Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 11/2/2011

Question
My 2 year old 50lb lab, Bella, has been itching incessantly, licking her paws and arms and scratching to the point that she is pulling her hair out.  I took her to the vet and they put her on Temaril P and that seems to have stopped her allergies but the come back as soon as I try to ween her off.  I am concerned about the lasting affects of Temaril p and the side effects are making her miserable.  What are our options on treatment?

Answer
If the Temaril-P helps, then it is most likely an allergy.  Prednisone only temporarily helps decrease the reaction to the allergen(s).  Low dose prednisone or dexamethasone may not cause severe side effects, but if the dog needs to stay on it year round, then you might consider something like Atopica, which lessens the allergic signs without side effects.  Treat for any secondary bacterial or fungal infections on the skin, too.  Allergy testing and desensitizing allergy shots may help lessen the severity of the allergies. If the dog is allergic to inside molds and mites, then keeping her outdoors may help.  We always try and remove the exposure to the offending allergens if possible. Putting the dog on Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may help make the skin less vulnerable to the allergens.  Frequent bathing also helps wash off allergens from the skin.