary dermatologist.
The only accurate way to rule out food sensitivities/allergies is prescription/therapeutic/elimination food diet. Very difficult to stick to.
Your vet will confirm what I have said (based on my experience)
Be aware that the blood test that your vet may recommend may not be accurate, that’s why my preference is to go directly to the dermatologist after medical clearance and other causes for the symptoms have been ruled out.

[anonymous]

“Every single time someone has voiced a concern about dog food allergies, your immediate response is that it’s likely not the food and you need to go to a vet. There’s no agenda. Just summarizing the same spiel you give to most posters here”

That’s because I am sharing my experience, I have a dog with allergies.
Food allergies are rare and usually manifest as gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Environmental allergies show up as pruritus, ear infections…..
My dog sees a specialist. The regular vets were not helpful, changing foods willy-nilly was not helpful. Folks on internet forums were not helpful. That was my experience.
There are no magical cures. Treatment for environmental allergies is lifelong.
There are new treatment options available now, if the allergies are mild/seasonal it may not be too bad $

[anonymous]

Please, please, please. Just make an appointment with a board certified veterinary dermatologist asap.
For the best results.

See MY posts. /forums/topic/allergies-and-yeast/

/forums/search/environmental+allergies/

Lots of misinformation on forums and such, and don’t fall down the homeopathic rabbit hole.

For science based veterinary medicine go here http://www.skeptvet.com

PS: Most likely, it’s not the food.

[anonymous]

Some dogs do better on grain free, I have one with allergies (environmental) that does best on Zignature whitefish as a base.
I have one that doesn’t do well with kibble that contains potato, Zignature has no potato. They are all different.
I have also noticed that dogs with anal gland issues tend to do better on grain free/no potato.

I use kibble as a base (about 1/2 to 2/3 of the diet), my friend just adds a teeny tiny bit of boiled chicken meat and a spoonful of broth or water to her dog’s kibble with good results.

[Susan L]

I have been feeding dogs raw meat for approximately 15 years. Only once has a dog had sensitivity to food or the environment. But I have learned over the years that most dogs can be desensitized, or cured as it were, of most allergies. But it takes time.

The dog with the environmental allergies (diagnosed with blood test) broke out in sores & itched like crazy. I believe it was brought or activated by a rabies vaccination. I soaked the sores thoroughly & rubbed off the scabs to prevent infection. I used TrizCHLOR 4 shampoo which was very soothing. Gave her 1 drop of Thuja for 1 week, followed by 1 week of Silica 30c place on the gum area next to her cheek (retreated her 3 weeks later). I also gave her Livton Liver Cleanse by Standard Process- which can be found on Amazon (for humans & dogs) for 2 months initially. It was so effective I currently use it for 1 month every 6 months on all my dogs.

I switched all raw food to “cool” or ‘Neutral” foods for the sensitive dog with great results. Chicken is warm, lamb & venison the hottest meat. Some sites & vets characterize turkey as a neutral meat, some a cool meat– I have found it fits more accurately in the cool category. Other cool meats are duck, most white fish & rabbit. Pork, eggs, sardines, tuna, tripe, quail are in the neutral category. I also fed leafy & regular veggies from the neutral & cool category as well. (I feed pork raw to all of my dogs & have for years, trichinosis has been bred out of pigs– but if you like freeze it for 2-3 weeks).

It did not happen over night, but after 2 months of treatment & the food change i was able to take the dog back to dog parks which had allergens she tested positive to: Cottonwood trees, grasses etc and she did well– if she later itched it stopped with a bath. After 4 months she can go, roll on the ground, pick up & chew twigs from the trees she tested as “allegic” to and no more problems. Luckily her hair grew back–and she is a bounding, happy, 1 and a 1/2 year old dog with no symptoms of allergies of any kind.

[anonymous]

Zignature whitefish works well for my dogs, before that they did well on Nutrisca, one has allergies (environmental) and the other one has a sensitive stomach.
I use the kibble as a base, I always add a bit of something and a splash of water.

There is a cairn terrier site you may enjoy https://www.cairntalk.net/

PS: I have heard good things about Pro Plan Focus sensitive skin and stomach salmon

[anonymous]

Take him to the vet. It could be conjunctivitis, highly contagious.
PS: I doubt very much that his condition has anything to do with his kibble.

