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We've been battling hives on his belly and armpits for the last couple weeks, since the pollen started getting really bad. He wasn't' too bad to start with, but despite my efforts they keep getting worse. Today was the breaking point, they are HORRIBLE. I'm trying to get him in at my vet my next day off.

He's been taking Chlor-Trimeton tablets twice a day, which a friend's vet suggested for her dog's similar issues. They haven't been making a difference though, so we're trying Benadryl tonight. He's also been getting bathed in every medicated and soothing shampoo I have access to, once a week. I rinse him off after being outside playing too.

This is from today... the pics don't do it justice. It washes out a LOT of the redness, and doesn't show how his skin is flaking off around the spots. sad

Poor baby. I have seen others with dogs that bad who have literally had to make it a point to partially rinse/wipe there dog down after each time it goes outside. It probably isn't helping that Mellon has such a sparse coat so not much to protect him from the pollen and ichies outside. I wonder if slipping a light shirt over him before going outside would help?

Well I don't know if it was the Benedryl, the bath, or the calendula gel we put on before bed (maybe all three), but the hives are better this morning. Still there, but a lot of the redness has gone. I'm still gonna try to get him in at the vet though.

Krissim, I thought about a T-shirt, but its been so hot I just can't do it. Thankfully our yard is just dirt, no grass or plants, so I don't have to worry about him going out to potty. I think the problem is when we go out swimming at the lakes/rivers and he goes through the plants and grass there. He does get either bathed or rinsed/grooming wiped after playing though.

awe good to hear it Savage,hopefully they stay down,poor dear

I just want to reach out and hug the little guy. Ichies are not fun. The life jacket could indeed being helping to protect some of his areas from the contact. Keep us updated on what ends up happening.

yay biggrin