Food Allergies in a Russell Terrier

Question
Hello -  A year ago I suspected my terrier had ear mites, and treated her over the counter for them. After a few days, the "infestation" did not alleviate so i took her to a vet.  I was told it was an ear infection not unlike a common yeast infection like thrush.  We were prescribed an anti-inflammatory to help the swelling go down (from the itching I assume), an antibiotic, and a salve to help with the scratches she gouged in them. The problem seemed to go away.

After the medicine was depleted she had a short period of relief. Then they started back. We revisited the vets and were told it was allergies.  More salve, more antibiotics, and this time, an antihistamine. She had relief again.  Meds ran out, the cycle continues.

I switched vets. We started an elimination diet 4 weeks ago.  Her hears are bloody, swollen, gouged, cracked bleeding and she is now doing what sounds like cats do prior to coughing up a hair ball and finally, this morning, she threw up. She is on a Venison/potato formula and doesn't seem to enjoy it very much. She gets no other food, treats anything nor is she on any medication other than an ear wash once a day to twice a day. I fear she is not getting any better.

I myself suffer from terrible food allergies - and I know that my elimination diet takes some time. However - I have been prescribed an antihistamine to knock out whatever allergen attack I"m having and then I monitor my food.  I always get better.  She is not.

Do you have any suggestion or idea what other methods I can try? She also licks her paws, chews her tail, and it seems her hair is thinning around her stomach, teats, and groin area.  Possibly from licking.

Thank you.

Answer
Tracie-

I am so sorry you are going through this, food allergies are the WORST. I highly suggest putting her on benedryl to control the itching and swelling until you discover the cause. Benedryl is completely safe for dogs. 10 mg for dogs under 30lbs, 25mg for dogs 30-50lbs, and 50mg for dogs over 50lbs, once a day.

Second, I would suggest an easier and more efficient elimination diet. Go Raw. visit https://www.rawmeatybones.com for some more information- but essentially you would be feeding her raw chicken, beef, etc every day, no grains (the most common allergy) no preservatives, no sugar, etc. This is what I feed my collie who has TERRIBLE allergies. It is so much easier then fighting the dog food companies looking for hidden allergens in the ingredients.

I hope this helps a little! Good luck!