Expert: Jana Connell RVT, CVT - 9/7/2011

Question
I have an 18 month old English Bulldog and he is currently on Vanectyl-P.  He is also on Science Diet Z/D Ultra Allergen free dry dog food - both vet rocceommended due to a very itchy face.  He has been an itchy dog from the time we got him and Vanectyl-P seems to help... but not always.

He has had some yeast issues in his facial folds lately and we keep them clean using witch hazel and once dry we use cornstarch.  Seems to help but its not getting any better either.

We would like to try something more holistic for his allergies as we think the steroids may be more bad than good.  Recently he had a major allergic reaction to something outdoors and after an antihistamine shot at the vet he was in great shape --> no itching, his face was nice, clean and white again and he was very happy go lucky.  Once that wore off he was back to his itchy self.  

Do you have any recommendations on a holistic approach to his allergies?

Also, lately he has begun licking his chops obsessively.  He seems to go into a trance when he does it and we aren't sure if its related to the itchiness or not.  He does lick his chops like this after we wash his face but not in an obsessive manner and not for extended periods of time.  

Wondering if that means anything??

Thanks,

Answer
I am not really well versed on holistic medicine for dogs but there are a LOT of websites by Vets out there on the subject. Be very careful when dealing with herbs because they can be just as powerful as any other drug. I would find a holistic practitioner near you and make an appointment for him.Acupuncture might actually help in a case like this.  

The fact that he apparently has multiple allergies makes it even more risky to use herbal therapy on him. He sounds like an atopic dog- multiple allergens from grasses, pollens, trees, weeds etc. He inhales them and comes in contact with them.

Many owners have had some success with allergy testing and injections, the same way that people get them. Some say they do nothing but I know from experience that they can work for many pets.

The licking can also be caused by many factors. If his face itches he could be just reacting to that. The medicine you have him on has a steroid in it so that can cause some funny reactions in some dogs. It can make people feel really euphoric, almost stoned, so it can make a dog kind of spacey.

Witch hazel really doesn't do much for yeast infections, but simple over the counter vaginal yeast cream will work in his facial folds. It will kill the yeast, not just subdue it.

It's really sad that he is going through all of this at such a young age. I don't know if he is neutered but sometimes hormones can cause a lot of itchy skin problems.

I hope that you find an answer for the poor guy soon.