My dog's skin is super itchy, and home remedies aren't working. What next?

I would try a prescription hypoallergenic diet. Your vet will be able to recommend the one they think will work best for her like science diet Z/D or purina HA. This will be your best shot to rule out any food allergies. I recommend to do a minimum of a 12 week food trial with NOTHING else except for the Z/D. Even her heartworm prevention, if you give it, needs to be hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, most of the oral ones have chicken or beef flavoring in them. For treats, you can take the canned version of whatever food you choose and put a small amount into an ice cube tray and freeze them. Then popped them out and put them in a bag in the freezer for treats. I would also consider putting her on both apoquel and cytopoint at the same time to help control itching. I would also talk to your vet about whether or not they think there is any yeast on her. Yeast can be very itching. There is a anti-fungal that can be given long term and be safe. It is called terbinafine. I had a dermatologist to give it once a day for 4 weeks then every Monday and Tuesday long term to keep the yeast under control in my really allergic patients. Your vet will be able to determine the best dose and whether or not she even needs this. Finally, if this doesn't help, I would strongly recommend to find a veterinary dermatologist in your area to see if they can do different types of treatment. Most dermatologists can do skin allergy testing and get her started on allergy injections if needed. I hope this helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Zoey. It is possible that allergies are to blame for her ongoing skin disease especially if her problems are somewhat seasonal. There are two great new allergy medications used to control itching and licking. They are both very effective. Typically if the itching can be controlled and medication such as an antibiotic can be used to treat any secondary infection, the skin will heal. This will take away the odor. The two medications I used most commonly for environmental allergies are Apoquel and Cytopoint. It is important to rule out other allergies such as fleas and diet. She may need a prescription diet trial. I hope this information helps!

It is possible that Zuco has environmental allergies. As he is currently in discomfort, I would recommend taking him to a veterinarian, putting him on an oral prescription flea/tick preventative such as simpsrica, bravecton or nexgard to rule out flea bite allergies, inquire about a minimum of a 2 week trial of an allergy medication called Apoquel if indicated based on your vet's examination +/- a monthly allergy injection called cytopoint. Both medications have been life changing for many dogs with environmental allergies. If Apoquel +/- a topical prescription steroid/antibiotic/antifungal ointment such as dermavet does not alleviate the itching, a food trial with a prescription diet such as Royal Canin Ultamino for a minimum of 2 months may be indicated. Home remedies if you are not able to bring him to the vet immediately can include placing an e-collar to prevent biting/worsening of lesions, a moisturizing oatmeal shampoo such as Aveeno every day and a gradual transition to Purina Derm Defense diet. Additionally your regular vet may be willing to cite a dose for OTC Benadryl to give prior to your appointment if he/she already has an established relationship with your pet.

Probiotics, antihistamines and an omega-3 fatty acid supplement for pets may help but they may not cure the condition. When you can, have Lily re-examined by the veterinarian. I recommend to conduct a proper food trial with a prescription hydrolyzed protein diet. This is the best and only way to accurately rule out food allergies as the cause of itching. Other possibilities include environmental allergies and thyroid conditions. I hope this helps and your situation resolved quickly.

If he scratches and is itchy year round, it could be a food allergy or an indoor allergen. Discuss desensitization injections (allergy shots), hydrolyzed diets, antihistamine use and food elimination trials with your veterinarian. https://www.petcoach.co/article/food-trials-for-allergies-in-pets-what-to-expect https://www.petcoach.co/article/what-is-a-novel-protein-pet-food/ https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/food-allergies/

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Trace. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian if his current allergy treatment protocol is no longer working. Occasionally dogs will need oral antibiotics if the rash is severe enough. Prescription anti-itch medication can provide relief as well. Steroids are a common and inexpensive option, but can cause lots of side effects in the patient. Apoquel is a newer option that works very well with fewer side effects. Cytopoint is an anti-itch injection that is given by the veterinarian. It provides relief for 4-8 weeks. Medicated shampoo or mousse can be used for further control. In the meantime, place an E-collar on him to prevent any further self trauma. You can bath him with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula to soothe the skin. I hope this information helps!

You can try an over the counter oatmeal based shampoo for several days to see if that helps. If the itching continues or Joy has any bumps, redness or an odor develops she needs to see her veterinarian as that could mean she has an infection.