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Thursday, August 9, 2007

The Summer Itchies


It's the height of summer here and very hot. We run around the yard when it's cool in the morning, or in the evening when Mom sits on the porch swing. Glynn even play-bowed for the family a few times today. It's been baby steps getting her to open up to people. She's just not too sure about all this snuggling we do, she thinks we're nuts sometimes. But give her some green grass and open yard, and just watch her go!

There's a big tub of water outside for us. Cap and Glynn like to drink from it, but I think it makes a great pool to cool off. I've even tried digging a hole in the bottom to find more water, and that always makes My Boy laugh.

I've been reading several blogs lately that talk about itching and scratching this time of year. Today, two terriers ask me about my secret to staying itch-free, so I'll share it and hope it helps someone else.

Five years ago, my first summer wasn't so fun. I had what some terriers call "The Summer Itchies." The irritation was terrible and about drove me insane. I scratched, I chewed, I rolled, then scratched some more. I had awful raw places and couldn't seem to stop. My hair fell out in patches and my skin was beet red. Dad finally said, "If we're going to have a dog that scratches, let's do something about it." We went to Doc's place and he drew a little blood for a test tube. I'd like to say I was brave about it, but I was just a wee pup back then and Mom had to bear hug me to be still. Doc sent that tube off to a lab and we waited to see what they could find.

About a week later, Doc looked at the test results and said I was the absolute worst case of allergies he'd ever seen. There was a whole page of pollens, weeds, trees, bugs and food ingredients on the bad list. Everything I touched, ate or even sniffed seemed to be on that paper. Everything but cats. I can have all the cats I want and not break out at all. Imagine that.

The lab made up two bottles of medicine especially for me. Has my name printed right on them, too. I get two shots on the first day of every month all year round. At first, there was only a little improvement, but after a few months I wasn't scratching at all, and my hair started growing back. Life was good again, I can tell you!



Mom puts a little sticker on the calender to remind her that it's my "shot day." Now that I'm a grown terrier, I know to stand still for the injections, and I always get a treat afterwards. It's only a tiny needle and I don't feel it at all.
So if there are any dogs out there that think this might help with their own itchies, I'd be glad to tell them more about it. There's also a link at the bottom of my page so you can look at the lab's web site and even write to them. They're always glad to hear from me and ask how I'm doing every time Mom calls to get a refill. They must be dog people there. They always remember my name.
~ Tell

11 comments:

Gus said...

Hiya: Wow, you are lucky to have such a smart doctor. Poor Axel is still out there itching! Thanks for sharing the tip!

Asta said...

That's a gweat tip Tell, i don't get the itchies, but then I'm mostly not in the gwass, cause i live in the city..but if I ever need it it's gweat to know that there's a coore.

I wolled awound in the gwass on my vacation , and I seemed OK, but it was only a week, so who knows...I wouldn't get a bunch of cats though, they scawe me
smoochie kisses
Asta

Molly the Airedale said...

Your mom is smart Tell! We've never had the itchies but I can only imagine that it's no fun at all! I'm glad you're cured!

Love ya lots,
Maggie

Jackson's J1 and J2 said...

Hey Tell, I don't suffer from itchies myself but I'm sure it's horrible. Glad to hear that yours are now under control! J x

Buster the Wired Fox Terror said...

We have been having so much fun every Sunday, let’s do it again!

Meet me in Chat
Sunday 9 am EST (9 pm Singapore time)
peemail me for the chat address wiredfoxterror@yahoo.com

OFF LEASH CHAT PAWTY
all bloggie doggies invited!

BYOB (bring your own bowl)

Bussie Kissies
Buster

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Gosh, Tell...maybe u can cure Axel! Lacie does the scratchies in our family, but the vet says it's just dry skin...she gets vitamins. You're very brave to get those shots; it's nice you get treats for them!! Squishy hugs, Scruffy&Lacie

Agatha and Archie said...

Oh I hope poor little Axel reads this,he is having a bad time.Sometimes Arhie gets a little itchy but not too bad..it's awfull!! Love A+A

Daniella said...

Thanks Friends, I have been emailing William and his Mama. As my itchies don't sound as bad at Will's, I am on meds. If it doesn't help or work (it did the trick last year), then Mom will definitely consider Will's advice. Visit my blog - oh woe is me, I am a fox in sox!

Buster the Wired Fox Terror said...

I am so glad I do not get the s'mitchies~ We have summer year round here in the Floribbean!

Bussie Kissies
Buster

fee said...

no not needles??!!! isn't there something we can eat to make it go away instead?

ave fénix que renace said...

Hey Tell! Thanks for visiting my blog. I take shots too, but your company sounds nicer than mine! :) I don't feel the shots very much when my dad gives them to me, but my mom needs a little more practice....

Your friend, Lenny