https://www.vetinfo.com/diagnosing-dog-eye-discharge.html
Dog eye discharge can be alarming to any dog owner. It can be caused by something as simple as environmental allergies or as serious as corneal ulceration. Whatever the cause, eye discharge should be addressed and treated before the condition becomes more serious, causing the loss of vision or possibly the loss of an eye. Tearing and discharge is the canine eye’s way of ridding itself of any irritant that may exist on a day to day basis or a chronic eye problem.
Determining the Seriousness of the Discharge
Ocular discharge can occur gradually or can develop very suddenly in dogs. A general guideline is that the more discharge there is, the more serious the condition of the eye. Other symptoms that indicate the need to be seen by a veterinarian for potential treatment are:
Eye discharge is thick and mucous-like
Eye discharge is yellow or greenish
Eye discharge is bloody
Tissue surrounding the eye is red and irritated
Causes of Eye Discharge
Eye discharge can be caused by any number of irritants. Causes of discharge include, but are not limited to:
Abcess or infection in the upper back teeth
Allergies
Anterior uveitis or swelling of the iris and surrounding portions of the eye
Blepharitis or inflammation of the eyelids
Cherry eye or protrusion of the tear gland of the third eyelid
Conjunctivitis
Deformities in the tear drainage pathway or inflammation, blockage or narrowing of the tear drainage path
Deformities, wounds or tumors of the third eyelid
Dry eye
Eyelashes growing out from the inside of the eyelid, irritating the cornea
Eyelid defects
Glaucoma or elevated interior eye pressure
Inflammation of the cornea
Inflammation, infection or tumor in the soft tissue around the eye
Scratches, cuts or ulceration of the cornea
Trauma to the area around the eyes and nose
Diagnosing Eye Discharge Problems
While a general practice veterinarian has some of the tools required to conduct a canine eye exam, a veterinary ophthalmologist will have the full spectrum of equipment required to conduct a full ophthalmic examination or specialized testing, should they be required. Some of the tests that may be conducted:
A Schirmer tear test, which determines whether tear production is reduced, normal or elevated.
Detailed examination of the canine eye interior, looking for inflammation, bleeding or other problems.
Fluorescein staining, to determine if there is ulceration or erosion of the cornea.
Tonometry, which determines if the interior eye pressure is reduced, normal or elevated.
If indicated, a veterinary ophthalmologist may also require cell analysis collected from gland openings or from the cornea or other eye tissue. Other procedures may also be required to determine if the tear ducts are blocked or if there are underlying systemic causes for the eye discharge.
Some dog breeds are known to have discharge and tear staining from their eyes. If your dog is one of these breeds and the tearing is a concern, have it checked out to ensure there isn’t an underlying problem. If your dog develops discharge, it is important to have the condition checked out, especially if the tearing is excessive, thick, or appears to be infected or bloody. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure your dog keeps his healthy eyesight throughout his lifetime.

[anonymous]

Zignature, for something a bit more reasonable, Nutrisca
I have found that grain free and avoiding potatoes helps.

From a previous post of mine per:
Excerpts (out of context) from article below: https://www.vetsecure.com/veterinarymedicalclinic.com/articles/136
Overview:
Anal sacs are the reservoirs for the secretions of anal glands which are located on either side of a dog’s anus, at approximately four and eight o’clock. These sacs contain liquid secretions from the anal gland, which, in healthy animals, are normally pale yellow-brown to grayish in color. The contents are usually emptied during normal bowel movements, or when a dog is nervous or scared. In most animals, these sacs empty easily. However, some dogs, especially small breed dogs, are not able to empty the sacs properly and become susceptible to anal sac disease.
Transmission or Cause:
The cause of anal sac disease is unknown. Smaller dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas and poodles, are most often affected. Excessive anal gland production, soft feces or diarrhea, poor muscle tone, and obesity also contribute to higher risk of developing anal sac disease. Anal sac abscess tends to occur after an impacted anal gland has become so severely swollen and infected that the anal sac forms an abscess and ruptures.
Prevention:
Expression of the anal sacs every few weeks or months often will help prevent anal gland fluid from accumulating and becoming thickened again. High fiber diets have been shown to help prevent anal sac disease in at-risk dogs, especially those that are obese.

Regarding allergies, it would be best to make an appointment with a board certified veterinary dermatologist for testing/ diagnosis/treatment, if you don’t have good results with your regular vet within a reasonable amount of time.
In the meantime, has your vet recommended a prescription food/therapeutic diet? That may be a good place to start.
Beware of homeopathic miracle cures, forget about mail-in hair and saliva tests (no good).
For science-based veterinary medicine go here http://skeptvet.com/Blog/
You can use the search engine there to look up topics.
This site has a search engine too, see my posts.
Good luck

PS: Regarding the blood test via vet, food allergies are rare and food sensitivities tend to fluctuate. Intradermal skin testing done by a veterinary dermatologist is the most accurate. My dog has environmental allergies, her anal gland issues cleared up immediately after she started the prescribed treatment by the specialist.

[GSDsForever]

Hmmm. I think DFA is having a hiccup/glitch.

