Boxer Has Really Bad Allergies

My dog has seasonal allergies. Licks his paws raw. When it gets worse his stomach will turn red along with the inside of his ears.
My vet has my dog on a topical spray called Genesis. I spray this on his paws 1 time a day. I also use baby wipes or a wet wash cloth and clean his paws every time he comes in from outside. It has gotten so bad sometimes that I have had to use the cone just to give his paws a chance to heal. The vet also has me give him benadryl.

Do you know if it a food or "seasonal" allergy?
If you think it might be his food then you could try to slowly switch his food to something different.

My dog has a sensitive stomach. I have tried many different foods and finally found one that he can eat with no issues.

I would call your vet again and suggest trying something different. If they can't help you then I would switch to a different vet in the practice or a different practice.

I have switched vets at the same practice because I didn't like the care my dog was getting with a particular vet.

Good luck. If you have any other questions feel free to email me.
Mary

D. - If you've already been on injections I'd imagined you've tried other things....but one of the first things I'd recommend is a change in diet. Going to high quality food can do amazing things for skin, coat, and overall health quality. Nutro Ultra has additional additives for skin and coat. Also Blue Buffalo has many natural ingredients and have done wonders for my dogs skin and coat.

Also if you're looking for a 2nd (or maybe a 3rd or 4th) opinion there is a dermatologist at the Buffalo Grove Vet Speciality center. while it might be a little pricey, a consultation with a specialist may really put your mind at ease and get your pup on the right combination of foods, meds or supplements to help elimate the discomfort.
G'luck!

If you are in search of dog treats for dogs with food sensitivities, check out www.pawduketreats.com. The treats are all natural, vegetarian and all are wheat-free, corn-free, soy-free. There is even one that is egg-free, rice-free, and oil-free! They are made right here in Illinois with only human-quality ingredients from the USA. And, most importantly, dogs love them! Visit the website for free samples!!!

Good luck to you!

A quick fix is to get an anti-itch spray from Petco. I can't find mine to give you the name but if you go to Petco and ask for something to help with his scratching they can point you in the right direction. My bulldog had an allergic reaction to something and had huge sores all over his body--I used it along with hydrogen peroxide and Neosporin and it cleared up within a week because he was finally able to stop scratching all the time!

we took our dog to Dundee Animal in Algonquin (they have a loation in Dundee also). they were great. they put our dog on different food and gave us a pill that she had to be on for two weeks, three times a day. the pill cleared up the existing flare-up and the food has been a god send. her food now is venison meat. you get it at the vet's office. a little on the expensive side. but hey, it's your dog and you have to do what's right to keep them comfortable. they are a member of your family. i think eventually we will be able to put her on other food, but we will have to slowly figure out what she can have.

First, I would change his diet...no grains at all. Most commercial food contain grains. Possibly the raw diet. Topically you could try the following: Skin Tonic: Fill a spritzer bottle half with Aleo Vera Juice and the remainder with Apple Cider Vinegar. Add 5 drops of Essential Lavender and 5 drops of Tea Tree Oils. (Use small spritz bottle) Spritz daily on coat, ruffle backward. For staph, add a couple drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract.

Another is fed to him: Puree 3 sprigs parsley, 1 cucumber, 1 medium apple, 1 small beet, 4 carrots, 1/4 cup peas, and 1/4 inch ginger root. Give 2 TBSP 3X daily. Hope this helps!

I know that my pet groomer suggested that we make sure that all paws are wiped down or, if it is a bad day, stick the dog in the bathtub, up to their leg/knee? joint and wash the legs down. I've heard of giving a dog benadryl but I have no idea how much. Good question for your vet.

http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/advice/dogs/496-...

I also know my neighbor mentioned that her dog had exceptionally bad environmental allergies during one season but never realized that the dog food that she was giving him was really part of the culprit. His skin allergies ballooned once the season hit, not realizing that he was having a problem even before that, because of his food. The dog, was enjoying "peanut butter" dog treats and she found out he was allergic to peanuts.

