Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/24/2006

Question
DEAR DR. GOTTHELF

MY DOG PRESSLEY IS A 9 YEAR OLD GERMAN SHEPARD. HE DEVELOPED ALLERGY LIKE SYMPTOMS ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO AND GRADUALLY HAS GOTTEN WORSE.  HE CONSTANTLY IS SCRATCHING HIS FACE AND HAS LOST ALL THE HAIR AROUND HIS EYES.  HE HAS A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH HIS STOMACH AND ARM PIT AREAS WITH RASHES, HAIR LOSS, OILY STINKY DISCHARGE AND BLACK AREAS ON HIS FEET AND ELBOWS ALSO WE BATTLE CRONIC EAR PROBLEMS.   I HAVE SPENT TONS OF MONEY AT THE VETS FOR TEMPERORY RELIEF. I HAVE HAD ALLERGY TESTING DONE SHOWING A SMALL REACTION TO DUST.  PLEASE HELP HIM

Answer
If he has a housedust mite allergy, that can be treated with allergy shots that you can give him at home. It may take 9 months to a year for it to work.  The dog needs frequent bathing to remove the allergens fromthe skin.  Your vet can put your dog on a low dose continuous steroid to decrease the skin sensitivity.  Omega 3 fatty acid dietary supplements can also help to decrease the over reaction of the skin to allegens.  It can take 30-45 days to see an effect from this.