Question by ISABEL: Need anti-alllergy advice for my dog’s itching?
I posted a couple of weeks ago because my dog’s itching was then a mystery, which we have now decided is almost certainly a dustmite allergy. He is a jack russell crossed with a dachshund, he is a year old. He started scratching as soon as he went upstairs when we got him three weeks ago, and bites and scratches all night if not treated with Benadryl. He loves to sleep on our bed and would cry all night if left downstairs. He doesn’t scratch during the day, just when he’s in the bedroom. Can anyone recommend a good anti-dustmite spray to use on the mattress and bedding (they seem very expensive!), and has anyone managed to overcome a similar problem with their dog? I know the simplest solution would be for him to sleep downstairs but that would prove very problematic. Also – is there any chance that he could develop natural immunity, he’s only been here for three weeks? We have given him baby Benadryl and that really helps, but don’t think its a particularly long-term solution. Fleas ruled out, food almost certainly ruled out, detergent ruled out, he is also very happy and settled – but we are all losing sleep!
Forgot to say we have bathed him in a good oatmeal shampoo, but only twice, so maybe that takes few goes before its effective – will bathe him again soon, as I understand that too much bathing can dry the skin out.
Many thanks for all the answers. Although he is scratching there are no red areas or hair loss (yet). I took him to the vets, and he suggested the dustmite thing, which did seem to make sense. The bedding has been thoroughly washed, the mattress vacuumed, the floor sprayed with anti-flea treatment, so some of the areas suggested have been eliminated up already. I will follow up the homeopathic advice but will have to see if it is available in the UK, as this is where I am. Have ordered some tea tree and aloe vera cream to put on the itchy areas as I found this suggested to another similar question.

Best answer:

Answer by WorryWort22
hmmm i had a similar problem with my lassie collie. she wasnt allergic to the fleas nothing and she didnt seem to be affected everywhere. then the vet suggested giving her weekly baths in this special oatmeal shamppo (i cant recall what it was called the vet shouldbe able to give it to you though or recomend an over the counter shampoo) and after three baths sure enough the itching stopped.

the vet said that perhaps she had sensitive skin which enhanced her allergy somehow and the oatmeal just help to ease to the point where it didnt bother her.

it never really made sense to me but hey it worked lol so i suppose its worth a try

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Question by Pug?Bug: My dog has small lumps on his head, what could they be?
I have a pug who is nearly 2 years old. He has suddenly developed small lumps on his head. They are in 2 lines on each side of his head and feel quite hard. They don’t appear to itch, but I can see the skin underneath his fur appears to be a little red.

He has been on quite a lot of medication for treating a bacterial infection and demodex mites. He has finished his antibiotic treatment about 2 weeks ago, around the same time I applied an ‘advocate’ pipette for the mites.

The mite treatment also treats fleas, lice and some types of work so I don’t think the cause could be from any of the above. I wash his bedding every 2-3 days and the area where he sleeps is cleaned everyday.

I have looked on the internet and have found that the possible cause of this could be an allergy which my vet has already discussed with me, and said an allergy could be the cause of the problems we were initially having.

The mite outbreak has been cleared and no mites were found at his last skin scraping. Does anyone know what the possible cause of these lumps could be?

I am going to make my dog an appointment at the vets, just wanted to know if anyone had any helpful advice or tips in the meantime?

Thanks

Best answer:

Answer by Jhay Chiong
The term tumor applies to any lump, bump, or growth. It can also include a swelling created by an abscess or similar problem. Tumors fall into two categories: benign and malignant.

http://lnk.nu/dogtime.com/t4n.html

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Question by Krystal TTC#1: If dogs are allergic to food what ingredient are they allergic too?
I have a chihuahua/terrier and he has rash on his skin, is losing a lot of hair (idk if its the hot summer that makes them shed like crazy or what), also he sneezes a lot.

I am feeding him science diet. But since it is so expensive here in Hawaii I would like to switch to something a bit better than science diet.

Im afraid he may have a food allergy though but not sure what ingredient he may be allergic too?

any ideas, tips would be helpful too.

Best answer:

Answer by August
My dog is always itching all the time too. I can tell he has allergies. My vet said that a lot of dogs react to corn in dog food- its a really common ingredient. So I’m going to switch to a dog food that doesn’t have corn and hope it helps him not itch so back.

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