Help ! I Need some ALLERGY Relief .... !

Maximus

New member
Community Veteran
Jun 6, 2010
506
13
Toms River, New Jersey
Country
USA
Bulldog(s) Names
Maximus
Maximus has allergies. He is currently on Prednisone. Initially he received a Dexamethasone injection which was very effective. The oral prednisone does not appear to be so effective, but the VET is hesitant to administer another Dexamethasone injection. But Maximus doesn't look so nice right now ---- his face is red/pink, the area around his eyes is red/pink, and he just looks like.....well, like we look when we are suffering with Allergies.....

I know his dog food is not the culprit, since he is on a Grain-Free Diet.

Does anyone else have a Bully that suffers with Allergies, and how are they being treated for your Bully ???

thanks.
 

GatorRay

I am in total control....I think
Feb 25, 2011
3,432
227
Louisville, KY
Bulldog(s) Names
Gator & Lucy Goosey, the Basset and Gigi (AKA Gypsy)
Maximus has allergies. He is currently on Prednisone. Initially he received a Dexamethasone injection which was very effective. The oral prednisone does not appear to be so effective, but the VET is hesitant to administer another Dexamethasone injection. But Maximus doesn't look so nice right now ---- his face is red/pink, the area around his eyes is red/pink, and he just looks like.....well, like we look when we are suffering with Allergies.....

I know his dog food is not the culprit, since he is on a Grain-Free Diet.

Does anyone else have a Bully that suffers with Allergies, and how are they being treated for your Bully ???

thanks.

Aww, poor guy! I have heard of others being instructed by their vets to give them a daily allergy med like Zirtec. I would suggest that you take him to an allergist to find out what he might be allergic to and what a good long term treatment would be. Is prednisone dangerous if taken long term? I don't think the allergy testing is terribly expensive. There are a few people here that have much more experience and could probably give you more advice. I think there are some bullies that get allergy shots.
 

kazzy220

..........
Jul 31, 2010
8,556
441
Grafton, OHIO
Country
England
Bulldog(s) Names
Maggie (My Angel Baby 5/31/2012). Daddy (2 years). Linus (1year). Bella (4 years)
Maggie doesn't have seasonal allergies so I can't comment on those ... never heard of a dog being given zirtek but certainly Benadryl. I know for a fact that [MENTION=900]KMARINO[/MENTION]'s vegas is bad with seasonal allergies.

You say it's not the food because he's grain free ...... which food is he on and what flavor??
 

Lenalee

New member
Aug 16, 2010
12
18
My bulldog has suffered from severe allergies her entire life.. She's going on 7yrs old and takes two allergy vaccines A week. Fortunately, I worked under a Dermatology vet specialist for years and we became very good friends. He skin tested my bully and she tested positive for everything! All kinds of grass, mold, wool, you name it she had a reaction to it.. The Dex shot will work but the problem with steroids is that they are just a quick fix. They will also cause your Bulldog to stop producing it's own natural cortisone to help fight infections and inflammation, resulting in a suppressed immune system. Leaving your bully susceptible to UTI's, skin infections and an array of things. That's why your vet doesn't want to give any more steroids to your bully unless it's extremely needed. Has your vet talked to you about other possibilities such as skin testing and Atopica?? Atopica is a great drug on the market that works wonders for dogs suffering from allergies. No skin testing required, 98% of pets respond positively to the Atopica. My bully on the other hand was in the 3% that actually took a reaction and her allergies became worse. We did the skin testing and she was the type of dog that did very well and responded beautifully to the allergy vaccines. Some dogs don't respond well to the vaccines either but usually between the Atopica and skin testing they will fall to one or the other. Talk to your vet about your alternatives and ask him/her to refer you to a Vet Dermatology specialist if no resolution is met soon. I say this because, from my experience working with a specialist, some pets we saw that were referred to us could have been treated long before in a very simple way but the previous vet tried to control the situation by to many steroids or anti-yeast meds. Which caused the pet and the owner tons of pain and money. I hope my info helps, I've been in your same shoes. I was just lucky to have some wonderful doctors around me that took great care of my girl. Sending well wishes to your baby!!
 

Lenalee

New member
Aug 16, 2010
12
18
Yes, Prednisone can cause liver damage and suppress the immune system if used on a long term basis. It's a great drug to use on a TRIAL basis for 3 week (sometimes slightly longer) periods to get a grasp on any inflammation, skin infections or seasonal allergy reactions. Your pet must be weaned off the drug slowly, reducing dosage week to week. steroids are just quick fixes and are used as a suppressant only. :-)
 

Lenalee

New member
Aug 16, 2010
12
18
One more thing... Benadryl, over the counter, can be given for itchiness, watery eyes, etc... It's 1mg a pound, so if your bulldog weighs 50lbs, 2 25mg benadryl (diphenhydramine) can be given every 8 hours, up to 3 times a day. Or one 50mg capsule, you can get the specific strength at your vet's office. It will make your bully drowsy but will help give some comfort.
 

NJBullyMommy

New member
Apr 20, 2011
323
59
New Jersey
Bulldog(s) Names
Brutus (Bruty, Bru Bru, Brutus Maximus)
Maggie doesn't have seasonal allergies so I can't comment on those ... never heard of a dog being given zirtek but certainly Benadryl. I know for a fact that [MENTION=900]KMARINO[/MENTION]'s vegas is bad with seasonal allergies.

