Got an itchy Shihpoo!!

rusch1595 · New member Joined: 03 Nov 2004 Posts: 12

Hello, I have a year old male shihpoo. He's itches quite a bit, especially on waking up in the morning and some throughout the day. His paws, his backside and his underside.

I took him to the vet (and called two others, they all recommended the same thing) who gave him a shot and dexa-something pills for a month. For a week after the shot, he was great, no itching at all. But then the itching slowly started back up again.

I'm guessing it's food related since it's wintertime and there's shouldn't be many allergies in the air. I've switched his foods a couple of times and right now he's on Nature's Recipe, Healthy Skin formula. I know switching foods a lot is not good for him, but I'm wondering if I shouldn't try something else, like Hudflocken or Natural Balance. I just called the vet and they advised to not switch foods again. Do you think that's good advice?

They did advise some supplements, which I'll try. I'm also going to try Benadryl, but they said it wasn't good for the long term. I'd like to find a long-term solution, which is why I'd like to maybe switch foods again. Any suggestions?

Killerbee2 · Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 8:26 pm Post subject:

Could be a food related thing. If the vet said not to switch any more i wouldnt. And yes you are right about switching a dogs food to mcuh. Hope he feels better! Cool

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Killerbee

doglover1234 · Member Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 42

You dont want to switch too quick give the dog time to get used to the new food and see if there is any improvement it may be slow if the dog was on the same food for a long time. With it being winter it could also be dry skin mixed in here, possible with the food allergy. All those that you listed are pretty good I think. You may want to post over in the all dogs forum I know there are some people there whos dogs have food allergies they may be better able to suggest a brand or a process of finding out what it is your dog is allergic too.

rusch1595 · New member Joined: 03 Nov 2004 Posts: 12

Thanks, I've decided to keep him on the same food for now, and I bought some Dream Coat with oils in it to maybe help his skin/coat. It's supposed to help with itching. Hopefully it does the trick.