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Hello, we have a female weimaraner that just turned ...

Sent to Pet Experts April 27, 2006 5:15 p.m.

Hello, we have a female weimaraner that just turned one. She has a rash on her belly and throat area. We have taken her to the vet several times, the first time they put her on a prescription food and antibiotic and it went away. That was in October and I changed her food back to Purina in November and she had no problems. Within the past month the rash is back and she scratches herself until she draws blood. This time the vet put her back on the prescription food and a steroid for 2 weeks. She said that she probably has skin allergies and will have to be on a $300/month medication. Is there any other alternative (if she does have skin allergies) Also, we were affected by Hurricane katrina and are currently in a trailer with 2 kids & big dog. Could stress be causing this? I don't think that it is a food allergy. Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Optional Information:
Age: 1; Female; Breed: Weimaraner

Already Tried:
Medicated Shampoo, antibiotics, steroids (for 2 weeks) prescription food.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $50

Answer
April 27, 2006 5:30 p.m. (14 minutes and 50 seconds later)

REPLIED

As its episodic it may be due to seasonal allergies. It may be a combination of food allergies and seasonal allergies pushing her over the edge.
Purina isn't the best of foods though its OK for a supermarket food. A food like California Natural might work for her or Wellness fish, rabbit, duck, or venison. A friend of mine who raises the breed says lamb bothers her dogs and chicken doesn't.
And see if the kids have given her any treats. Dogs can be allergic to treats too.
And then this might be flea bite allergies.
Bites from flying insects can trigger this sort of rash too.
The breed is prone to allergic reactions.
My suggestion is instead of your regular vet you should see a veterinary dermatologist with her if you can. This site might help you find one
http://www.acvd.org/site/view/55607_FindADermatologistAlphabetical.pml
Allergy testing and knowing what the issue is could make a big difference in how you treat her problems.
Hope this helps you!

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Reply to Nancy Holmes
Sent April 27, 2006 5:41 p.m. (11 minutes and 29 seconds later)

We also tried Science Diet (Skin Sensitivity) dog food. I really didn't see a difference with that. How long should she be on one particular food before we see a difference (if it is food allergy?) We don't give her treats anymore..... she does get rawhides, should I not give her those? Is there any treat at all that I can give her?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Reply to Nancy Holmes
Sent April 27, 2006 5:43 p.m. (1 minute and 14 seconds later)

Also, is it good to give Benadryl? I have heard yes & no, so I am not sure.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
April 27, 2006 5:53 p.m. (10 minutes and 19 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

Benedryl (plain only) every 8-12 hours at a dose of 1 mg per pound is pretty safe for allergies. If it makes your dog comfortable its worth using.

Science diet has a lot of grains in it and many dogs are allergic to grains like wheat, and corn and if your dog is sensitive to beef instead of beef rawhides the pig ears might be better.

Just use a treat that fits the diet plan. You could buy Wellness rabbit diet for example and use as a treat Wellness fish - makes for small treats easy to use for training at a much better price than the packaged treats and the dog thinks its getting something different.
For chews check out www.petextras.com for lamb or rabbit ears.
Or this site for veggie chews made from yams
http://www.frontporchpets.com/veggierawhide.html
It can take 10-12 weeks to see a full response with a food change.

__________________
Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful. Want more info? Just reply on your question!
Bonuses for good work are always appreciated!
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1 Other Expert Agrees with this!

NancyH -- Pet Health Care, Rescue,Train,Breed -- 99% Positive Feedback on 6991 Pet Accepts
30+yrs pet vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible breeding, small animal care

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