Sparkle's Allergies

[Merry]

Last year after the hurricanes Sparkle's feet started getting red and itchy, so we took him to the vet to get checked out. They prescribed Benadryl which seemed to keep it under control, but this summer not only his feet turned red but his tummy and his nose too.

He got a shot at the vet's and is on antibiotics, which is making him really sleepy all the time awww poor boy. It all ended up costing over $100... quite a chunk but he's worth it!

This picture isn't very good but you can kind of see the red around his nose.

[Janet]

My Betsy has allergies too. She also uses Benadryl. When she gets really bad she has to use prednisolone a steroid. Hopefully this will be a temporary thing for you. We've noticed that her allergies are triggered by how much rain we get. I would suggest that you keep Sparkle indoors if that is possible.

[Merry]

He's only let out to go potty. If we paper trained him I'd be happy to do the clean up, but my mom doesn't much like the idea lol.

[kitty]

Often it's grass they're allergic to unfortunately.

[Clover]

Aww I hope Sparkle improves Merry, give him a hug from me.

[Merry]

Thanks Jackie! He isn't scratching himself as much which is great. Hopefully his skin will heal quickly!

Kitty I know, that's what I'm afraid of. But the funny thing is that he's not bad at all during the dry winter months. I'm allergic to certain types of grass actually hehe, it's no fun!

[skipperdoo]

Hope he starts regaining his natural blond look shortly. No more of this redhead look ... seems to uncomfortable.

[Josie]

How is he now mezz?

[Izzy]

Aww poor Sparkle, I hope he gets better soon. Jess suffers in the summer too, she loses hair on her neck and belly and her skin gets all itchy and red, we use cream with tea-tree oil in it that the vet suggested to soothe it so she doesn't scratch so much. She can't wear a collar with a metal buckle either because that makes the hair on her neck fall out.
Give Sparks a hug from me, and tell him I want to hear him barking on tape or phone again soon

[Merry]

Argh, I've been meaning to post an update but I kept forgetting this was here! Anyway, Sparkle is doing much better now. His skin is still a little pink and the fur on his feet is still stained, but he isn't itching anymore and his fur's starting to grow back. He got a nice bath and thorough grooming a couple days ago, so he's lookin' good again. I'll try to post a picture tomorrow.

Izzy I will - and what ever happened to that tape we were sending back and forth? I want to hear your lovely British voices again! And all the pigs wheeking of course. If you send it back, I promise to get a recording of Sparkle barking so you can listen to it whenever you want.

[Janet]

Hopefully as the seasons change, so will Sparkle's allergies. I'm sure he has said a big thank you for taking care of this problem.

[Clover]

Glad he improved Merry after the visit to the vets. Its great his fur is growing back, thats always a positive sign

[Merry]

Oops, apparently I made this thread after I got back. I forgot what I'd already posted! Have just edited out the repeat news in my post!

[Izzy]

Izzy I will - and what ever happened to that tape we were sending back and forth? I want to hear your lovely British voices again! And all the pigs wheeking of course. If you send it back, I promise to get a recording of Sparkle barking so you can listen to it whenever you want.

Ooh I completely forgot about that, it's on my shelf lol, I will get Emma to add stuff to it with me this week I'm glad Sparkle's getting better!

[Merry]

I don't even remember what I asked on it, probably loads of weird stuff I don't want to hear again.

I'm glad he's getting better too. This really hasn't been the best year for our pet family...

[Merry]

Just thought I'd post an update on Sparkle... his allergies are getting worse again, especially on his feet. We bought an anti-itch stick (specifically for dogs) to apply every day, and have ordered him some little boots: first of all they'll keep him from chewing on his feet and second they'll keep him out of whatever's irritating him outside. If it gets much worse I'd like to take him for another shot, but they're pretty expensive so we're going to see if this helps at all first.

[skipperdoo]

Did he get a prednisone shot last time and is he still on Benadryl?

[Merry]

I'm not sure what type of shot it was Kathy - I was actually away when he was taken in. I'll ask my mom. He is still on Benadryl though and it seems to help.