I posted to Leslie/OP last night and my post never appeared after a submit/edit-submit. Seeing this, when I tried to re-post (via copy & paste, using browser back button), I received an error message of the system recognizing a duplicate post being submitted.

As the post is still not showing, let’s see if inserting it here works:

Leslie,

Food allergies to barley and peas are not common allergens for dogs.

Aside from home prepared, where you select and control the ingredients, a few commercial diets that don’t include peas or barley are these:

Honest Kitchen — several, either with grain or without (e.g. Fish & Coconut)
California Natural LID — Lamb & Rice, Chicken & Rice
Pure Vita — Duck & Lentils, Venison & Lentils, Beef & Lentils
Canine Caviar — Special Needs, Chicken & Millet/Free Spirit, Lamb & Millet, Duck & Chickpea

But you should be aware that many OTC commercial diets lack adequate cross-contamination quality control, some brands of which have been documented in veterinary literature in testing (e.g. Natural Balance). Checking ingredient lists is not sufficient.

Before you rule out most diets based on these two ingredients, you might wish to have a look at a few links (scroll down to diagnosis) all from veterinary specialists:

What every pet owner should know about food allergies

http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/diagnosing-food-allergies-dogs-and-cats-bring-your-case-trial
http://www.vin.com/apputil/project/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=17256&SAId=1&catid=93445&id=4951526

As Susan noted, it is critical to have an accurate diagnosis of food allergy. Most food allergy “tests” are known to be inaccurate and therefore do not meet the current standard of veterinary care.

It’s certainly possible to be allergic to any protein. But in dogs with food allergies (inhalant/environmental allergies being more common than food), the most common allergens are chicken, beef, dairy, egg, wheat, & soy — and now fish and lamb (which used to be alternatives), although less likely.

As a homemade diet can easily be formulated without either of these 2 ingredients, barley and peas, I would recommend you consider this.

[GSDsForever]

Laurie is absolutely correct:

Skin issues are one of the most common health issues for German Shepherds, so much so that vet books reference things like “German Shepherd Pyoderma” for example. Very, very commonplace. These bacterial and other infections typically have an underlying health disorder that is primary.

GSDs are *frequently* are mentioned in veterinary literature among the dogs most commonly suffering allergies. Allergies or autoimmune system dysfunction are known to underlie skin troubles in GSDs.

Laurie, I too believe that a fresh home prepared diet is ideal.

But in a food allergy dog, it’s all about removing the allergen in the diet — whether commercial kibble/wet, raw, or homecooked.

I’m so grateful to have my dog no longer suffering from allergies! She is doing beautifully, is so much more comfortable and happy, and looks gorgeous now. But we had to change diet (food allergies), address inhalant and environmental allergies in care, and she receives Cytopoint injections — multipronged approach.

[GSDsForever]

Susan,

Good catch! Thank you very much for the correction, re Anallergenic vs Ultamino.

I know the one that was proposed to me by the veterinary receptionist was the formula containing hydrolyzed bird feathers — so that must be the one you have referred us to (“Anallergenic,” also by Royal Canin). It’s been so long ago and, as my actual vet and the specialist never recommended it to me, that I’d long since forgotten the formula name.

I’ve just had so much success with the diet my vet and specialist did recommend to me, and w/the multi-prong approach we’ve taken for the care for my severely allergic dog (both food and inhalant/environmental allergies) that what we’ve been doing for the past couple years & the future are all I think about now. Thankfully, my GSD is doing beautifully now!

I imagine this will be helpful to the OP/others who don’t wish to feed hydrolyzed bird feathers as the primary or sole protein source (or at all).

Then they will need to determine whether they find acceptable feeding the hydrolyzed product of “poultry byproducts aggregate,” the particular formula, and from this company.

• This reply was modified 7 years ago by GSDsForever.
• This reply was modified 7 years ago by GSDsForever.

[anonymous]

No, you don’t have to wait. You can make an appointment with a board certified veterinary dermatologist, today. It may take up to 3 months to get an appointment anyway.
Please read my posts /forums/search/environmental+allergies/
PS: Beware of miracle homeopathic cures and such. And, don’t trust Dr Google.

[GSDsForever]

Cathy,

I agree with suggestions to feed a variety of food, ingredients across a lifetime. I also believe fresh foods, homemade feeding with high quality ingredients you can select/control can provide the best diet.

The idea behind these two things is the same as striving for optimal health in a human by eating a variety of healthful foods with various health benefits — nutrients, antioxidants and anti-cancer, immune system boosting foods, etc.

