I write this post to share my thoughts on current methodologies I have tried when navigating the stormy seas of canine allergies. My journey as a devoted dog mom to Beau & Brandy as well as an endless trail of rescues over the years has been both challenging and enlightening. I had 3 chocolate labs years ago (Stetson, Maverick and Wrangler) that had the worst allergies. I tried everything from acupuncture, to herbs, to constant antibiotics, Benadryl and many different kinds of food. I even tried a vegetarian diet, which is my personal lifestyle, to no avail. Dogs are carnivores. Even though I painstakingly cooked for them, they became too thin. I do believe diet plays a big part in our dogs’ health. Thank goodness for new, raw, all natural food companies such as The Farmer’s Dog. 

The Beginning: A Quest for Relief

The path from relentless scratching and discomfort to finding a semblance of peace and normalcy for Beau and Brandy has been fraught with trials, from alternative therapies to medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint.

The early days were marked by desperation as I watched Beau suffer from the telltale signs of allergies—incessant scratching, hot spots, and a general state of misery that no pet parent ever wants to witness. Our initial approach included traditional remedies like Benadryl, which offered only temporary respite, and antibiotics, which became a repeating cycle of short-term solutions rather than a cure all while compromising his immune system.

Turning to Medical Innovations

Cytopoint Injections

My sister, who would rescue every animal if she could, told me about Cytopoint. What is this, you ask? It is a monthly injection that is a monoclonal antibody and it seemed to be a miracle. Outside of the expense, Beau requires two injections that can run $200. Beau’s skin cleared, he stopped licking his feet to the point of causing sores and the playful Beau that we knew and loved was back. The changes were almost immediate. The shot lasts about 4 weeks. A vet has  to administer the medication.

Unfortunately, Beau’s acupuncturist is not a fan. She is a big believer in alternative therapies even though she said she would rather try to cure cancer than allergies. She believes the drug hurts their immune system and will eventually be taken off the market, and she convinced me enough to only use these injections when desperate. If nothing else can make Beau comfortable, we get him the shot. It has had no side effects on him. When environmental allergies peak during seasons such as spring when pollen is popping, Beau gets the shot.

Apoquel

Enter my sister to the rescue again. I was afraid to continue to get Beau the injections on a regular basis. Apoquel is the new holy grail. Apoquel promised to control itching and inflammation by targeting the source of the allergic reaction. Apoquel and Cytopoint, both manufactured by Zoetis, have been around for some time now – eight years and five years, respectively.

This, too, is expensive, but the manufacturer offers coupons to help offset the fees. Be sure to search.

Apoquel requires a vet prescription. I really dislike giving Beau pills forever. My research showed that neither modality has shown side effects. When I stopped giving him Apoquel, the symptoms flared back up. I’m still torn. You have to start with a big dose for two weeks then taper to one pill a day. 

I have been using Entirely Pets Pharmacy.

Over The Counter

I use, as needed, Benadryl. Check the dose. Apparently the system of a dog is very different from a human. Who knew? Beau can take several pills at a time and several times in one day. When he’s miserable, I don’t wait. If it is already bad, I waited too long and Benedryl is the fastest thing I have tried to get him  quick relief.

I used Zyrtec (I use the generic drug store brand) when we first moved to Connecticut and Brandy’s eyes kept swelling. She got a pill every morning. This too was fairly fast relief. This is our second spring in Connecticut and she hasn’t needed any help … yet. I use Zyrtec for Beau too. But not when he gets Cytopoint or is on Apoquel.

Dietary Changes: From Vegetarian Experiments to Natural Foods

Parallel to these medical treatments, we embarked on a dietary odyssey. Initially, we experimented with a vegetarian diet, driven by the hypothesis that it might alleviate their allergies. However, it quickly became apparent that a meat-free diet was not suited to their nutritional needs, leaving them lethargic and unenthusiastic about meal times. The subsequent trial of various kibble brands felt like navigating a labyrinth, with each turn leading to dead ends and further frustrations.

The turning point came with the introduction of natural food delivery services. These services provided high-quality, natural foods tailored to Beau and Brandy’s specific dietary needs, devoid of the additives and fillers that seemed to exacerbate their allergic reactions. The impact was remarkable—less scratching, more playing, and a general improvement in their well-being.

Reflections on the Journey

Looking back on this journey through the landscape of canine allergies, from relying on medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint to exploring the vast world of dietary solutions, it’s clear that managing allergies is a multifaceted endeavor. Each dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. For Beau and Brandy, it was a combination of targeted medical treatments and a shift towards natural, wholesome foods that finally brought them relief.

This journey taught me the importance of persistence, the value of exploring all available options, and the necessity of tailoring solutions to the individual needs of each pet. As a dog mom, witnessing the transformation in Beau and Brandy’s quality of life has been profoundly rewarding. It underscores the belief that through a combination of science, nutrition, and a bit of patience, we can offer our furry family members a life free from pain and full of joy.

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