Obedience performance and scratching

p.s. Yes, I could solve this problem by moving away to a place that doesn't have grass or certain trees but that is not too practical at this time in my life.

I doubt if anyone here would suggest a solution that drastic. My dog receives the desensitization shots and has had excellent results; the success of the treatment depends in large part on the training and expertise of the vet ; an experienced derm vet is much better than a regular vet, especially if the intradermal skin test, which is the most accurate test, is done. If the blood test is done, the lab that does the testing makes a lot of difference; Heska is probably the best place to send the blood. Here is a thread that refers to a conditioner and a spray that have proven to be very effective in controlling itching:

      [linkhttp://forum.dog.com/asp/tm.asp?m=36758]http://forum.dog.com/asp/tm.asp?m=36758[/link]

The conditioner is mentioned in the first post and the spray by the same company is mentioned in the ninth post. I hope these help your dog. I'm really sorry the shots didn't work for you; I know how expensive allergy testing is and I'm sure you were very disappointed. Good luck in the competitions.[]

   

Thanks for your response. I'm willing to do anything for my dog so the expense of the shots was worth every penny if there was a chance to cure his problem. I appreciate you pointing out the appropriate posts since there is such a large amount of skin care issues to search through.

 You're welcome although I don't know how helpful my suggestion was. You gave a tall order to fill; I wouldn't know how to guarantee a dog wouldn't scratch AT ALL for any length of time. The reason I referred you to that thread was because terrierlover has tried EVERYTHING and spent a great deal of money to help her dog with little or no success, so if the conditioner worked for her dog I honestly think it would work for any dog. Good luck. []

thanks for posting my post as a referal...maybe I can suggest a few other things...
 
Have you tried Genesis spray by Virbac... must get from a vet.... yip its a steriod spray but works pretty darn good when you don't want to do something like Pred. Now Prednisone would stop the itch in its track with Alley but sounds like it puts your dog in a funk which I understand as I have another Scottie that had to be put on Steriods for a 3 month period for IBD and it was horrible how he slept and didn't want to do anything.
 
Okay another wonderful STOP the itch in its tracks shampoo is by Nova Pearls which you can get at Petco. Its the one with the green lettering and smells like Tar. Its fabulous... then I use the Tropiclean Oxy-med conditoner. Make sure you leave these products on as long as the bottle tells you or its a waste of time.
 
I hope these can be of some help as they have for the ITCH QUEEN at our house...

Have you tired Pure Neem Oil? It is good for fleas, ticks, skin disorders, ringworms, and the list goes on. I use it on my dogs and it works. I mix it in their shampoo.

Never heard of it... were do I get it???
 
Im about ready to scream.... my dogs are getting so many ticks....and I use Frontline plus...

I got mine on line. The name of the one I got is Dyna-Gro Pure Neem Oil. It isn't cheap. You also can make a bug spray out of it too. Neem oil is used for just about everything from using it on humans, pets, gardens. Just do a search for pure neem oil. Don't get the kind that has stuff added into. I have to warn you that it does have a smell to it.

Thanks for all the replies. I will keep trying the different products. I recently spoke with the vet and he said that putting the dog on prednisone for only three days without the weaning-off period should be fine. I am trying it out right now so I can see if it will be effective for the next show. So far he hasn't gone into a funk and I haven't seen him scratch even once. It sure is nice not to have to vacuum twice a day! It will be interesting to see what happens when he goes back off the medication.

It sure is nice not to have to vacuum twice a day! It will be interesting to see what happens when he goes back off the medication.

  You may want to ask some of the members here, such as Callie, about home treatments that could help your dog; she has dealt with many dogs with skin problems and can be very helpful in suggesting things that can make a big difference in your dog's quality of life without using drugs.

Ther is a product by Quantum Herbal Prouducts that I can simply cannot live without is called 100% Natural Herbal Coat Conditioner Spray...it used to be called 100% Natural flea and tick repellent but  changed because is pending epa registration.  This stuff works.  The ingredients are: Erigeron, Rose Geranium, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree Oil, Extract of St.  John's Wort, Rue, Neem Oil, Wormwood, Holy Basil and Black Walnut in a base of super-oxygenated distilled water.  Grain alcohol content 5%. 

It comes in an 8oz bottle, is not cheap is 21.00 this is even safe on humans in fact they sell it for us as well and the best thing is that it works.  I live in Houston, and this product has been my salvation.  Romeo is allergic to flea bites, all it takes is one flea and this dog is miserable. 

I can leave home without my American Express, but not without my Quantum Repellent. 

The website is:  [linkhttp://www.quantumherbalproducts.com]www.quantumherbalproducts.com[/link]

How do you apply the Natural Herbal Coat Conditioner Spray?  Also, how often do you apply it? 

Thank you

It comes in a spray bottle.  The bottle says: Shake well before each use.  Separtaion is normal since ono chemical emulsifying agents are used.  Spray top & underside of animal.  Massage or brush into coat avoiding eyes.  Apply daily for 3-4 days, then, as needed.  This spray is very concetrated so a small amount will be effective.
 
I apply 3-4 days in a row at the beginning of the month, and then every other day or so and only to his legs, and tip of ears.  A little goes a long way.
 
I spray it on me too, and nothing comes near me. 

So, you don't use any other flea products?  My dog has so many allergies, I am trying everything possible.   I don't want to use frontline or advantage if I don't have to.  I mean he has in the past, but I'm trying to get away from using those products.

Thanks again!

I relly don't use any chemicals and I live in Houston.  Flea capital of the world or so it seems like. As I found out Romeo is allergic to Frontline and Frontline Plus, I will use Advantage if I have to, so far I have not had to.

The following products are what I have found that work on Romeo, I am not saying they would work on all dogs, but at least work on mine and for this I am grateful.

I use organic white vinegar in his water 3-4 tbsps per gallon of water.  I also use an all natural remedy called Bite This, it makes his blood bitter so he is not very tasty and I use the repellent.  I wash his bedding at least 3x a week and use an all natural powder around his crate and bed.  And whenever he is outside, before we go back inside I go through him with a flea comb, when he was in transition from the chemicals to the natural products  he will have one or two so I would use the Advantage, but as the natural remedy built  up in his system I have not had to use.  Knock on wood, this year goes well too.

For my carpets I use "Fleabusters", is a borax powder that you apply once a year.  It works, it really does.  Is a pain in the rear end to apply, but is worth it.  You have to move everything and brush it into your carpets, I wear a mask and cover the heavy furniture I let it set for a couple of hours and I vacumm.  In some parts of the country the company will come apply for you, but not in Houston.  Is $35.00 and it will do a 1500 sq ft home, I use two for my parents house and 1 for my apartment.

Also at night, I give him a sponge bath of Rosemary, Chamomille, Eucalyptus and Florida Water or Witch Hazel.  I boil about a gallon of water in the morning, throw all the herbs in let it boil for about 30 mins. Once cooled I put in the refrigerator, before we go to sleep I go over his entire body with the sponge and he loves it.  It cools his skin and dries off whatever bites he may have from the 1001 insects found locally.

My friends call me crazy and say I am obsessed, but at least I save a lot on vet bills and don't have to give all the anitbiotics and such.  Good luck finding something that works for you, if you try natural products remember it takes time for them to work.