Yellow Labrador Retriever with a Seasonal Itch - part I

Subject: Yellow Labrador Retriever with a Seasonal Itch - part I

From: Christine (USA)

Labrador Retriever Name:

Reader's E-mail - Christine Writes:

Hi,

I have a yellow lab "Dobby" he is 3 and about 125 lbs. He gets a seasonal itch, spring & summer, that I am thinking is a grass pollen. Is there a grass that labs are more susceptible to?

I have not had allergy tests done on him. My vet has given me Temeril-P in the past, however I don't want to put him on it regularly due to the prednisone. In searching the Internet I have found Clemastine and it works well but that is more of a maintenance dose during the winter season.

Right now the left side of his mouth is all inflamed and itchy and under his eye. He licks at his paws too which makes me think it is something on his paws that he is transferring to his face. Any other thoughts?

Thanks Christine

Before All About Labradors sent any response to Christine she provided me with another update:
Continue Reading...

With an update, the itch has gotten worse so I called our vet and got him started on Temeril-p and he is much better now, but still pink on the left side of his muzzle and rubbing it. Now that he is under control I don't want to take him off the Temeril-p but then I don't want to keep him on it.

All About Labradors Response:

Hello Christine,

Thank for writing, my apologies for the delays.

I must say, Dobby is a big boy. Is he a purebred Labrador Retriever?

As with all the e-mail questions I receive, I am going to need some further information from you, in order to try to provide some help to you and Dobby.

Just to make sure - you are stating this is just a seasonal occurrence.

What did your veterinarian do for Dobby (testing)? What did he/she say was the problem?

Is Dobby licking all four paws?

Are his paws red and/or raw?

Do his paws smell?

Are there any cuts, cracks, blisters on the paws?

The mouth is inflamed on the inside or the outside?

What do you feed Dobby (please be specific with this - dog food brand and flavor, treats, bones, table scrapes)?

Any problems with Dobby's eyes or nose (discharges, bloodshot, itching, etc)?

One last thing Christine, with all the email questions I receive, I always ask a favor of the person writing. If you have any photos of your Labrador Retriever, that you could email me, I would love to post them to the Labrador Retriever Pictures blog. You DO NOT have to send a photo to receive an answer to your question.

Talk to you soon,

Fay

To read the second part of this e-mail visit: Yellow Labrador Retriever with a Seasonal Itch - part II (Will be posted 06/30/08)

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