The truth is we really don’t know enough about all the things that produce more long lived, optimally healthy dogs. We don’t know nearly enough — and the research is far more limited in dogs & cats than for humans — about all the things that contribute to increased cancer risks or that prevent cancer, despite the very high percentage of dogs & cats that get cancer and that die from cancer. Personally, I incorporate what I know from human information on diet for cancer preventative, immune system boosting, anti-viral, etc. foods and environmental toxins and from past experience with a veterinary cancer specialist.

As Haley noted, dogs can and do commonly develop allergies to repeat insult/exposure of foods. There is veterinary research to support that.

With my food allergy dog, I currently cautiously add hypoallergenic health-promoting wholesome fresh fruits, veggies, quality oils to my dog’s commercial LID (novel protein) dry + canned diet. I needed to get her stabilized and healthy first.

But I eventually plan to move toward feeding, under veterinary specialist supervision & direction, a rotating mix of balanced homemade meals. If that kind of thing interests you, the vet nutrition specialist (board certified) I would recommend is Susan Wynn; she can consult with your vet long distance.

As far as how quickly to switch, that really depends on the individual dog and breed (some are touchier digestively than others), whether you are switching to a much richer (much higher protein and/or fat) food or one with very different or special ingredients that might cause upset, etc.

[GSDsForever]

“Vet says he’s too young for allergy.”

I have had multiple dogs with allergies, food and otherwise, been advised by specialists and excellent experienced general practice vets, as well as done my own judicious research and I have NEVER heard that from any source. I would question that.

While my current dog has had the most challenging to figure out and overcome allergies I have personally encountered, she is now doing exceptionally well. We (my vet & I) have used a multi-pronged approach for this dog that has both food and environmental allergies.

I agree w/anon — see a different vet, get a second opinion and get an accurate diagnosis based on good, solid veterinary knowledge and experience, a specialist as needed. Ask for a referral to the specialist if necessary. A good generalist vet should be happy to refer.

Pitlove also makes a good point. Fleas aren’t a big challenge where I live, but I do know that flea bite allergies (even from a single flea when you don’t see fleas, flea dirt) are a major cause of allergies/itching for many dogs.

This is the protocol for my dog, some or all of which may be helpful to your dog if you haven’t tried something (or the combined approach):

1)DIET
Novel Protein (10-12 weeks to see results) Limited Ingredient Diet — homemade or from a company with very strict allergen/cross-contamination AND NOT ONE DEMONSTRATED IN VET JOURNALS TO BE CROSS-CONTAMINATED ALREADY (Royal Canin, Natural Balance, Nature’s Variety/Instinct, et. al.)

— and ABSOLUTELY NO treats, supplements, “real”/”people” food, medicines (i.e. heartworm preventatives), or even chew/dental toys (i.e. Nylabone) that contain the established top food ingredient allergens for dogs (beef, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, wheat, soy, corn). I treat w/her actual food or low allergen potential real food (i.e. blueberries, green beans, watermelon)

***Because I feed kangaroo — having needed a more unusual, rare protein source — I feed Zignature Kangaroo LID (GF) dry & canned food.

I also supplement, per vet prescription, Omega 3 EPA & DHA at a high, therapeutic/condition treating dose daily for anti-inflammatory effects, plus skin, coat, brain benefits — and I use Grizzly’s Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil in pump bottle.

2)ENVIRONMENT:

a)Frequent thorough bathing w/very hypoallergenic and gentle shampoo & skin soothing, skin repairing/barrier protective, etc. ingredients

b)frequent washing of dog’s bedding, etc. in hypoallergenic laundry detergent

c)frequent vaccuuming (pollen, dust/particulates, etc.)

d)hypoallergenic wet wipes wipe down of whole dog, especially paws (or dunking/rinsing paws off), after all walks & trips outside (pollen, dust/particulates, etc.)

Finally — consider & don’t overlook your own personal care/cleaning products that may cause allergic responses in your dog.

3)Cytopoint (aka CADI) injections, every 4-8 weeks as needed, seasonally or otherwise

I researched, considered, and rejected two other rx allergy/itch meds, Apoquel and Atopica.

I also researched and considered trials of 4 (recommended #) OTC antihistamines (e.g. benadryl, zyrtec/cetirizine).

I tried the above all in that order, before adding the next step.

We also tried once, but didn’t receive good relief and diagnostic results from a steroid injection — to see if she had seasonal environmental only allergies vs. food/combination.

[anonymous]

DinoVite is a scam. Bad side effects have been noted.

For best results see what your vet offers in the way of treatment or better yet, ask for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist for testing/diagnosis/treatment.

