My German Shepherd (age 4, over 125 pounds) is suddenly scratching herself, chewing on her ankles. No question it's an allergy to something so I'm taking a close look at everything, including her food.

The Vet wants to put her on steroids and I just hate to do that.

I've looked for over the counter medications but I don't want to make a bad situation worse. My Lab had similar problems several years ago and I did use something over the counter with great success but I don't recall what it was.

Any thoughts?

My dog (age 4) developed allergies to grass last year. I did not know dogs could be allergic to grass. She is short haired and white so I can see her belly turn pink when she goes in grass. I do not give her medication for this, I just keep her off the grass. She has not developed any breathing complications from it. Does your dog have trouble with breathing?

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Originally Posted by 1099669

My dog (age 4) developed allergies to grass last year. I did not know dogs could be allergic to grass. She is short haired and white so I can see her belly turn pink when she goes in grass. I do not give her medication for this, I just keep her off the grass. She has not developed any breathing complications from it. Does your dog have trouble with breathing?

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No, not at all, no breathing problems, no other problems. She does drink a lot of water but she's a big dog and I'm also told that can be a symptom of allergies.

Funny you should mention the grass allergy because my yellow Lab (now deceased) suddenly developed an allergy to fallen leaves. Fall was a nightmare for him. I also had a German Shepherd that was allergic to wool and ended up replacing my livingroom carpeting.

The things we do for our dogs!

Is she an inside dog or an outside dog?

Maybe the dog has herpes... Have you ever thought of going to the vet for a diagnosis for herpes? The same thing happened to my friend's mom's dog and she died before they actually figured out what was wrong with her.

I reckon the problem is fixed now being that it was 4 months ago...

Are you still having this issue Judy?

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Originally Posted by shazamataz

I reckon the problem is fixed now being that it was 4 months ago...

Are you still having this issue Judy?

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She's been fine but started up again last Friday, chewing on her feet, ears all red.

Pulling my own hair out.

I can't find anything that indicates that herpes in dog causes itching - anyone? I know it can cause sneezing -

I personally have never known a dog to have herpes, I don't think it's very common :confused:

Most common cause of itching is allergies... either food, contact or aiborne...

Is there anything she's eaten recently out of the norm?
Anything she has been near or you have used (cleaning products, trees)
Does it seem to happen when the weather changes? (pollen etc on windy days)