Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 15 years and 9 months old | 9 lbs
My Chi-Pom is almost 6 years old and scratches most of the time. It's always his paws, backs of his front legs and his underside. The vet said it's allergies and to give him Benadryl. I just can't bear the thought of him living on that all his life. I gave it to him a few times and it didn't seem to help very much. What else would help him? I don't want to be putting nasty powders or ointments on him either b/c he would lick them and get on the furniture. He has no rashes or skin problems.
1 Answer
Published on February 26th, 2018
It does sound like allergies either from food or something in the environment. You can switch to a novel protein or hypoallergenic diet such as royal canine rabbit and potato or science diet D/D. The goal is to find a single carb and single protein to monitor ehat they eat. Treats also count and results take 4-8 weeks. You can also get a medicated shampoo to bathe weekly and add omega 3 fatty acids and fish oils tonthe diet to help If this does not help then you are left with medication. This can be given every day or even seasonally if needed to control symptoms. Apoquel is a good option to talk to your vet about or a stronger antihistamine such as hydroxyzine to help
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.