See my posts /forums/search/environmental+allergies/

[anonymous]

@ Venessa
Sounds like environmental allergies, hopefully mild and only seasonal….. not related to food.
However, I would talk to your vet about a elimination/prescription food to rule out food sensitivities.
If the symptoms continue (or become severe) and do not respond to treatment by your veterinarian within a reasonable amount of time (4 seasons/1 year) I would ask for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist for testing, accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
All commercial foods are at risk for cross contamination of ingredients, the prescription food is the only way to do a true elimination diet. Some good info over here

More Nonsense from Holistic Vets about Commercial Therapeutic Diets

See the comments for a variety of opinions.

[anonymous]

@ Paula M

For the best testing and treatment options consult a veterinary dermatologist.
Allergies are complicated. You need the expertise of a specialist. Intra-dermal skin testing is the only accurate way to identify environmental allergies.

In the meantime, if seeing a veterinary dermatologist is not an option right now, I would work closely with your vet, diet recommendations and all.
However, the symptoms you describe often indicate environmental allergies, food allergies are rare.

There are new treatments available now. Have you asked your vet about Apoquel? Cytopoint? Prescription shampoo? Prescription ear drops?
Often prednisone and such meds are necessary for brief periods to stop the suffering the dog is experiencing, give the dog’s system a rest and decrease the risk of infection.

Do not apply anything to her skin or use homemade remedies to treat her ears unless your vet has prescribed or approved. You could make the infection much worse.
/forums/search/environmental+allergies/ (see my posts)

[anonymous]

PS: The fact that the dog had a positive response to Apoquel is diagnostic.
Apoquel is prescribed for environmental allergies, not food allergies which are rare.
Talk to your vet.

[anonymous]

Sounds like environmental allergies, there is no cure, however there is effective treatment.
It’s not cheap, why do you think the dog was given up,
Make an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist, asap.
Zignature is a good food, but, food can only do so much and has no effect on environmental allergies.
Per the search engine here /forums/search/environmental+allergies/
See my posts

If you don’t have good results within a reasonable amount of time, or the symptoms have been going on for 1 year/ 4 seasons without significant relief or the symptoms are severe.
I would ask for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist. There is a BIG difference between a regular veterinarian and a veterinary specialist.
PS: I went back and forth for a year, tried more than one vet with poor results regarding my dog with allergies.
Got positive results after 1 visit with a veterinary dermatologist.
I will cut to the chase, it will cost about $600 to $800 for initial testing, diagnosis, and to begin treatment. Maintenance runs about $1000 a year, ballpark figures based on my dog’s diagnosis and treatment.
If this is not within your means talk to your vet about other treatment options.
There is always the chance that your dog’s allergies are mild, the first step is to get an accurate diagnosis for your dog’s skin condition.

[anonymous]

It may not be about finding the perfect food. What testing led you to believe that your dog has these specific food allergies?
Because, food allergies are rare. Pruritus tends to occur with environmental allergies.
For best results (if your regular vet has not been helpful) make an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist, asap. That is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis, testing and treatment options
You will get all kinds of misinformation on the internet. Use the search engine here to look up allergies, see my posts.

[Lori J]

Thanks for replying~ I did buy a bag of Zignature but then noticed salt as an added ingredient so returned. As of now ~ the cardio Dr does not have him on a restricted sodium diet just reg diet~ I just dont want a food that is high in sodium as Im sure that it wouldnt be in his best interest long term. I am leaning toward it being environmental allergies but think I need to change the food anyways for the yeast so want try something w/o chicken / grains/ potatoes just in case

[anonymous]

If your vet is recommending prescription food, I would go with that.
Otherwise, ask your vet if Zignature kibble would work? No chicken, no potato.
Ask your vet if frequent bathing with a prescription shampoo would help.
Check with your vet, but if the dogs symptoms are related to environmental allergies, changing the food will not have any effect.
PS: No commercial dog foods are low sodium, only prescription food is low enough in sodium to meet the criteria for a dog with a cardiac condition. I would assume the requirement for a low sodium diet would take priority over other issues.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 3 months ago by anonymous.

[anonymous]

You guys are listening to the wrong people, imo.
If you have consulted with a veterinary dermatologist and did not get good results.
Find another veterinary dermatologist, that’s what I did. And it worked, my dog has been symptom free for the most part, times 5 years, treatment is lifelong.
Use the search engine here and look up “environmental allergies” see my posts.

Also, http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2015/09/naet-a-cure-for-allergies-not/comment-page-1/#comment-121032
Read the comments…..

[anonymous]

I would go back to the vet, as soon as possible. You have to treat the infection first. Chronic ear infections are of a symptom of environmental allergies. Talk to your vet about what diagnostic testing is indicated.
He may refer you to veterinary dermatologist for intradermal skin testing.
Supplements will not help. Prescription ear drops. (antibiiotic and steroidal) will.
Use the search engine here to look up “environmental allergies” and see my posts

I would not ignore the infection. More serious problems could occur. This is not a do it yourself. Go to the vet.

