...possible for dogs to become so used to benadryl that...

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Question by Dena
Submitted on 4/21/2004
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Canine Allergies FAQ
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Is it possible for dogs to become so used to benadryl that it no longer has the same effect? My 6 yr old golden retriever (Sadie) has severe allergies. Over the last 3 yrs we have experimented with different sprays, creams, shampoos, foods, meds, etc. She rubs her head on the carpet until her eyes are completely swollen and until there is no longer any hair around her eyes .(not a pretty site, it almost looks tough like an elephants skin). When the allergies first started one tablet of benadryl a day helped but now she gets 2 pills 3 times a day with little relief. When her skin gets extremely bad the vet gives her a course of steroids and antiboiotics and as soon as she finishes them her cycle starts all over again. I think we've narrowed it down to both seasonal and food allergies. She finally had some relief this winter when we found a food that took all her symptoms away. (Natural Choice Lamb & Rice). Her relief was shortlived because as soon as the snow outside melted outside the poor thing started the allergy cycle all over again... Are there any other over the counter or home remedies we should try??? I'm really not sure the vet can help anylonger, the nearest pet dermatologist is 2 hours away. I'm pretty sure that she is allergic to grass or something in the yard because her stomach breaks out in bumps after she's been lying in the yard. She insists on rubbing her eyes on the grass which makes everything 10 times worse. Any advice would be appreciated. I'm not sure what else to do except make her wear a bubble suit or move to somewhere very cold and snowy..

Answer by CharmedOne
Submitted on 8/2/2004
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Hi Dena, I have a GR too and he's almost 4. I feel so bad for Sadie and you too! While my guy doesn't have any allergies, I've just been searching online to see if there's anything I can give my GR for his itchies. Hunter has been really itchy the past couple of weeks but I know it's because of chiggers which are pesky bugs you can't see and cause itching as intense as poison ivy. In June/July of last year and this year, both me and Hunter have been pestered by the mighty pests. This summer seems harder on Hunter though. Since you mentioned that you think Sadie may have grass allergies, especially after laying on the ground, I couldn't help but wonder if maybe chiggers are in your yard too. The itch associated by their bites is very, very intense. From the sounds of Sadie rubbing her head on the floor so much and the appearance of welts on her belly after laying on the ground, you might want to do a search on "chiggers". It's worth looking into to. By the way, my three goldens have all done so much better overall generally after switching them to a lamb & rice food. I truly hope Sadie finds relief from her allergies in the not so distant future! Elizabeth Nova Scotia, Canada

Answer by Cynthia
Submitted on 10/24/2004
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We have a Westie with VERY similar symptoms and prior to owning the Westie, we had a Keeshound with terrible allergy problems. Because of our experiences with our Keeshound'sallergies, we knew what we needed to do for our Westie. We tried everything for our Keeshound until one day when a new vet told us to have him "allergy tested". It worked, we were told all the things he was allergic to and what to keep him away from. Just like people with allergies, he was given periodic shots until they were no longer needed. We we got this little Westie from the rescue, he only had 1 /3 of his hair left due to allergies and his previous owner never taking care of him. We had him allergy tested (not cheap approx. $300) and are in the second months of the shots. We have one month left and hope to have the same successful results as we did with Obi, our Keeshound. Good Luck

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Answer by Mar
Submitted on 7/19/2005
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My golden retriever, Mitch, has all the same difficulties. Please let me know if you find HELP!!!mchemme@yahoo.com

Answer by Lori
Submitted on 8/24/2005
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I don't know about the dogs getting used to Benadryl but our dog Roxi has the same allergy problems yours has. We have been to numerous vets and to no avail. I know that steroids are not good for them in large doses. I'm going to try the Benadryl

Answer by Emily
Submitted on 11/8/2005
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My doberman had a severe case of elephant skin on his belly and under his front legs,along with hairloss, the smell was intolerable,plus he was overweight and could not lose weight My vet tested him for underactive thyroid, I started him on pills and almost immediately I saw an improvement. Now 2 months later he is a new dog, he has lost weight, has shiny coat of hair and lots of energy

Answer by Chris
Submitted on 12/14/2005
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You may try Singulair, 10mg, for the allergies. I know of someone that has used it for her pugs's skin allergies with great results.

Answer by Alexi
Submitted on 3/1/2006
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I do not have any answers for you, but I wanted to send my sympathies to both you and your poor dog! My dogs have allergies too, but not as bad as yours. It sounds as if you are doing all you can. I know it would be a big adjustment, but is there any way the dog could stay inside? Alexi alexiholford@gmail.com

Answer by Bunny
Submitted on 4/26/2006
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I now have my dog on IV Duck and Potato and she is doing great. I had her tested and she is allergic to everything but air (all poultry, lamb and something that is in almost every dog food "BEET PULP" highly allergic to that. I have taken her off the Benadryl for awhile and with the new dog food, she is doing gr eat.

Answer by sapa
Submitted on 6/13/2006
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I have no cluee

Answer by JJS
Submitted on 6/17/2007
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We have a chocolate lab and have had her to a vet dermatologist for severe skin allergies. She prescribed Doxepin 50 mg twice a day. We give this during the spring and summer and switch to Benadryl during the winter months, when her symptoms aren't nearly as bad. Of note, she weighs 65 lbs.

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