Experience I am the author of "Small Animal Ear Diseases; An Illustrated Guide" published by W.B. Saunders. I have over 25 years of clinical experience with a special interest in dermatologic conditions and ear diseases.
Organizations American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology
Publications Veterinary Forum
Veterinary Medicine
Waltham Focus
Question Hi Dr. Gotthelf,
We have two dogs: a Chow/Lab mix (58 lbs) and an Aus. Cattledog/Border Collie mix (41 lbs). The Chow/Lab was regularly (multiple times per day) biting and itching. the Cattledog was itching to a lesser extent. Bathing bi-weekly with Coal Tar shampoo reduced the itching, but it would not go away. We treated both dogs with Advantage flea control products, with no change in behavior.
Their diet is dry food with a salmon-base for the meat product. We recently have changed two things nearly concurrently which have helped greatly: (1) added 1 Tblspn of Cod Liver Oil on their food [twice daily]; (2) dosed the chow/lab with veteranian-prescribed Hydroxyzine (50mg) also his food [twice daily].
We think the Hydroxyzine is helping more, but we started the Cod Liver Oil regiment only 3-4 days earlier than the Rx meds.
Question: can Hydroxyzine be used safely for long-term control of itching? We are considering buying Hydroxyzine Pamoate [generic for Vistaril] on the Internet from a Vet Supply Store in a large quantity (500 capsules), but we don't want to do any undue longterm harm.
Also, what are your thoughts as to weaning from the Rx drugs under these circumstances? They seems to be helping so much with his condition.
Thank you in advance,
Chris
Answer I think your vet is living in the past. We no longer use coal tar shampoos or hydroxyzine (Atarax). We know that it is sedating and has some antihistamine effect, but we know that not much of dog allergies are related to histamines, so the antihistamines are almost useless.
As far as dietary oils, if you are going to buy something, make sure that is it Omega3 fatty acids. They are incorpoorated into the skin and prevent the skin from reacting to allergens. It takes sometimes 60 day to start working.