[anonymous]

First of all, seizures are a neurological disorder, it has nothing to do with the food.
Sure there are triggers. The amount of rosemary used in processed dog food is minute and unlikely to be the culprit (imo) I suggest consulting a veterinary neurologist.
The general rule of thumb is that if the dog is having 1 or more seizures a month the dog needs to go on daily medication.
If the symptoms are related to environmental allergies and your regular vet agrees, ask for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist, for intradermal skin testing.
You can use the search engine here to search both, “environmental allergies” and “seizures”.

[anonymous]

Obviously your dog may have environmental allergies. Intradermal skin testing is the only accurate way to identify the allergens. I can’t believe your veterinary dermatologist hasn’t recommended this?
Then you can identify the treatment options. Allergen specific immunotherapy (desensitization) subq or shots is the most natural treatment.
There is no cure. Atopic dermatitis is a serious condition and requires lifelong treatment. It has nothing to do with the food.
The skin discoloration you describe is hyperpigmentation, common in dogs with environmental allergies.

There is no cheap way out of this, testing will run. close to $1000, maintenance will run a few hundred a year.
There are no miracle cures for this condition.
Use the search engine to see my posts, /forums/search/environmental+allergies/
Good luck

[anonymous]

When my dogs go in for their annual exams, my vet will always ask what I am feeding them and then comment on how good they look. My vet has never recommended any specific commercial brand of dog food.
I have had dogs that needed to be on prescription food in the past, with good results.
Usually I discuss with the vet what would be appropriate for a food change, or not, once the dog is stable (about 6 months) or what I can add to the prescription food.
My dog with environmental allergies, the veterinary dermatologist determined that her allergies were not food related and approved of whatever I was feeding her as long as it was aafco approved, he also liked that I was using a limited ingredient food (just in case she also had food sensitivities), adding a topper and adding water.
My friend’s dog was doing okay on Fromm, but needed occasional prn pepcid for gastrointestinal upset. Since switching to Zignature about 1 year ago, the dog looks better and has rarely needed the pepcid.
The owner does note more frequent bowel movements, but she is okay with that as the dog is doing so much better otherwise.

[anonymous]

Zignature is a quality food. I have a poodle mix with environmental allergies (she receives treatment from a veterinary dermatologist) and a sensitive stomach.
She did well on Nutrisca Salmon for years, but due to recent changes within that company, I decided to switch to Zignature Whitefish or Catfish kibble as a base about 2-3 months ago, excellent results. I have heard good things about their canned food also.
Often I just cook up a bit of protein something to add to it along with a splash/1/4 cup of water.
My other dog likes it too 🙂
Ps: In my opinion, you are overthinking the whole catfish thing. Look at what humans pay to eat lobster, lol, are they not bottom feeders? What about krill oil? Fish oil? Don’t we take these supplements ourselves and add them to our dogs diets?

[pitlove]

Yes it could be, but those symptoms ring more true to an environmental allergy than a food one.

I would put her back on a very simple chicken and rice or chicken and corn based diet designed specifically for large breed puppies. The ones that stand out to me are Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy and NutriSource Large Breed Puppy. Leave her on that through the winter to see if the symptoms subside. If they calm down in the winter, this may indicate an environmental allergy. It may take a while to determine what the cause of the itching is. Possibly another full year to see if the symptoms arise again during summer.

Do you by chance live in the South? Environmental allergies are rampant down here because of our humid climate.

[anonymous]

