Our new vet has really taken advantage of us.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by bamawife

I am not sure why so many of you think he is having food allergies. I did not mention food allergies at all. Raley had the environmental allergy test done. I posted about how we were ripped off by the vet that submitted the test. Thank you for so many thoughts about my little one's allergies but I am leaving his treatment up to the experts at Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine.

What is environmental allergy exactly? From things such as floor wax & cleaning products or carpet dye - that sort - or from biologicals like cedar in the air - or both?

[Lil Sis]

Sorry... I am sure no one was trying to upset you. Many of us have been through the same symtems you listed and dealt with it by changing diet. I have. I do grain free, add salmon oil and/ or coconut oil to food. Home cook evening meal...my fur baby is doing well!

I understand you may have to do the shots...and my guy was so sick I thought I was going to too...but with the help of people on yt and my own research we didnt.

That's all we are saying

Good luck ..hope he does well

[BiewerYorkie]

Originally Posted by bamawife

The vet also told us there was no need to change his food. I will get a copy of the results this week and see exactly what his allergies are. I do know that his list of allergies is so long that they could not make just one serum for him...he will have 2 different serums and I will give him shots on alternating days.

The money hungry vets can make up a zillions things to get $$$ from you. My daughter, now 45, has a ton of allergies. She went through all the testing stuff when she was very young. She still has a ton of allergies but they are not as bad now.

Did you already pay this vet? If not, I think I would try the food change first. I know there are certain things to avoid and there are foods out there with limited ingredients. My 6 are on several different dog foods depending on their health/age. Zachary, my Yorkie, has a VERY sensitive tummy and I finally, after much trial and error, found a food that keeps his stool fairly solid.

Good luck,
Louise

[yorkietalkjilly]

Do you burn Scentsy candles in the home around the dog?

[gracielove]

Originally Posted by my2boyz

Not all allergies are environmental...not all food allergies are food related.

However, some of us who have dealt with the whole allergy issue have found that a simple change in diet has given great relief to our dogs if not cured the issue...it's simple and a whole lot cheaper up front than testing. I have had the allergy tests done but the change I made that has made the biggest improvement for Megan has been a change in diet...which is grain and potato free kibble and pre-made raw.

Some of us have been there...done that...made the change and saw the difference...we were just trying to help.

What brand are you using for raw and kibble? I tried one grain free and potato free kibble for Gracie (Brothers) but she would not eat it. She hates kibble anyway but I was not aware of another brand that was potato free.

[my2boyz]

Originally Posted by gracielove

What brand are you using for raw and kibble? I tried one grain free and potato free kibble for Gracie (Brothers) but she would not eat it. She hates kibble anyway but I was not aware of another brand that was potato free.

I PM'd you

[bamawife]

We have no choice but do shots. Environment allergies can range anywhere from the type of sheets you sleep on to the types of grass and trees where you live. No worries about changing vets.... It's a no brainer. The vet that charged the high prices was making money by marking up the cost that Auburn charges for the testing and serum. Most vets do not mark that up very much. I feel confident that Auburn has us on the right protocol and have no reason whatsoever to doubt them. I was only complaining about the outrageous charges that the vet threw on us....and I have the right to complain about that. I honestly don't know who wouldn't be upset if it happened to them.

[bamawife]

And no, I don't "burn" Scentsy but I do warm it. Raley had allergies before I ever started using Scentsy

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by my2boyz

Not all allergies are environmental...not all food allergies are food related.

However, some of us who have dealt with the whole allergy issue have found that a simple change in diet has given great relief to our dogs if not cured the issue...it's simple and a whole lot cheaper up front than testing. I have had the allergy tests done but the change I made that has made the biggest improvement for Megan has been a change in diet...which is grain and potato free kibble and pre-made raw.

Some of us have been there...done that...made the change and saw the difference...we were just trying to help.

Great post!

On the flip side I tried every food imaginable and then lost the list of foods tried them all again, for an unsuccessful while I tried homecooking (unsuccessful because I didn't know how to do it, nor did I know where to go etc.) Didn't know about nutritionists for canines or YT!!!





I had Miss Mini tested by two seperate docs. one a specialist. Turned out food allergies was not her main problem; infact, human dander was her biggest problem!!! I felt as though I failed her because the vet suggested testing long before and I said no, only to find out I was keeping her from being properly treated.

Now one year out, having stayed the course and adjusted her shots as necessary (every 2 weeks) My Miss Mini, who suffered nonstop for a couple years and I do mean nonstop is 90-95% better. Vetting and medicine for allergies has gone down significantly; infact, we have not had an episode in a few months....that is a miracle in itself.

I guess my point is that I think it is worth it to atleast try the testing for environmental, as a whole it is far less expensive in the long run...testing under $500 and approx. $200 every 6 months for serum...not so bad..it was the not knowing that drove me crazy. Now I am able to take some actions like change my sheets daily, limit kisses and licking of me, prevent other humans from same....or giving her a bath after socializing with skin people! Vacuming more often, washing her bedding more often, keeping her away from the pollen of trees, killing my dandelions, being more tenacious when high pollen count is out...etc., those are things I can now TRY to control atleast a little....and so far it is working. I was warned from the get go that it works immediately for some but can take several months for others, with Miss Mini's high allergic triggers It was a slower process...but again 1 year out, I'm seeing miracles... Varl has an 85-95% success rate with proper administration, those of us whose pups have severe allergies, would probably call that super!

Again, I can't help sharing this info. and bragging and trying to spread the word, because my Miss Mini was probably the most severe case you can imagine, she had bumps all over her body, head, ears, genitals, she truly suffered. She lost hair, and always got secondary infections, often causing hospitalization...and on more than one occassion almost dying...(I'm crying writing this) so if I can urge anyone to try it, for the sake of your pups...I will try. I think the most important part of the process is being patient and keeping a daily journal.

