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Emily94
Mar 20, 2010, 09:45 AM
Hello,
I took my dog to the vet in January, and he was diagnosed with a food allergy, he is now on a prescription diet called Medi-cal hypoallergenic HP. He was also on Antihistamines for the itching(for the first 2 weeks). He wasn't scratching up until about a week ago, now he uncontrollably scratching he is scratching his eyes, tummy, and feet. I am assuming this his allergies again(because this is exactly what he was doing before). Nothing has changed in his diet, he is still on the hypoallergenic HP, the only treats he gets is carrots, yes actually orange carrots (The vet doesn't have the prescription ones he would need, and she said he shouldn't be allergic to carrots since she is thinking it is a gluten allergy), and he doesn't get bones, rawhide, or pigs ears (or anything like them). All the dogs get fed at night in there kennels or in a room, so there is no way that he is "sneaking" food. Could his diet not be working anymore? Maybe since it is getting spring (there is still some snow) he has different allergies?
He needs a vet appointment in April so I can talk to his vet then, but I would like some other suggestions before I go to the vet (It may save a lot of money on testing if I have done some research)

hheath541
Mar 20, 2010, 09:56 AM
It's possible that his allergy isn't to gluten like the vet was thinking. It's also possible that it's not a food allergy at all. It can take a long time to pin down an allergy, especially in animals.

I once knew a cat that was allergic to human AND cat dander. Imagine being allergic to yourself and all the other living things around you.

Emily94
Mar 20, 2010, 10:05 AM
Well, we put him on his diet for two weeks he stopped itching, and then fed him is other food and he itched like crazy, put him back on his other food and the itching stopped. He hasn't itched for almost 2 months. So I am assuming it is a food allergy, and that his diet was helping. How do you find out if a dog is allergic to people :confused: Funny thing is, I'm allergic to him, so my mom jokingly said he was allergic to me, never really thought it actually could happen!

hheath541
Mar 20, 2010, 10:11 AM
You'd have to talk to your vet about it. I don't know what kind of allergy testing they do for dogs. I just know it's possible for animals to be allergic to humans, and even themselves.

shazamataz
Mar 20, 2010, 11:42 AM
Have you checked to see if his skin looks dry or flaky?

It might not be an allergy as such, maybe more the new food is oilier and better for his skin and he has just gotten used to it.

Of coarse best coarse of action is to talk to your vet, but it definitely wouldn't hurt to add some fish oil to his diet. I quite like using sardines in oil, you get a double dose of oily goodness plus omega 3.

Emily94
Mar 20, 2010, 01:13 PM
The food he is on now, the protein in it is salmon. Should I still add the fish oil? And if so where can I get it? What brand do you use? But since he is itching his eyes that makes me think its allergies, but I bought doggie eye wiped and have been using them around his eyes just in case it because of dirt by the eye. I am also combing him three times a day thinking it might because of his shedding, but any suggestions I appreciate!

Aurora_Bell
Mar 22, 2010, 05:27 AM
Shaz already said it, but I would consider adding omega oils to his diet. You can buy the capsuls of Cod liver oil, or in liquid form, or a can of sardines works as well. I buy actual Omega oils for my dog, they are $12 for a bottle of 60 Capsuls and she eats them like a treat. Works wonders. You could also invest in an allergy shampoo. In my experience I would stay clear of Hartz, go right to the vet or whole saler and choose one on their reccomondation. I like Allergroom.

Aurora_Bell
Mar 22, 2010, 05:29 AM
I buy my Omega oils from the vet. I never liked Medi-cal. I do like Holistick brands for food allergy prone dogs.