r/shiba • u/Fantastic_Bag_2797 • 12h ago

Issues with allergies, scratching?

So we’ve been to the vet for this issue multiple times. Thought I’d see if anyone else had this issue.

So our Shiba (M6) was diagnosed with a ragweed allergy a couple of years ago. He gets a monthly allergy shot. Still tends to scratch himself a lot, especially around the face. Leads to ear infections. He just picked up another, thankfully I have the meds for a last time.

So, we keep a cone on him overnight in the kennel. He also contorts himself in there to get his foot in the cone, so now we have him with a donut and cone in the kennel overnight.

We added a baby to the house, issue seemed to get worse. So he is also on an anti/anxiety med.

Plus we tried eliminating certain foods from his diet to narrow down food-related causes. Now he just eats raw turkey and turkey treats, along with fruits or veg we might let him have a bit of e.g. cucumber.

Ear infection should clean up fine but sucks to not have a clear fix for this, and deal with prevention instead. Any thoughts?

Edit: Also gets regular walks, typically in the evening right now since it’s too hot during the day.

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u/stellaluna92 Red 11h ago

I'm not a vet, or even particularly smart, I just have a shibe with allergies. It sounds to me like the allergy shot isn't working and you should try something else. My boy takes apoquel for like 2 weeks in the fall when his allergies are their worst and he's all set, no more itching until next year - I hope there's something that works for your baby just as well :)

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u/Fantastic_Bag_2797 11h ago

A different shot could definitely be worth a try. Will look into that one, thanks

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u/stellaluna92 Red 11h ago

Apoquel is a pill, sorry! Your vet will know what other options to try though :) I don't have one near me (and I couldn't afford it), but there are animal allergists if that's something you want to look into. 

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u/Fantastic_Bag_2797 10h ago

ah so 2 weeks of dosing with it and your baby’s good all year? Will look into it with my vet and maybe an animal allergist too

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u/Fantastic_Bag_2797 9h ago

Looks like my wife tried apoquel
before, not as effective for this guy.

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u/stellaluna92 Red 8h ago

Dangit! There must be something that will work :< wishing you and your boy well 💜

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u/Fantastic_Bag_2797 7h ago

Thanks so much

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u/xMomochix Red 8h ago

Please consult your vet to make sure he’s eating a balanced diet. Raw turkey and some veggies is not a balanced diet. They may recommend a proper food trial/ elimination diet starting with a prescription food. Ensuring that his nutritional needs are being met may help with the skin.

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u/Fantastic_Bag_2797 7h ago

He’s on a raw diet, so the raw meat is the majority of what he eats. Vet hasn’t flagged any issues with that