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Hi there - I'm so sorry you and Bella are going through this. Chronic itching is so frustrating, especially when it feels like you've tried everything!
Based on what you've described, it really sounds like Bella could be dealing with environmental allergies (atopy) or even contact allergies, which are super common in small breeds like Dachshund mixes. The fact that Apoquel worked temporarily and that Benadryl helps (a bit) points in that direction.
Here are a few natural and practical ideas that might help:
1. Try a limited-ingredient or novel protein diet
Even though you tried vegetarian and yeast-free options, some dogs react to specific proteins or fillers. Look for salmon, duck, or venison recipes with simple ingredient lists. These are often easier on sensitive dogs.
👉 I recently wrote a full guide on food, pharmacy, and skin care options that help dogs like Bella - you might find some helpful info and product ideas here:
Chewy Pet Pharmacy & Skin Relief Guide
2. Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil)
These help reduce inflammation and itching naturally - and they're more effective than coconut oil in many cases. Look for fish oils rich in EPA and DHA.
3. Medicated or antifungal shampoos
Since she's getting little red bumps and itching around her stomach/armpits, that could be yeast-related or bacterial. Rotate your weekly bath with a chlorhexidine-based shampoo, and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. It can make a huge difference.
4. Natural allergy supplements
Some dogs respond well to chews with ingredients like quercetin, colostrum, probiotics, and turmeric - all of which support skin and immune health.
5. Minimize environmental triggers
Sometimes it's not food at all - it could be grass, laundry detergents, or even her bed material. Try washing everything with fragrance-free detergent and note any patterns.
You're clearly doing everything you can for her, and she's lucky to have you. I hope some of these suggestions give Bella some relief - and feel free to check the article above for more personalized care tips and food ideas ❤️
Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2020 01:23 PM
From: katherine smith
Subject: Itchy Dog
My dog is so itchy! I can't figure out why.
About my dog:
Her name is Bella. She's about 6-7 years old. She's either a Dachshund/Chihuahua mix or a Dachshund/Min Pin mix (I can see the Dachshund quite obviously, but I've been told both on the Chihuahua and Min Pin). I don't know her background. I found her running loose on the road in May 2018. She was skinny, had obviously just weaned a litter, and was acting like she'd been abused.
About the itching:
The vet thought it might be a seasonal allergy, but the itching lasts year-round. When it wasn't seasonal, the vet suggested it might be a flea allergy. We treated all the animals in the house, fogged the house, and haven't seen any fleas whatsoever. Still itching. The vet then suggested we try changing the diet.
I tried Apoquel. It worked for the first two months and then she started itching again.
I tried adding coconut oil to her food; that didn't help.
I also tried just giving her Benadryl twice a day. That has seemed to help the most, though she still itches very frequently.
I tried putting her on a yeast- and starch-free diet for 8 weeks; the itching got better for the first couple of weeks, then picked back up and stayed at the level it was before the diet.
I tried putting her on a vegetarian diet, thinking maybe she was allergic to some type of meat. The plan was to keep her on the vegetarian diet for 8 weeks and then slowly try different meats. The itching got a little better at the beginning of the diet but quickly picked back up again.
I also give her a cold-water bath once per week with oatmeal and sensitive/itchy skin shampoos. That helps a little bit for a few hours after the bath, but then she starts itching again.
She does get small rashes of tiny red bumps on her stomach/groin area. The itching seems to be mostly on her stomach and the backs of her front legs/armpit areas. She licks/bites her paws, hips, and tail (the whole tail, but mostly at the base).
Pretty much the only time she's not itching is when she's asleep. I feel so bad that she's always having to scratch and lick, but I don't know what's wrong or how to fix it. Any help/ideas/advice would be greatly appreciated!
#PetHealthandNutrition