I hope your other posts have some good options for you. Good luck.

TRy and figure out the cause. I would start with gluten.
Seems to be a popular allergen lately. Look at the dog food you are giving him and go to a pet store that carries a variety and find the ones that don't have gluten.

I have also seen where a raw diet works well on dogs. Raw meat, fish, chicken and veggies.

One of my friends, through the process of elimination on the diet figured out that her dog is allergic to all beef products. I do know that the raw diet will heal them more rapidly.

The shot and creams are a quick fix and in the end you will be dealing with it the entire life of the dog. Better to figure out what is causing it. Do it a month at a time. This is Sept1. Try gluten free. NO TOast from the kids, no dog cookies with gluten, no dog food with gluten. If it continues, then look at the label and eliminate one of the animal products. Lamb, chicken, beef etc.

I had an American Eskimo with the same problem. She mostly chewed her paws till they turned bright pink. Our vet told us to try vegetarian dog food. I do not remember the brand, but it was $20 for a 20 lb bag at PetCo. It worked. we did it for about a year and switched back with no problems and no chewing and scratching. Best Wishes, Jenny

I hear many commercials for dinovite, I am sure it is worth looking into!
Good luck!

FIrst off, what is he eating? Boxers have a hard time with corn and wheat. Are those things in the food you are feeding? read the label and see.

Next I would suggest a simple food, one protein, one carb. Wellness has some good ones, and so does California Natural.

Does he get worse at any time of year? Or is this all the time. Boxers are notorious for food allergies, and I would love to help you but I need to know more about what he's eating.

Feel free to PM me.

You what? My dog has been experiencing the same thing. I suggest you go to the store like Walgreens or Osco and get your dog either some bendadryl or some off brand Allergy medication. Thats what our vet told us and she is great. We could give her two tablets of them with her food once a day, so she wont see it. And she has not be licking or bitting herself.

Get him tested to find out what he is allergic to-it's a simple blood test. My mom's dog had the same problem and vet after vet just kept giving her injections, pills and shampoos. Finally one vet tested the dog for allergies and found out she was allergic to a multitude of things. Once my mom removed the allergens, her dog has stopped scratching, gnawing, etc. She took her dog to Archer Veterinary Clinic in Lemont. I also take my dog there and have been very happy (and they are resonable on cost). Good luck!

Hi D.-
You've received some great advice. Many canine allergies are internal (ie - diet related) as opposed to external. There are alot of great foods out there, including some wonderful grain free ones (the grain free foods use potato usually as a binder). Dogs seem to have the biggest problem with products containing corn and wheat. Read the ingredients on the bag - they are listed from most % to least % - you want to see alot of meat /meat meal in the first half a dozen listed. For severe allergies, you may want to start out with a single source protein food (such as duck and potato or venison and potato - there are several varieties to choose from). That can help you narrow down *what* foods he may be allergic to. You also want to make sure your dog has no type of external skin issue (parasites of any kind, dermatitus, etc). If he does not, you can rinse his paws (or other allergic spots) with distilled water - that cuts down on the dander and allergens more than regular tap water. Just rinse and pat dry. If his allergies are seasonal (hayfever like) or contact (grass, etc) - allergy meds may be in order - benedryl does work, but often makes dogs drowsy, and also often a quite large dose is needed to be effective. Claritan often works better (the generic version is available at places like Sams Club - 300 tablets for around 11 dollars). Ask your vet.
And the Buffalo Grove Specialty Center that someone else mentioned is a great place, they are very knowledgeable there (and yes, a bit pricey - but worth it). They do have a canine dermatologist on staff. I believe you need a referral from your own vet for an appointment.

Good luck to you!