Hope this helps:
By Klaus Loft, DVM
Angell Dermatology Service
Anyone who suffers debilitating environmental allergies tied to changing seasons, pet dander or household dust mites knows first-hand the misery of a scratchy throat, itchy eyes or painful rashes.
Not everyone knows, however, that our pets can experience similar allergic reactions — and other very bothersome dermatological issues. But our pets need not suffer in silence. Modern veterinary science has evolved such that advanced, comprehensive treatments are now available to treat a range of skin conditions.
Top pet dermatological issues
Our four-legged friends suffer from some of the same skin issues as we do — and several that we do not. The most common conditions we see at Angell include:
•Parasites, such as mites, fleas and mange (scabies)
•Infectious diseases, such as Staphylococcal pyoderma (“Staph”) skin infections, yeast and fungal infections and skin fold infections
•Systemic diseases, such as autoimmune diseases
•Skin cancer, such as Squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous lymphoma, Mast cell tumors
•Allergies, such as flea allergy dermatitis, adverse food reactions, environmental allergies, etc.
All of these conditions can become serious and, if untreated, dramatically reduce quality of life. But the tremendous strides made in veterinary innovation, however, is very good news for our pets. Specifically, the testing and treatments for allergies now rivals human healthcare in its sophistication, quality of care and long-term health outcomes.
Unlike humans, dogs and cats cannot tell us about their dermatological health issues. So we as pet owners must look for the signs. The most common indicators that a pet is suffering from some kind of allergy involve frequent episodes of ear infections, red raised or open sores on the skin, constant licking or biting of paws or groin — sometimes causing wounds that will not go away.
Allergies present a particular challenge because there can be hundreds (even thousands) of potential allergens that impact pet health, from foods to pollen from grasses, weeds, trees, dust mites and more. Today’s specialty veterinary hospitals have access to the very latest diagnostic tests to get to the bottom of what’s ailing our pet. Among these tests is the Intra Dermal Test (IDT).
IDT is generally considered the gold standard of testing for identifying allergens that cause pets to suffer from chronic skin and/or ear diseases. IDT involves injections of a series of concentrated allergens into the skin to determine which of them generate allergic reactions in a given animal. The use of fluorescein — a chemical that illuminates the inflammation caused by the injected allergens in order to visualize the strength of individual reactions — is key to accurately diagnosing pet allergies, and is just one of the many ways veterinarians use new technologies to improve care and diagnostics.
The results of IDT (as well as a review of the pet’s medical history) can then inform comprehensive immunotherapy treatments to relieve suffering. Veterinary dermatologists rely on IDT to build customized treatment plans for patients called Allergen Specific Immuno Therapy or “ASIT” for short.
ASIT involves a series of injections specifically created for the allergic animal’s skin. These injections, of diluted allergens, are designed to make a pet less sensitive to their allergens over time. In most cases these injections must be continued for life to reduce symptoms, but they are highly effective. Seventy to 90 percent of pets experience a reduction in symptoms as a result of ASIT treatment. These treatments can be delivered even more easily via droplets under the tongue, perfect for pet owners who are squeamish about giving injections to their pet.
This treatment is very new to the North American field of medicine (both human and veterinary) and underscores just how far innovation in veterinary medicine has come.
When it’s time to see the vet
Many pet owners are understandably concerned about taking their animals to the veterinarian because the cost (to say nothing of the fear some animals experience when going do the doctor) may outweigh any perceived reduction in suffering. To help pet owners know when it’s time to bring Fido to the doctor I’ve compiled my “Top Ten” list of dermatological symptoms that should never be ignored:
•Intense itching of the skin (head shaking, running the face into the carpet, furniture, etc.)
•Biting at the skin that creates red, raw crusting areas of the skin
•Multiple ear infections (head shaking, odor from ears, scratching at the ears with hind legs)
•Paw licking or chewing and frequent infections of the skin in the webbed skin of the paws
•Staining of the fur of the paws and nails on multiple feet
•Reoccurring skin infections in the groin, under the shoulders, perianal areas (on or under the tail)
•Greasy scaling skin and/or fur with odorous skin
•Hair loss, or thinning of the fur
•Dark pigmentation of the skin that is chronically infected
•Sudden depigmentation of skin
Allergies and other dermatological issues can be as frustrating for pet owners and their veterinarians as they can be for pets. I encourage any pet owner whose animal is experiencing any of these symptoms to consult with their veterinarian.

Dermatology – Common Issues

[Dewper]

Thank you all for the helpful replies! It sounds like I could likely narrow this down to environmental allergies, so I will start there. He is otherwise very healthy and I have never even seem him regurgitate even once in two years, so I’ll stick with his current food for now. He did lick his feet in the winter but my local vet said they have had a lot of allergies with pets this past winter, due to us having a mild winter I suppose (near Pittsburgh). But it’s definitely worse now since Spring.

Susan, he does not burp after licking his paws. Giving him bones does help, but every second that he’s just laying around unoccupied, he licks! If I turn my back for 5 minutes, another wet spot appears on the couch:-( Do you get the Sudocrem from the vet? Or store?

The vet gave me medicated wet wipes once to clean his feet with twice a day so I think I’ll get those again, I didn’t use them very consistently before because at the time he wasn’t that bad.

[pitlove]

Hi Dewper-

Welcome to the forums!

The hallmark signs of a food allergy noted by doctors are “ears and rears”. So, ear infections, itchy ears, licking the rear end (anal opening). Feet licking is most often associated with grooming, or environmental allergens. My chocolate Lab, who has no allergies, will lick his feet sometimes after its rained or when they get wet to groom himself.

I would not change his food just yet, but instead look to see if the paw licking stops when fall/winter hit. It took a couple years for me to figure out that the dog in my avatar most likely had environmental allergies because I kept realizing that the symptoms started when summer hit.

