Oops meant to post this on chit chat, where it makes a little more sense. Oh well. I will keep it here in case any of you can help
We got Roxie from the shelter a month ago, and they said she had dry, scabby, flaky skin then. (She has been checked twice at the vet for fleas and is on flea prevention--no fleas). So I don't think it's an allergy she picked up at our house. Here's what we've tried:
-Prednisone for a couple weeks. This did work in stopping the itching, but it made her incredibly lethargic and we don't want her on it long-term because of side effects (neither does the vet).
-She is now on Benadryl three times a day which doesn't seem to have any side effects and will temporarily help the itching, but it comes back in full force when it starts wearing off. Again, I feel like it's just treating the symptoms but not the issues.
-We have been feeding her plain nonfat yogurt everyday because we hear the probiotics help.
-She's also getting fish oil once a day.
The itching continues. I plan to call the vet tomorrow if it's still going this way (we just started the Benadryl on Saturday along with the yogurt and fish oil). I just hate seeing her itching so miserably and want to help the actual cause. The vet had said it was a contact allergy because she had a bad rash on her belly. The rash has cleared up but the itching continues (she is mainly itching a spot on her back, licking her paws, etc).
Any suggestions of what has worked for you? Oh and we also only feed her grain-free everything. Grain-free homemade treats from a local dog bakery and Blue Buffalo Sensitive Skin Grain-Free food. She's a lab mix.
ETA: I do have another vet appointment scheduled for this Saturday,