V.
www.iamra.org

Hi D.,

Do you know what he is allergic to? I would seriously take a deep look into the food you are giving him. Many pets are allergic to grains (corn,wheat,brown rice etc...) that seems to be in most pet foods...yes even the "really good ones"!!! See, mold spore grow on grains....aha...see where I am going with this?
My cat had the same thing...horrible flaking. hair falling out in clumps...itching like there was something eating him alive. My vet told me to cut out the grains and put him on a disgusting duck and pea prescription diet. Wouldn't touch it...loooong story short, the ONLY thing that helped him was putting him on a raw diet. He has NEVER looked better, incredible difference. My friend who also has a boxer, put his dog on a raw diet and that was the only thing that worked for him.
Now, many vets don't agree with raw, but it just makes sense! My vet didn't want me to do it, I am sooo glad I did! Nothing she did helped, so I took it into my own hands.
There are plenty of sources now that carry pre-made, balanced raw diets. I know Pet smart or PetCo (can't remember which one) carry them, Whole Foods and many smaller pet stores.
I have two children (5 and 9) and have NEVER had a problem with "salmonella" or any of the other issues vet's bring up...use common sense and good hygene such as disinfecting bowls and the area you feed him. Check out Dr. Karen Becker who is a holistic vet in Bourbonnaise IL...she is pandoras box of animal nutrition...in fact she has a seminar this month..I really urge you to check it out!!! Good luck and I hope this helps...it was the only thing that helped my guy!!!!

S.

My dog had a problem with his "back end". Constant licking. Vet said that it was probably allergies and to give him Benedryl. Started with two 25mg pills in the am. Saw slight improvement. Then gave two 25mg pills in the am and two in the pm. Saw big improvement. My Mom also gives the same dose to a dog that has a problem with her fur and she has also seen a big improvement. Good luck!

a doc once recommended that you wash the dogs paws when they come in from there first outing in the morning. The allergens settle in the grass at night and "stick" with the dew. When doggy goes to potty they attach to paws so washing would help. Also I would change your dogs food to something holistic. A great brand found at Petsmart is BLUE BUFFALO (not buffalo meat) a little more expensive but since it isnt full of fillers they eat less and in the end its the same.

My terrier mix suffered from allergies & we tried the injections. He was better for a time then got worse again. A new vet advised frequent baths (7-10 days) & the groomer recommended Abundantlife pet food for the omega supplements. He is improved like 90%.

Hi D.!
I have 2 Boston Terriers which are very similar to Boxers. They had same symptoms but was related to food sensitivities. They were both poultry intolerant. We switched to a diet with fish, beef, buffalo, or venison derived. We also went grain free but that was an extreme choice. Removing turkey and chicken and duck made a huge difference and stopped the rashes and itching.
Good luck!
S. in Lisle

Have him tested for allergies if you haven't done so already. It's a simple blood test. A little pricey, but well worth it! We found out our dog is allergic to pork, fish, corn, wheat, peanuts, oats, and a few other food items...along with grass, a couple kinds of trees and mosquitos! It wasn't easy, but we found a store that sells all natural food products (you wouldn't believe what they put in most name brand dog foods...i.e. Purina...it's disgusting!)and switched him to a diet without the foods he's allergic to. What a difference! During the summer he might need a shot or two for the seasonal allergies, but he's like a new dog, energy wise and coat wise too!

we went through this with our bulldog...we bought the HUGe bottle of generic benadryl at costco and put one in each of her meals. also, we put vaseline on the "hot spots" or areas that she licked and dug at so as to deter her from it....both worked really well except that the allergies would flare up at certain times of the year with the weather, trees, flowers, etc.

Dear D.,

I have a Weimerainer that has really bad allergies (her nose runs that's how bad). The vet told me to give her 2 Benadryl. I was concerned because I didn't want to drug my dog and have her sleep all the time and be spacy. The vet told me that after a little while the dogs systems get used to it and they won't have that reaction.

I have also heard that for people they could eat locally grown honey and that will help them with their allergies. Because the bees are using the local pollen so the body will build up a tolerance. Now I am not sure how that would work for a dog, or even if it is safe for a dog to eat honey. But it couldn't hurt to ask your vet.

I hope this helps.

D.

