Flea allergy dermatitis should really be a thing of the past if you are using a reliable topical anti-flea and tick medication. Obviously, what you are using is weak and ineffective, or you are not placing it on frequently enough. If Frontline and Revolution are ineffective in controlling the fleas, than try K-9 Advantix,or Vectra, or other newer product, (prescription is better, since they are newest and the flea's have not yet developed resistance). No over the counter antihistamine or other medication works as well as steroids or Atopica does for flea allergy dermatitis, but a 12.5mg dose of Benadryl three times per day may cause you dog to be too drowsy to scratch.
Flea allergy dermatitis can be well controlled with desensitization therapy (allergy shots to flea), but this is obviously not over the counter. The herbal remedy, Nettles tincture is available at some health food stores and online, and is sometimes effective for itching. You would use 1/4 adult human dose.
The dose for Benedryl is 1mg. per lb. every 8hrs. It does help with seasonal allergies. I would start with every 12 hrs. Good luck...I hate allergy season......Karla
Hi,
My dog has always suffered from terrible allergies. She breaks out in massive hives and will scratch herself raw.
We have had her off and on cortisone, but I always try benadryl first. She is a 70 pound shepherd and my vet has had me give her as many as two at a time. They do make her sleepy, so I try to reserve them for the evening hours so she sleeps better.
I'm not sure what the dosage would be for a 14pound dog, but a call to your vet for dosage and his/her thoughts would be warranted.
Hope this helps!
Best to you and your pooch,
Gellia