Hi Everyone,

I was a member here a while ago (one my pup, Langdon, was a little boy) and created a new account

Wanted some advice from everyone here...

About 4-5 months ago, Langdon started developing the itchies and the vet attributed the itchies to the change in weather here in Wisconsin. Around the same time, Langdon's ear junk started to flare up some too (he has always had some ear infection problems and we are cleaning out his ears 1-2x's per week with Otomax).

Since the past two months, Langdon's itchies have become increasingly worse. We finally brought him back into the vet after all of the ear and head scratching, rubbing alongside the couch, flapping his ears, scratching his legs, chewing & licking his paws, etc. The vet checked him out and thought one of his ear's smelt yeasty and believed that the change in season may have brought about an allergy. She recommended benadryl, continue with the Salmon pumps, and see if things get better. It didn't and the itchies were actually getting worse... She then wrote a prescription for Temaril-P.

I also began to notice (after two days on Temaril-P) that when he would finish his food, he would always flop his ears immediately after finishing his dinner (almost like the food was sour to him)... The Temaril made him a a sleepy puppy, but the itchies were still there.

After watching him react to the food, I decided to switch him off of Royal Canin, Golden Retriever #25 (for the past couple of years, we switched off every 4-5 months from Wellness Large Breed & Royal Canin... The same minor itchies were happening on both foods). After following a few threads on here, we decided to go with California Natural Herring & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food. His first feeding was last night and since then no itchies and MUCH higher spirits! It was strange... After eating this dinner, he seemed relieved and immediately went for his favorite toy and went into destructive bear mode

Now being that he was two full days into being on Temaril, not sure if that was the major reason why no itchies last night... So, we decided to skip his Temaril dosage this morning and still no itchies!!

So, that being said... Could our boy have developed a food allergy over time? Perhaps an ingredient that is in Wellness Large Breed & Royal Canin GR#25? Or, am I missing something?

Thanks!

I would be surprised, my old dog when he was about 2 he got those same symptoms plus sensitive stomach, we switched him onto a raw diet with mostly meat and alittle bit of fruit and veggies, no more issues. We later found out he was allergic to corn, wheat, grain, yeast, potato, sweet potato, and pretty much every carb out there. Some of the crap they put in kibble, particularly the lower quality ones don't leave your dog in good health


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I wouldn't be*


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Hmm normally food allergies arent common. Only 10% of allergies are food related but the fact that your dog isnt responding to steroid treatment makes me wonder if 1. The dose is to low or 2. He does have a food allergy. Dogs with true food allergies typically do not respond to steroid treatment.

How old is your guy and whats the dose of Temaril P

Yes, but his symptoms do match, and also although only 10% of allergies are food related, it could also be a food intolerance which occur many times more frequently


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Did you run a thyroid panel? Your pup is at the prime age for hypothyroidism and the symptoms you describe all point to it.

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I believe that food allergies and sensitivities are pretty common, particularly in breeds that are known for immune system dysfunction

You could try an elimination diet, as well as have the thyroid checked, and there are supplements that support an allergy dog.

To bad those supplements never helped my "food allergy" dog.

Meh, I've heard some people used those supplements for years and never saw results but I've also seen some allergies greatly reduce in severity after
Long term use along with limited exposure, it's very hit or miss


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Which dog is this? I thought you've now said Lincoln doesn't have food allergies.