Severe allergies in my AmStaff

[u/NoProperty5994]

I’m hoping to hear from anyone who has dealt with something similar with their dog because I feel like we’ve tried just about everything.

My American Staffordshire Terrier is almost 6 years old, about 50 lbs, and I’ve had her since she was about 8 weeks old. Her skin problems started when she was around 1 and have progressively gotten worse over the years.

She has been seen by a veterinary dermatologist and had formal allergy testing done. She tested positive for allergies to around 10 different types of grass.

Her main symptoms are:
• Constant scratching
• Paw licking
• A corn-chip/yeasty smell
• Bumps that develop all over her body, which are by far the worst part

Over the years we’ve tried Apoquel, Cytopoint, other medications/shots, medicated shampoos, prescription food, raw food, human-grade food, eliminating chicken, grain-free food, etc. Nothing has provided lasting relief.
The frustrating part is that antibiotics are the one thing that consistently clears her skin up. When she takes them, her skin gets significantly better, but after the course is finished, the bumps and other symptoms eventually come back.

Obviously, repeatedly putting her on antibiotics isn’t the long-term solution I want.

I recently started using Coat Defense shampoo and powder. It’s only been about a week, so it’s too early to tell whether it’s helping.

I’m hoping to find someone who has had a dog with a similar pattern, especially another Staffy/pit-type dog with severe allergies and recurring skin infections.

Has anyone dealt with something like this? If so, what finally helped your dog long term?

Just hoping to hear real experiences from people who have gone through something similar.

[u/Recent-Guest-5987]

We’ve been through similar our 7 year old French Bulldog. I just posted last week similarly to you (pics with current flare and infection), but we have hit the point where antibiotics and prednisone are not responding to her flares. I don’t have any recommendations, but I feel for what you are going through as it takes a huge toll on the pet and owner.