Itching

[old dogmom]

Our year old yellow lab has been scratching his behind and tummy for about 4-5 weeks...no hot spots, thank goodness...but don't know why he's so itchy. No fleas or rash or flaky skin. Vet says try benydryl--anyone have success with this? I'm afraid it will make him very sleepy. He does have peanutbutter in his kong and also some cheese.. His kibble is chicken based, but it is the only food he has eaten since he was born!
Any experience with this?
Thanks

[JenC]

Just because he's eaten chicken from birth doesn't mean anything. But most allergies/itching isn't food related. You can easily change to a food that has no chicken in it (but read labels, it's often HIDDEN in there). I know allergies are bad this year, maybe rub his tummy down with a wet wash cloth when he comes in from outside.

[Maxx&Emma]

Benadryl is certainly worth a try. Dosage is one mg per pound. I have never noticed excessive sleepiness when using benadryl.

[ckfalz]

I don't know about your area. Last summer local vets here said they were seeing a higher incidence of dogs itching with allergies. Ava did for the first time late last summer. She got a shot and was good until earlier this month when it started again. Definitely seasonal allergy. I have not tried benadryl but if your vet recommended it for your case it's worth trying to see what the result it.

[Snowshoe]

Doesn't Benadryl come in a Non-Drowsy formula? We used Reactine and it does.