How about some type of homeopathic treatments? I haven't had direct experience with skin allergies although have had boxers and now own a German Shepherd with anxiety. But we have tried calming drops with him that do have some affect and the drops are safe b/c they are natural. I have a friend with a boxer with allergies and they have used natural remedies. I live in NW Indiana and there is a store that specializes in animals (Hungry Hound I think) in St. John on RT 41. I am sure there are other stores in the south suburbs though too. My guess is that Orland area would be a good bet as well depending on where you live. Hope this helps. Hope he feels better soon, I love that breed!

Switch food and shampoo, injections are too expensive and haven't worked for me, and I don't believe in drugging a dog with benadryl if you haven't tried everything possible first! Also, adding a teaspoon vegetable oil to the food may also help (not the current food of course).

I give my dog a benedryl tablet stuck in a hot dog. Works great! She is about 35 pounds, so if your dog is bigger, you might be able to give him two tablets, the full dose. Try one, and see how it goes. My brother tipped me off to this. His dog had allergies. Really helps.

Hi D.,
Boxers, boxers, boxers. We have our 2nd boxer and 1 thing I will say about them is that they have very sensitive bellies and skin.

Our first boxer had a VERY sensitive stomach and had hot spots (licking his skin raw). We found that using non toxic cleaners (as their sense of smell is so great (shorter snouted dogs have a more sensitive belly) it affects everything).

We had to switch to an expensive dog food. Royal Canine. There was one made with vegetables (rather than a high meat protein as the first ingredient).

Our 2nd lovely boxer had really bad environmental/seasonal allergies and his hot spots are on his ears.

We give him a few natural things that seem to help him, but I definitely feel your pain. I would be happy to share what we do if you'd like to message me.

Boxers are wonderful, wonderful animals, but almost "prissy" (and I mean that lovingly) with what they need!

Belly Rubs to your boxer baby!
B.

D.,

Contact BOXER REBOUND they are a boxer rescue in ringwood IL. they have been rescuing boxers for over 20 years and know every trick in the book for working with the bread they are extrememly helpful and knowledgeable they have helped us with our boxer and we even resuced one from there. I know they will have some great information for you

We had a dog that had to have allergy injections for over 10 years. At certain times of the year, we had to give her the injections more often instead of the monthly shots. That helped her quite a bit. What is your dog allergic to?

Good luck.

J. R.

Get a new vet! There is an excellent holistic vet in the area who I have used in the past. I won't lie--it costs money but it's for good reason. She would get to the bottom of your dog's problem and treat the root cause. It could be that your dog's immune system is just out of whack, too. Either way, she is phenominal with animals. Most people don't go this route until they have exhausted all other resources. Often if we'd done it sooner, there could have been much better quality of life a long time ago. Her name is Dr. Karen Becker, DVM. She is quite in demand and has a very full schedule so she does seminars, too. She has a lot of great information to share.
ALso, have you considered a raw diet for your dog? I've heard that allergies and issues completely clear up on a raw meat diet. You can even go to pet health food stores and buy frozen raw meat pucks so that you don't have to deal with raw meat yourself.
They say kibble can be a huge source of health problems.
Here's a link to a page with Dr. Becker and her online forum where you can post this problem and get expert feedback. Good luck!
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/home.aspx

My poodle had terrible allergies also. We switched him to lamb and rice and took all other food away, except applesauce, he loved that! For his paws we would: smear them with an anti-itch cream or spray (human stuff), then we would slip a grown up's sock on his paw and leg and tape it so he couldn't slip it off. It brought him a lot of comfort, stopped the licking and chewing and after the first one he got used to it. When we would put him outside, if it was for a short time, we would tape a Walmart bag to it so we didn't have to take it off. You can't do more than one paw at a time, he'll slip around too much!! And don't leave him alone with the sock on, he'll chew it off! Good luck. Ask your vet for vitamin E pills too, they'll help keep his skin healthier.

Our Chow-mix has the same issues. We give her 2 benedryl at night time. A co-worker gives his mini-dacshound one in the morning and one in the evening. We don't give them to our dog every day, usually only once or twice a week so that she gets a little relief.