Hold up! Houston we’ve got a problem. Harley and I have warmer climate and allergy concerns. My happy place now seems to have a dark cloud floating over it…
Here I believed I’d thought of everything before we relocated to Charleston. Never did I imagine this area could potentially give one of my Boys skin issues.
BUT IT HAS –
Harley is constantly scratching, biting and licking like there’s no tomorrow.
While his skin isn’t “inflamed” its irritated and it’s bothering him. #whichbothersme
And for the first time in his life he’s got dander #OMDoodle
I’ve ruled out fleas #thankyouJesus because Jax is showing absodoodletutely no signs at all. That PLUS I’m diligent when it comes to prevention. #haventseenanyeither
His food/diet hasn’t changed much since we left Virginia with the one exception of an Oscar Mayer hotdog with his dinner. #hotdoglovingdoodle
SO WHAT’S CAUSING THE DISCOMFORT?
Only thing left that I can think of is some sort of allergen coming in contact with his skin, or he’s inhaling allergens such as dust mites or pollen and/or grass.
While I search for the right veterinarian, I’ve gone to a more holistic approach vs doing nothing. #gottatry
My daughter taught me long ago the benefits of herbal medicines. Herbs have been used to treat and prevent sickness for years. They contain antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, proteins and so much more, all in a natural form as nature intended.
Right now Harley’s getting a daily dose of Animals’ Apawthecary Dandelion / Milk Thistle.
Milk Thistle is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants protect us from chemicals in our bodies called free radicals. Exposure to environmental toxins can increase free radicals in the body, which can do a lot of damage to our cells. This is called oxidation and can eventually lead to cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. Milk thistle protects the liver against harmful oxidation. Rodney Habib
I’ve also started using Derma Ease, a medicated healing spray from the Australian Tea Tree Oil. This helps with hot spots, insect bites, stings, allergens and mites. Seems to sooth his skin and it’s safe should he lick or chew the area after I’ve sprayed.
Even though he gets coconut oil in his food – I’m waiting for the big brown truck to bring me my Bonnie & Clyde Omega-3 Fish Oil. #ThanksKTTW
I need to get this dander under control. Not only will this help his skin and coat, it also carries a powerful antioxidant from the Argentinian sunflower.
While it may seem as if I’ve got a loose grip on this handle – trust me, I’m going crazy #nailbitingcrazy and won’t rest until I get to a holistic vet quick #likeyesterday
Remember that old R& B Classic by Sam & Dave? –
When something is wrong with my baby, then something is wrong with me.
That’s how I feel right now…
Wonderful weekend wishes – do something special – we’ll keep you posted!
Milk Thistle For Your Dog
Canine Journal
All About Dog Allergies
SPECIAL NOTE: I am not a veterinarian. Any advice given should be no substitute for the guidance and professional opinion of a veterinarian. The views presented in this blog are my own (unless otherwise stated) and stem from my own experiences. While most herbs are perfectly safe for dogs, some can be toxic, so please don’t go this alone. Seek guidance from a holistic vet first.
December 18, 2015
oh dear poor Harley. The perils of moving. I hope you find relief — well I hope Harley finds relief because then you find relief!!
Hey big news of Doodleville West! WE are moving! To Philadelphia. We move in June. I got a new job running a school there. The doodles are sort of excited — they are Colorado dogs but they said where I go, they go (!) so we are heading East!
Merry Christmas my friend!
December 18, 2015
Harley’s vet called and so far we’re headed in the right direction. Gotta get him some Benadryl though – she wants me to give him some for a few days so he can get some relief. Once he stops scratching his skin can start to heal. That’s A-Mazing! When I come to VA to see the human children PAWhaps we can meet in the middle for a little highway rest stop doodle romp LOL So proud of you – Congratulations! What a way to bring in 2016! #yougogirl
December 19, 2015
Thank you!! Hey, how come the vet doesn’t like hot dogs? These doodles love hot dogs too. No good?
December 18, 2015
Every time we read a post about a dog with allergy issues we thank dog we don’t have any. Mom has battled allergies her whole life, so maybe that is enough for one family. I hope you find a good vet and the right solution. We are itching just thinking about it.
December 18, 2015
Spoke to the vet a few minutes ago Emma, she’s on board with my approach however, she wants me to give him some Benadryl for a few days to give him some relief, and she yelled at me about the hotdogs #oops So no more dogs for the doodles! I can’t wait for this to be over!
December 18, 2015
Dealing with allergies is a part of our lives. Cooler weather does help us. Since mom has tried everything, Atopica from our dermatologist is the only solution
Lily & Edward
December 18, 2015
Vet is super cool, she called me today. Likes what we’re doing but wants me to add an antihistamine for a few days. Harley’s just having difficulty adjusting to this new climate. #rats
December 18, 2015
Oh buddy I hope the itchies go away soon. Allergies are no fun. Have a great weekend.
December 19, 2015
Great information! Your blog is the first one I look for in my inbox everyday. Love this new series.
December 23, 2015
Thanks so very much Levine for your kind and encouraging words! I plan to update everyone in the beginning of January on how Harley is doing. Our all natural regiment seems to be really helping. Merry Christmas & thanks so much for following the Boys!
December 19, 2015
Our dogs have occasional allergies; Rodrigo is the one who is the most challenging and that’s because of his gut issues. The immune system is tied to the digestive system. Once I found a digestive enzyme that worked well for Rodrigo (FullBucket Daily Canine Powder) the itching went away and he stopped licking his paws like crazy.
Hope everything works well for your dogs. I love how they always challenge us to learn more, but it can be frustrating when they’re uncomfortable.
December 23, 2015
So far the regiment we’re on has already shown some improvement. I like what I see and I love what I’m learning. I may not be doing raw yet #itsonlyamatteroftime but I am really learning tons about healthy, natural and nutrition.
December 20, 2015
Sorry to hear about Harley’s issues but it sounds like you are on the right track to get him feeling better. Please do keep us posted!
December 23, 2015
I shall – he’s actually doing better! He’s on a natural regiment and I’m already seeing results. Stay tuned I will probably write a f/u early next year! Merry Christmas my friend & thanks so much for following the Boys!
December 30, 2015
I just LOVE your dogs! They are so beautiful. They sure enjoy boating and looking at the water.
December 31, 2015
Thank you Levine! Yes, they adore the water for sure. Happy New Year!