Hello everyone!
This is my first time posting in the forum, though I have been using and recommending this website for quite a while now!
Here's a bit of background...
My 4 year old beagle Sookie has been quite itchy for a while now. We took her to the vets and they stated she has atopic dermatitis, which was initially treated with a cream on her paws. Since August this year, she has been a lot worse with the paws and general itching and scratching. Another visit to the vets meant an shot and a prescription of Apoquell for 14 days to ease her symptoms and hopefully get it out of her system. My concern is that nothing has changed during then and now, the food has been the same, same washing detergent, same activity levels and there aren't any new plants in the garden.
She has been enjoying Millies Wolfheart countryside mix for the last 3 years now, and there have been no issues with her eating. The vet was happy to see that it is a hypoallergenic dog food and that this is unlikely to be the cause. We do give her a daily denta-stix, which the vet advised avoiding just in case this is going some way to causing any discomfort.
My dilemma is such:
I'm willing to explore other food options and treats that are hypoallergenic, within a reasonable price bracket. However, I'm concerned that she will not react to it positively and that I'm not addressing the right issue! I'm looking at purchasing anti-itch shampoos, different detergent for the dog's bedding etc.
Does anyone have any experience with dermatitis and how to manage it? I'm open to all suggestions!!
Thank you all in advance!