The Allergy Odyssey

My dog started developing allergies when she was around 2 years old. Her allergies have progressively gotten worse. She originally was allergic to the normal stuff that cause humans allergies - certain trees, grasses and weeds. Then she slowly started becoming allergic to her food as well.

This last December, Jasmine tore a ligament in her back left leg. The vet put her on a powerful anti-inflammatory to help with the healing. Jasmine reacted terribly to the drug and she began having horrible allergic reactions. She became extremely itchy all over - especially on her face and eyes. She also began getting ear infections - one after another. I stopped the anti-inflammatory when I realized what was going on but her allergies have continued to get worse. Since its the middle of winter, it appears that her allergies are now being caused by food.

We've tried prednisone for short periods of time to control the allergies. It barely helps. She is still itchy - just a little bit less itchy. I also hate having her on steroids because it makes her extra thirsty and constantly hungry - not to mention all the side effects that I can't readily see. I've been trying to lessen her allergies by figuring out which foods she's allergic to but that has been difficult.

At this point, I'm avoiding beef, chicken, and turkey since those are the most common proteins dogs are allergic to. They are also the proteins that are in 90% of all commercial dog foods. She seems to have developed an additional food allergy to white fish since I've had her on a white fish based diet for the last year. It also appears that she is allergic to potatoes and sweet potatoes so that has ruled out most of the "Vet Prescribed" allergy foods. Jasmine's vet - who claims to be an 'allergy specialist' - is at a complete loss as to what to feed her at this point. And in fact, my last phone call into her office to once again discuss food options, was not returned. I guess that means its time to find a new vet!!