Accepted Answer

Skin problems in dogs are *extremely* frustrating to treat and manage, as you are experiencing. :-(

 

I am probably going to suggest things you may have already tried. A lot of things we try with skin problems help temporarily, but the problem may come back. Unfortunately, what works for some dogs does not work for others. If I could give you a single magic solution, I would. But that does not exist for skin allergy dogs. :-(

 

Sometimes changing diets helps tremendously. If you have not tried a hypoallergenic diet, like Hills D/D or Hill's Z/D, I would suggest one of them. If not, a good pet store food that is grain-free, like a duck and sweet potato version, or venison and sweet potato, may help.

 

A corn or other grain allergy is likely the number one causes of skin allergies. Also look for a food with no preservatives or chemicals. Make sure you read the full list of ingredients to make sure there is no corn hidden anywhere. Did you know that the 3rd ingredient listed in Purina One Lamb and Rice is corn? The manufacturers just hide it further down the list...

 

Make sure you have the fleas well under control, they have been horrendous this year. Using a topical treatment like Advantage, plus an oral treatment like Comfortis, will help with fleas.

 

If you have not tried Atopica, I would look into that. It is pricy, but I have had it work in several cases that I never thought I would solve. You may need to give it long term.

 

Talk to your vet about allergy testing. Unlike the little "skin shots" like they used to do in people, they can now test serum for allergens and develop and allergy shot for the dog that they take on intervals to help build up immunity to the things that are bothering them.

 

Meanwhile, you may still need to use intermittant rounds of antibiotics, steroids, Benedryl and soothing baths to keep things under control.

 

I feel your pain as to how frustrating these skin allergy cases can be. Believe me, it is as frustrating for your vet as it is for you. They want to solve it just as much as you do, but they take a lot of experimenting and time, and money as well.

 

I wish you the best of luck with your dog.

 

Dr. Tanis!

Expert:	Dr. Tanis
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	10/29/2009

Dog Veterinarian

10 years experience in small animal emergency medicine