Agreed! Brutus uses Benedryl for the running nose and watery eyes and it seems to be doing just fine! :)
 

BruceP

..........
Aug 12, 2010
0
505
Milwaukee, WI
Bulldog(s) Names
HRH Princess Gracie, aka: HRH; Princess Amelia Pond, aka: Amy
Yes, Prednisone can cause liver damage and suppress the immune system if used on a long term basis. It's a great drug to use on a TRIAL basis for 3 week (sometimes slightly longer) periods to get a grasp on any inflammation, skin infections or seasonal allergy reactions. Your pet must be weaned off the drug slowly, reducing dosage week to week. steroids are just quick fixes and are used as a suppressant only. :-)

Do you know if Benadryl has the same side affects as the Prednisone? ei. liver damage and immune system suppression?
 

izstigspunks

Moderator
Sep 16, 2010
5,939
336
Toronto, Ontario
Country
Canada
Bulldog(s) Names
The Stig Racecar Driver and (Sweet Angel) Punkin Brutus
I recommend getting an allergy test too. I'm always hesitant on relying on steroids or similar types of strong meds unless I know it's absolutely necessary and is the only way to relieve the symptoms. By doing the allergy test, maybe you'll be able to discover that something as simple as a plant that is sitting on your property or in your house may be the culprit. But then again, it won't be able detect everything. But I think it's the best option for now.
 

BabyDuke

New member
Community Veteran
Mar 25, 2011
1,251
150
Philadelphia PA
Bulldog(s) Names
Duke
Welcome to the world of allergies.. We go to a specialist as well for Duke.. we have TRIED EVERYTHING.. what we do that works the best is we give 1/2 prednisone dose 10 mg every other day along with 2 zrtec.. this keeps Dukes allergies at Bay.. we used to give 20 mg every other day we also tried 10 mg every day but was able to wean him back to 10 mg every other day. we have no choice bec if we do not give he flares up like crazy. we have his blood tested every 6 months and thank God he is very healthy .. he is going to be 4 in Aug. I would add zrtec or benadryl. I was very upset in the beginning and tried allergy shots, creams, topical steriods then finally i realized I wanted Duke to have good quality of life and not to be suffering all the time.. so i just accept it now. I feed him a high quality diet ( NVI formula food ) supplement with fish oil. and get him lots of excercise. Good Luck to you.. hope this helps a bit. :pray:
 
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Lenalee

New member
Aug 16, 2010
12
18
Benadryl does not have any side affects what so ever. It's completely safe and the dogs don't build immunity to it either. It's a great and effective way to treat the symptoms and give some relief. I've never heard of giving zirtec and don't ever remember recommending that to any patients we saw- but that doesn't mean it's not safe and helpful. Talk to your primary vet and ask about that option if you are wondering or feel it may benefit your pet.
 

Lenalee

New member
Aug 16, 2010
12
18
Ok, I'm really new to this and haven't figured out how ot respond to any individually so please bare with me, lol.. I agree with "SAVEMEJEEBUS", I had wool rugs all over my house. Had no idea that wool, out of all things, could be something my bulldog was allergic to. The dermatology vets I work with came over to our house for a dinner party, being the great friends we are one of them felt comfortable to point out that I had wool rugs in my house, lol.. With that she also reminded me that my bulldog tested a 4 to wool on the previous skin test. Meaning she was VERY allergic to wool. I removed all of the rugs and needless to say her allergies and breakouts became less frequent and severe. It did not cure her nor make them go away completely but it did give more comfort. I guess the point I'm trying to make is skin testing could be beneficial in helping you pin point exactly what the problem is and what types of things your bulldog could be allergic to. Helping you eliminate those things and keep your bulldog from coming in contact with them so much. Grasses, molds, wool, wheat, grain, food, cotton, insects, plants, seasonal.. These are all possibilities and it makes it so much easier knowing what you need to remove from your house or yard and keep out of reach from your bulldog.
 

Lenalee

New member
Aug 16, 2010
12
18
Also, if give your pet BENADRYL, make sure it's regular Benadryl (diphenhydramine) only!! Not benadryl decongestant, or Benadryl cold, non of these are acceptable.. Just regular diphenhydramine...
 

BabyDuke

New member
Community Veteran
Mar 25, 2011
1,251
150
Philadelphia PA
Bulldog(s) Names
Duke
Benadryl does not have any side affects what so ever. It's completely safe and the dogs don't build immunity to it either. It's a great and effective way to treat the symptoms and give some relief. I've never heard of giving zirtec and don't ever remember recommending that to any patients we saw- but that doesn't mean it's not safe and helpful. Talk to your primary vet and ask about that option if you are wondering or feel it may benefit your pet.

We go to a dermatologist at the University of Penn. he suggested giving Duke Zrtec over benadryl because it does not dry their eyes out as much. When we switched from benadryl to zrtec Duke felt much better also. Benadryl made him moppie ( blah)... but I agree that you should always check with your vet first before giving anything. oh one more thing after our last check up and blookwork we had done he told us that Zrtec to Duke has NO adverse side effects ( same as benadryl )
 

bullmama

Owner/Administrator
Staff member
Community Veteran
Jan 28, 2010
24,756
1,251
Tucson, Arizona
Country
USA
Bulldog(s) Names
The Home of the Desert Sky Pack
My vet also said zytec is more effective, but right now I use hydroxizine and will try zyrtec once I run out.
 

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