Hi,

Firstly, sorry for the essay, but it thought it was best to give as much detail as possible :)

I'm hoping someone may have some suggestions as to how I can help make my dog more comfortable now the weather is getting warmer. Last year he was diagnosed with hayfever, which I have to admit I didn't know dogs could get, and the vet thinks he is also slightly sensitive to dust as well. The vet prescribed 'Canaural' ear drops, as the main symptom was inflamed and itchy ears, which I used as needed throughout the summer and this did help, although it relieved the symptoms rather than got rid of them completely.

I have been to the vet again recently (about another matter) and have discussed managing his condition this year, as spring seems to already be well upon us. The vet said that I can carry on with the ear drops (which do work, but he hates having them put in), or go onto steriods if the condition worsens. I am reluctant to use strong steriods if it can be avoided, as the vet suggested that they would be needed daily, all year round, for life! And when the steriod tablets lost effect, he would need to be injected

I'll carry on with the drops for the time being, but the vet also suggested it may be worth looking into the possibility of managing the hayfever with natural/herbal/homeopathic remedies before using steriods.

Basically, has anyone and experience of using these type of remedies on a dog with hayfever? I know there was a discussion recently about these types of treatments, and I'm firmly on the fence as to whether they work or not, but will try anything within reason to help stitch with his itch!!

If the following info helps, here it is;

Dogs age: 3 1/2 years

Breed: crossbreed (Border terrier x parson russell)

Food: Wafcol Chicken complete dry (He doesn't seem to like the Salmon & Potato which i understand is a little better for 'allergic' type dogs) Fed twice a day.

Exercise: Approx 1 hour a day walks, more at weekends, access to garden at least 5 hours per day (OH works from home) Stitch isn't shut out in the garden, he leaves patio doors open so stitch can come and go as he pleases, OH can keep an eye on him then from the back door of the garage.

Main Symptoms: Inflamed & itchy ears, generally very scratchy especially on his underside.

What I've done to manage it so far: Canaural drops when ears are 'up'. Coat kept trimmed short, monthly to 6 weekly baths using tea tree shampoo, manic dusting, regular hot washing of dogs bed & cushions that he uses.

Any suggestions will be welcomed, he (touch wood) hasn't started badly so far this year, so if I can nip anything in the bud I'll be over the moon!!

Claire

p.s. Please don't think I've posted and ran off, I might not have internet access this weekend to reply on here as our broadband is playing up. AGAIN

I know that with human hayfever sufferers, local organic honey helps as it contains all the pollens from your area.  I wonder if this would work with dogs?

Debs

I have an allergic dog, one of her symptoms has been itchy ears.  I've tried all sorts of things.  I have used steroids in short bursts to get her comfortable, but, like you, I am not happy about this.  She just isn't herself on steroids.  It certainly sounds worth trying the honey, as suggested by Debs.  Or you could try antihistamines?  My dog has now had blood tests and she's allergic to allsorts of things.  We are now trying the injections - I'm hoping they work.  Good luck with your boy.

I had a very allergic dog :( poor thing suffered dreadfully with itching (ears, feet, belly) and sneezing.  After 3 years on steroids and canaural (very expensive and not really very effective considering the risks) I asked the vet when he was likely to be 'cured' or at least have a lesser reaction only to be told - never!   I then asked whether Antihistamines would be a better way to manage it and was reluctantly told it was possible :rolleyes:  So that's what we did, piriton daily and the dog was much improved.  If only it had been recognised at the time that diet could have a great impact I'm sure the poor dog would have been even better but the vets advice at the time was that diet wouldn't make any difference :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I've used the local honey myself with great results :D :D

Hi Dill
Did you use human piriton from a chemist or did you need to get special vet stuff? If it was from the chemist what dose did you use?

Ta
Marion

I worked out the dose with the vet and then bought it at the chemist shop - I'd already paid for the vet's new Porsche and wasn't about to pay for his holiday as well ;)

The dose is size/weight related and the vet will help you with that :D 

Hi Marion
I know it's not me you're asking - but, when I tried antihistamines with Tanzi, my Ridgeback, the vet suggested Piriton.  I bought them via the vet because they charged less than the chemist, but they were the same thing.  I gave her one a day - she weighs about 38 kg.  It's probably a good idea to discuss this with your vet though.
Carina

Thanks all, Our Gordon gets really itchy inflamed ears and although antibiotics help, its not long before it comes back, I take a form of piriton myself for itchy skin, no obvious allergen, so I wondered if this would help her too. I will mention it next time she is at the vet for itchy ears :-)

Know what you mean about the Porsche :D

I use Piriton on one of my ESS's buy in bulk from an online human chemist 500 tabs for just over £11. She weighs 16.5 kg and on the dose rec by my vet is on 1 tab daily. Vet told me it would work out cheaper to buy in bulk than to buy from him on regular prescription.

That's an excellent price for Piriton :)  I used to buy in bulk from my chemist but they won't sell them like that any more.  Could you let me know which online chemist it is, please?  I'm starting to sneeze now the pollen count is getting high, and I like to have them in the house for if the dogs get stung, or bitten by bugs, or have a reaction to stingers.

Don't know how to put hyperlink on here but this is the site. The 500 piriton tabs are half way down and cost £9.90

http://www.chemist-4-u.com/eshop/search.php?mode=search

Thank you :)

your welcome Hope they help and certainly save you money in the long run.

Hi,

I hadn't thought of asking the vet about anti histamines, I suppose because he sugested steriods as a next step I assumed there was no other medical alternative.

I'll speak to the vet this week and ask him about Piriton, and how towork out the correct dose etc. Hopefully that should help with the symptoms.

Thanks for all the advice,

Claire