Lhasa Poo with Allergies Pulling Out Hair

Question:

My lhasa poo has had allergies for about 2 years now... was on nutro lamb and rice then their senior stuff, cookies and tartar control. She has lost some teeth. We don't seem to be winning, she is pulling her long fur out in spots, bare, now both front legs and chest, was her back up against the neck that she could reach. Any ideas how to 'cure' her please, we are old and disabled and it's hard on us watching her pull her fur out like that all over the floor. Thanks for any help, can't afford to make her food, it's supposed to be way to expensive for us on our low income, can't stand her in this 'pain' of never sitting still anymore.

thanks,
Angeline

Answer:

I know how miserable it can be for an itchy dog and how painful it can be to watch them be uncomfortable Unfortunately there is no cure for allergies. It is about finding the best way to control them. It does sound like a food allergy, especially if it is non-seasonal. Your best bet at this point would probably be a prescription dog food that has very limited ingredients because non-prescription diets can have things hidden in the ingredient list that she could be allergic to. You could try a 50:50 pinto bean and yam diet. If the itching continues after several weeks on this diet, it most likely is not a food allergy. If the itching stops, you can gradually add ingredients back to her diet to see what she can tolerate.

Good luck!
Sara F Jennen DVM