GSD's have gone through lots of medicine for their constant itching & scratching

[GermanShepherdBethesda]

Have 2 GSD's who have been taking lots of medicines for what my vet says is allergies. They have both been tested & have allergies & are on health food. Nonetheless, none of the medicines help one bit. They are both always itching, always gnawing away on all parts of their bodies, always scratching & shaking their heads. They've been on steroids though for a short period of time & are now taking Hydroxyzine 2x/day, Otomax in their ears & Keto flush to clean their ears. They desperately need relief. Such terrific dogs--they should not have to have this annoyance !!! Both males, neutered, brothers, 3 year old.

[Josie/Zeus]

I would start changing their diet, give it a few days and see how it goes. Try a high quality kibble if you don't want to start raw diet.

[katieliz]

hi and welcome...can you elaborate a bit on exactly what "health food" is? thanks.

[onyx'girl]

Changing diet may take several weeks to see results. Are you supplementing with oils/vitamins? Humidity level in the house is up? I keep my house at about 25% humidity.
One flea can cause itchy's. Make sure your dogs are flea/parasite free.

You can have blood test run or the skin prick tests for allergy analysis. Then the lab can make up an injectable serum to desensitise what your dogs are allergic to if it is environmental.

As far as ear products, I've found the best is Zymox w/ hydrocortisone to reduce itch and will take care of both yeast and bactera. Zymox Otic with Hydrocortisone (1.0%)

I would also start supplementing with vitamin C( natural human grade citrus bioflavanoid or EsterC) It is a natural antihistamine and will support the immune system. ...start at 500mg and over a week or two up it to 2000mg daily split between meals. Salmon oil gelcaps can be given around 4000mg daily and vitamin E(400iu) every few days.

[paulag1955]

Are your dogs related? If not, I'd take a look at their environment. It would be quite a coincidence for two unrelated dogs to exhibit the same allergic response to their food.

[GermanShepherdBethesda]

The health food I give them now is California Natural (dry food) & Evo- protein rich, low carbs, no grain 95% beef (can).
What is name of high kibble food that you think might be better?

[katieliz]

i can only recommend what i've had really phenomenal luck with which is made by Breeder's Choice Pinnacle. mine is Trout & Sweet Potato, but i'm thinkin' it's not grain free. i'm sure pinnacle must make a grain free tho. i also wondered if your dogs were related or if it's an environmental issue. won't repeat jane's thoughts above, all good opinions. i would also add some sort of probiotic since the condition of the gut is so important in inflammatory and allergy problems.

can anybody else weigh in on the quality (or not) of the OP's current food?

[doggiedad]

switch food. you're feeding good food but
the brands you're feeding might have something
in them that your dogs are allergic too.

[Chicagocanine]

It could be the best food in the world but if they're allergic to something in it, it won't matter... My dog used to get mostly a raw diet but she was allergic to the chicken she was getting so she had dry, itchy scabby skin. She is now on Instinct Rabbit (and sometimes raw Instinct or JJFuds) and doing very well. Instinct also makes some Limited Ingredient formulas. They're grain free as is the Rabbit.

[Samba]

What did the allergy testing show on them?

Here is an article that talks about atopy and treatments...



http://www.dogchatforum.com/atopy-dogs.htm


I have had luck treating with many of the modalities mentioned in the article. My most affected dog improved greatly with desenstization shots. The one thing I have not used is the Atopica because of the cost in large dogs. My friends have had a good results from it in small dogs and it can be used for GSDs. If the latest allergy sufferer does not repsond then she will go for testing to determine allergens.

I currently have three GSDs with allergies. Two of them do pretty well on antihistamines and omega fatty acids, frequent medicated bathing and keeping them away from areas where they are exposed to allergens, like the bed. Dust mite allergies I am sure in mine.