Itchy Brutus

[Lora]

Poor Brutus is soooo itchy and has welts that come and go. I cant pin point whats causing it - environmental or food. Its been going on for about 2 weeks now. Right around the time he had his rabies shot but I cant remember if it started before or after the actual jab. Hes been taking benedryl 3 times a day and it just takes the edge off. Sigh. I was hoping he'd be better when I got home (wishful thinking) but it seems like its a little worse. I dont know if the boys were as diligent about giving him the pills as they should have.

Anywho... hes going to the vet at 2pm. I hope they can give him something to calm it down.

I know people have suggested other allergy medications for canine use but I cant remember off the top of my head.

[Cole's Mom]

That happened to Cole a few weeks ago. He was itching so bad I had to take him to the vet. The vet gave him an allergy shot and he was so much better almost immediately. Hope Brutus feels better.

[Lora]

Thanks so much... Rufus went through it too and it resolved itself. He wasnt nearly as itchy as B is. I was really hoping when I got back home he would be better. Not the case.

[mezmerelda]

Zyrtec can be used too - and it's pretty cheap at Costco. I paid $16 for 365 pills. But maybe he just needs a shot of cortisone to get him better?

[sam.i.am]

Both Delilah and Milton (Milton was way worse) have had allergies all through the month of Oct. and through to now (although it is getting better now). There are certain pollens and we have a lot of mold issues in the early fall here (all around outside, etc. -- we have major mold issues in this wet area!!). So, my dogs have always had some issues in the fall.

We've done benadryl 3x a day, too, and for Milton that was just allowing him to be somewhat comfortable, but he still had occasional itchiness. Delilah is helped totally by the benadryl. My vet said that Zyrtec is also fine (although I don't know the dosage). But, she also said that it works in the same pathway as the benadryl and only avoids the symptom of tiredness. There are totally different antihistamines that operate on different pathways that are used when benadryl/zyrtec doesn't work.

I hope that your boy feels better and that the vet can help him. Itching sucks!!

[mezmerelda]

The dosage is similar to that of a human. Brutus would get 1 pill per day.

[Lora]

We are back home and the vet thought it could be managed with otc allergy meds. He has one pretty flaired up area on his hocks so she wanted him to have genesis spray but of course they were out so was given Pramoderm spray and my choice of either Zyrtec 5mg 2x/day (up to 20 mg per day) or Claritin 20mg 2x/day (basically 4x what i would take). Due to his age and size (hes 163) she didnt want to give him a steroid. I had claritin at home so i went with that. I hope he sleeps tonight and stops eating himself.

Thanks so much guys! xoxo

[Truman's Mom]

Itchiness sucks - hope Brutus is feeling better soon!

[kasmith]

Abby went through an itchy stage at this time last year. She's been itching a bit off and on this year, but nothing horrible or worth giving her benadryl. I seem to be able to call her off of it, and it seems to be more based on cleaning herself than anything else when it has happened. Poor Brutus! That can't feel fun for him!

[mezmerelda]

When my allergies are really, really bad, or if I know I'm going to be in a bad allergy situation (cats, horses), I will take 2 per day. Sounds about right. I hope it helps him.

[Lora]

So this morning (after not having any benedryl, claratin only) he was a mess. Chewed up the crook of his arm pretty badly. I trimmed a bunch of hair from his stomach and arm and sprayed it and that helped. I may have to get him antibiotics on Monday. I'm having to do both benedryl and claratin now. I really hope he gets some relief, he's absolutely miserable.

[bren]

Poor guy! Hope he starts feeling better soon.

[Lora]

Thanks Bren. He's doing "ok" at this moment. Im afraid of what he'll do to himself over night. I just hope these allergy meds build up in his system quickly... I know it takes time but eeek

[Itsapyr]

How is he doing Lora? Did any of his food change?

[Lora]

Thanks for asking Pam. He's doing a little better today. Of course while I was gone he chewed on his arm again... sigh! I think the claratin is starting build up. The vet said it would take about 5 days for it to reach its max benefit. Rufus has started itching today too and I noticed a welt on his chest so Im starting a preemptive strike. No change to their food or treats (same ones i usually use) and nothing human that they could have gotten into so it has to be something outside? Its just bizarre.

[Itsapyr]

Sometimes they change something in the formula even though it is the same brand. Drop them an email and ask if they changed anything in the recipe or the process.

[Lora]

Sometimes they change something in the formula even though it is the same brand. Drop them an email and ask if they changed anything in the recipe or the process.

You know, I was thinking about that. I have noticed their poop has been smellier than it used to be. I think i will do that, thanks for the suggestion!