Now, there is a low end and a high end to the reactions, if the vet your going to is trying to get you to purchase a serum based on low numbers...that would be rediculous, because realistically a benadryl or other allergy pill could suffice.

I agree that diet can help extremely, with many dogs. And obviously is successful, I just feel that with testing you can at the very least limit your pets exposure to some of those things that are triggers.

Ok I'm off my soapbox!

[bamawife]

Originally Posted by lynzy420

Great post!

On the flip side I tried every food imaginable and then lost the list of foods tried them all again, for an unsuccessful while I tried homecooking (unsuccessful because I didn't know how to do it, nor did I know where to go etc.) Didn't know about nutritionists for canines or YT!!!

I had Miss Mini tested by two seperate docs. one a specialist. Turned out food allergies was not her main problem; infact, human dander was her biggest problem!!! I felt as though I failed her because the vet suggested testing long before and I said no, only to find out I was keeping her from being properly treated.

Now one year out, having stayed the course and adjusted her shots as necessary (every 2 weeks) My Miss Mini, who suffered nonstop for a couple years and I do mean nonstop is 90-95% better. Vetting and medicine for allergies has gone down significantly; infact, we have not had an episode in a few months....that is a miracle in itself.

I guess my point is that I think it is worth it to atleast try the testing for environmental, as a whole it is far less expensive in the long run...testing under $500 and approx. $200 every 6 months for serum...not so bad..it was the not knowing that drove me crazy. Now I am able to take some actions like change my sheets daily, limit kisses and licking of me, prevent other humans from same....or giving her a bath after socializing with skin people! Vacuming more often, washing her bedding more often, keeping her away from the pollen of trees, killing my dandelions, being more tenacious when high pollen count is out...etc., those are things I can now TRY to control atleast a little....and so far it is working. I was warned from the get go that it works immediately for some but can take several months for others, with Miss Mini's high allergic triggers It was a slower process...but again 1 year out, I'm seeing miracles... Varl has an 85-95% success rate with proper administration, those of us whose pups have severe allergies, would probably call that super!

Again, I can't help sharing this info. and bragging and trying to spread the word, because my Miss Mini was probably the most severe case you can imagine, she had bumps all over her body, head, ears, genitals, she truly suffered. She lost hair, and always got secondary infections, often causing hospitalization...and on more than one occassion almost dying...(I'm crying writing this) so if I can urge anyone to try it, for the sake of your pups...I will try. I think the most important part of the process is being patient and keeping a daily journal.

Now, there is a low end and a high end to the reactions, if the vet your going to is trying to get you to purchase a serum based on low numbers...that would be rediculous, because realistically a benadryl or other allergy pill could suffice.

I agree that diet can help extremely, with many dogs. And obviously is successful, I just feel that with testing you can at the very least limit your pets exposure to some of those things that are triggers.

Ok I'm off my soapbox!

Thank you!! I have received a few pm's from other's about how well their babies are doing with the shots, too. We have tried benedryl, temaril p and Claritin with zero results. I really feel sorry for him and hope he reacts well with the treatment!

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by bamawife

And no, I don't "burn" Scentsy but I do warm it. Raley had allergies before I ever started using Scentsy

So scent is released from one process or another into the air through heat?

What symptoms does your baby have? Is he itchy & scratch a lot or has eye/nasal drainage or cough?

[107barney]

Food allergy testing is completely unreliable and therefore a waste of money. Allergy testing for environmental allergens on the other hand is completely reliable and useful. I have a severely allergic dog and the only thing that has ever helped her 100% is Atopica. I disagree that grains are the top allergens in dogs. I agree that every dog is different and a food elimination trial when properly done under the supervision of a vet that knows how to deal with allergies (i.e. vet dermatologist for example) could help nail down the cause of symptoms.

[bamawife]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

So scent is released from one process or another into the air through heat?

What symptoms does your baby have? Is he itchy & scratch a lot or has eye/nasal drainage or cough?

Yes, the scent is released by the heat of a small bulb. Scentsy products are wickless.

Raley has non stop itching, scratching, rubbing his head and body against furniture, bedding, hot spots, secondary bacterial infections.

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by 107barney

Food allergy testing is completely unreliable and therefore a waste of money. Allergy testing for environmental allergens on the other hand is completely reliable and useful. I have a severely allergic dog and the only thing that has ever helped her 100% is Atopica. I disagree that grains are the top allergens in dogs. I agree that every dog is different and a food elimination trial when properly done under the supervision of a vet that knows how to deal with allergies (i.e. vet dermatologist for example) could help nail down the cause of symptoms.

Yes, Cathy this reminds me. My vet and the specialist said the very same thing. The reason I conclude that Miss Mini is slightly sensitive to foods is because all the foods I thought it was she now enjoys with little problems.

Recently, I discussed homecooking again because of YT and my vet agrees this would probably be good for Miss Mini (and Mia). I am awaiting for the results of her recent tests and then I am having a consult with the person you suggested a few months back!

I just feel, like many of you, homecooking really is optimal and if we spend so much money and time wouldn't be easier to just do it right, where food is concerned?!!!

Thanks again for the referral...

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by bamawife

Yes, the scent is released by the heat of a small bulb. Scentsy products are wickless.

Raley has non stop itching, scratching, rubbing his head and body against furniture, bedding, hot spots, secondary bacterial infections.

Ohmygosh that sounds terrible. He sounds miserable. I pray that poor little guy can get some relief. Did he have this as a puppy or did it show up as he grew older? I'm trying to learn from you all should I have to face this at some time since Tibbe started scratching his flanks quite a bit since his G-I troubles. It sounds widespread from past threads I've seen here.