Expert: Renee Cox - 1/11/2009

Question
Hi, my Mom has a 6 month old boxer. The poor little puppy has allergies really bad. She breaks out like in hives and my Mom cannot figure out what she is allergic to. She has washed all of her toys and even bought her just plain white cotton. She has had to change her food just recently. My mom just found out the puppy has liver problems. She is on a special food and is on medication for her liver. My mom cannot figure out what to look for that would be causing her to have such bad reactions. She has to give her benadryl. Can you please give me some ideas of what might be causing the allergies? I feel so bad for my Mom. The dog food cost $97.00 for a 27 lb bag. She also has a pug that is on special food also for her tummy. She is a very loving animal lover. I will take any suggestions you can possibly give me. Thank You

Answer
Hi Pam. It could be anything. Have your mom wash the pup's bedding in Dreft, or something similar. Ceramic or metal food/water dishes are best. Has your mom changed any cleaning supplies lately? Or does the dog lay on surfaces washed with hard chemicals? Has the pup always had this problem, or just when she came to live with your mom? You can also get some oatmeal shampoo and wash her with that. That may help with the itching some.