[anonymous]

Make an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist, asap.
Environmental allergies.
Don’t be foolish, it’s not the food.
See my posts here: /forums/search/environmental+allergies/

[anonymous]

Please do not apply anything to the skin or give over the counter meds intended for humans or give supplements unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian that has examined the dog.
You could make things much worse and increase the risk of infection.
Hope this helps:
By Klaus Loft, DVM
Angell Dermatology Service
Anyone who suffers debilitating environmental allergies tied to changing seasons, pet dander or household dust mites knows first-hand the misery of a scratchy throat, itchy eyes or painful rashes.
Not everyone knows, however, that our pets can experience similar allergic reactions — and other very bothersome dermatological issues. But our pets need not suffer in silence. Modern veterinary science has evolved such that advanced, comprehensive treatments are now available to treat a range of skin conditions.
Top pet dermatological issues
Our four-legged friends suffer from some of the same skin issues as we do — and several that we do not. The most common conditions we see at Angell include:
•Parasites, such as mites, fleas and mange (scabies)
•Infectious diseases, such as Staphylococcal pyoderma (“Staph”) skin infections, yeast and fungal infections and skin fold infections
•Systemic diseases, such as autoimmune diseases
•Skin cancer, such as Squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous lymphoma, Mast cell tumors
•Allergies, such as flea allergy dermatitis, adverse food reactions, environmental allergies, etc.
All of these conditions can become serious and, if untreated, dramatically reduce quality of life. But the tremendous strides made in veterinary innovation, however, is very good news for our pets. Specifically, the testing and treatments for allergies now rivals human healthcare in its sophistication, quality of care and long-term health outcomes.
Unlike humans, dogs and cats cannot tell us about their dermatological health issues. So we as pet owners must look for the signs. The most common indicators that a pet is suffering from some kind of allergy involve frequent episodes of ear infections, red raised or open sores on the skin, constant licking or biting of paws or groin — sometimes causing wounds that will not go away.
Allergies present a particular challenge because there can be hundreds (even thousands) of potential allergens that impact pet health, from foods to pollen from grasses, weeds, trees, dust mites and more. Today’s specialty veterinary hospitals have access to the very latest diagnostic tests to get to the bottom of what’s ailing our pet. Among these tests is the Intra Dermal Test (IDT).
IDT is generally considered the gold standard of testing for identifying allergens that cause pets to suffer from chronic skin and/or ear diseases. IDT involves injections of a series of concentrated allergens into the skin to determine which of them generate allergic reactions in a given animal. The use of fluorescein — a chemical that illuminates the inflammation caused by the injected allergens in order to visualize the strength of individual reactions — is key to accurately diagnosing pet allergies, and is just one of the many ways veterinarians use new technologies to improve care and diagnostics.
The results of IDT (as well as a review of the pet’s medical history) can then inform comprehensive immunotherapy treatments to relieve suffering. Veterinary dermatologists rely on IDT to build customized treatment plans for patients called Allergen Specific Immuno Therapy or “ASIT” for short.
ASIT involves a series of injections specifically created for the allergic animal’s skin. These injections, of diluted allergens, are designed to make a pet less sensitive to their allergens over time. In most cases these injections must be continued for life to reduce symptoms, but they are highly effective. Seventy to 90 percent of pets experience a reduction in symptoms as a result of ASIT treatment. These treatments can be delivered even more easily via droplets under the tongue, perfect for pet owners who are squeamish about giving injections to their pet.
This treatment is very new to the North American field of medicine (both human and veterinary) and underscores just how far innovation in veterinary medicine has come.
When it’s time to see the vet
Many pet owners are understandably concerned about taking their animals to the veterinarian because the cost (to say nothing of the fear some animals experience when going do the doctor) may outweigh any perceived reduction in suffering. To help pet owners know when it’s time to bring Fido to the doctor I’ve compiled my “Top Ten” list of dermatological symptoms that should never be ignored:
•Intense itching of the skin (head shaking, running the face into the carpet, furniture, etc.)
•Biting at the skin that creates red, raw crusting areas of the skin
•Multiple ear infections (head shaking, odor from ears, scratching at the ears with hind legs)
•Paw licking or chewing and frequent infections of the skin in the webbed skin of the paws
•Staining of the fur of the paws and nails on multiple feet
•Reoccurring skin infections in the groin, under the shoulders, perianal areas (on or under the tail)
•Greasy scaling skin and/or fur with odorous skin
•Hair loss, or thinning of the fur
•Dark pigmentation of the skin that is chronically infected
•Sudden depigmentation of skin
Allergies and other dermatological issues can be as frustrating for pet owners and their veterinarians as they can be for pets. I encourage any pet owner whose animal is experiencing any of these symptoms to consult with their veterinarian.

Dermatology – Common Issues