2 Newfs and the itchy summer!

[luvxl k 9]

Not sure what the difference is this summer but two out of three of my Newfs have been itchy and a few times it's turned into hot spots. Cole is the worst and sometimes his skin will feel hot. Since the beginning of summer, I've tried stopping different treats for a week at a time, and then changing their food. Because of Apachies liver allergies they don't get a large assortment. Since none of that helped we've finally decided it's environmental and weed related. I caught Cole eating some weeds around the pool and the next day his skin was all hot again so Allen put fencing up around all the areas he thought were problem areas, but I've noticed there are weeds pretty much everywhere throughout the yard, so hasn't really helped. I've also had several other dog owners both Newfy's and other breeds who are having the same problems this summer. Anyone know what the weed could be that's causing the problems? The one I've caught eating the most is Cole, then Beau who isn't nearly as bad and I've not caught Apache eating any nor does he seem to be any itchier than normal this year. Any ideas? :beatdeadhorse:

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

Amazing how well weeds grow in a drought. Too much good weed "fertilizer" in your yard also. LOL Hope you can get a answer.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

We've looked into this allergy season cause Myra's issues, ragweed is pretty high this time of year.

 

[Wayne A]

After almost two years of battling Kandy's skin issues today I finally agreed to make an appointment with an animal dermatologist at The Veterinarian Hospital in Guelph.Another shot of Anti-biotic today and now we wait for appointment.

 

[luvxl k 9]

Just got back from the vet, she said definitely allergies (weeds, pollen's, etc) and that there has been an onslaught of dogs in this year with the same problems. She said it's the worst year for it that she can ever remember and she's been a vet for around 40 years. She put them on steroid and antibiotic tablets and said if they aren't better in 5 days to let her know, but she was pretty positive they'd be feeling much better. YAAAAAA!

 

[charlieinnj]

If she thinks it's a seasonal allergy, did she want you to use any sort of antihistimine as well? Is their skin pink or just hot?

 

[Cascadians]

Orka has environmental allergies and has been itching like a madman for months. He has a dermatologist who said he's definitely allergic to fleas, pollen and molds. Also realized this summer he's allergic to grass. Derm said to give him a claritin every morning and evening. When we skip he has red eyes, red ears, runny nose and hot skin. He also sweats profusely, belly upper arms legs chest and whole underside, sticky moist sweat, no odor.

He does get hot spots, vet said to keep them open, air. Every once in a while he gets a staph infection, antibiotics, but has toughened up.

He's scratched and bitten himself bald in many places. Nothing one can do but keep him well combed out. Blow him also with K9III, and he gets professionally groomed once a month. He's in water almost every day, some river or other. Goes to different parks and Nature trails all over the PacNW, no way to avoid the environment. It's been so hot for so long the baldness has not hurt him.

On oral Trifexis 1/month, FrontLinePlus, but since he's always swimming that topical not as effective.

His dermatologist said we could test him, would take over 6 months and $3000 to pinpoint what he's allergic to, and then no guarantee any remedy or totally conclusive results. Already spent a lot in vet bills so haven't done this testing.

Met a guy at the coast who goes to same dermatologist vet, has a Newf that scratches like mad. He paid the $3000, did the tests -- results? inconclusive. He's tried umpteen medications and preparations. Some relief but continual seasonal changes = frustration.

So I give the Claritin, comb my boy out every day, blow him out, give him lots of scritching, vacuum, and pray for rain and cooler weather. He's better in winter. Also have a lot of different sprays which he ignores and continues to bite lick scratch.

 

[dumainedogs]

Yep, we've had some issues down here as well. When I got home from vacation Obie had one icky ear and a hot spot. We went to the vet and she noted that we'd been in at almost exactly the same time the last three years. So, I've started him on benedryl to get him past whatever the environmental issue is. We are very ready for fall!

 

[luvxl k 9]

One dose of each of antibiotics and steroids and both boys have already calmed down considerably. This is the first summer they've had the problem so can't say whether it's seasonal or just from the really strange winter and then summer we've had. Both were warmest on record and also the driest. Hopefully this will take care of it, seems to be working already, looking forward to a non-jumping from them scratching, bed tonight!!

 

[Pam G]

My 2 boys are a little itchy this summer too..especially Cash. No hotspots but I see that he is biting at himself and scratching more. He's almost 4 and never been itchy before so maybe it is something to do with the crazy weather this year.

 

[charlieinnj]

The only thing I can add is to keep an eye on their skin color.....especially, their belly. If it becomes pink'ish.....they've likely progressed to a skin infection from the excessive scratching and that will take a much longer course of antibiotics.

 

[victoria1140]

Try adding local honey to their diet, it can really help with some enviromental allergies but must be locally produced