Frenchie constantly licking and smells

[Womble09]

As above, getting progressively worse, Already on Apoquel, Has had steroids,sprays,shampoos etc from vets. He now constantly smells which seems so start him licking. Waking through the night every two hours, he is fed up as are we. Has anyone had anything similar as we can’t go on like this.

What is it he's allergic to? I assume the vet has done testing?

Have you tried cutting out poultry, and putting him on a raw diet

I'd recommend allergy testing for him. Then if something comes up they are able to make a vaccine for that particular thing for him.

Have you seen a veterinary dermatology specialist? If not then ask to be referred.

Vet has said not food as he is on medication, although we have tried raw food and he won’t entertain this. Asked about blood tests and got sent quote for £1600.00 but no guarantee they would find what he was allergic too.

I would think you have no option than urgent allergic testing to see if it can find out what he is allergic too and get him some relief. I would ask for a referral to dermatology who can tell you the best approach rather than let local vets mess about and spend money and end up referring anyway.

It isnt going to be cheap, no vetinary support is now-a-days. Hope youve got decent insurance especially for this breed.

Your poor dog is really suffering by the sounds of it, what choice do you have other than testing at least to try and find out what’s going on, it must be absolute torture for him.

£1600 is nothing in the grand scheme of things. Even if it doesn't give you any answers at least you've tried.

Surely he's insured anyway?

Have no issue getting him tested, but vet didn't seem that confident.. just wondered if anyone had similar experiences..

I would be insisting on allergy testing - your dog is clearly in pain.

I have had the same problem with my westie, he has had a distinctive yeasty smell and has been constantly licking and biting his paws. Like you he has been on Apoquel and prescribed various remedies by the vet. I bath him every couple of days with Malaseb shampoo but nothing has worked completely. Last week I read an article about a plant based diet for dogs with allergies so I thought I would give it a try. I wasnt too confdent that it would make a difference because I have tried different foods including prescription foods over the last few years and nothing has helped significantly.

However, it is almost a week later and I am beginning to see a difference. He is still licking his paws but nowhere near as much as he was. I know that it takes several weeks for the old food to be completely out of his system so I am not expecting miracles immediately. I intend to stick with the plant based diet and eliminate all animal products. My boy is 13 years old and I would love to make his twilight years as comfortable as possible.

Fingers crossed I have found a solution. Thought I would share my experiences because I know what it is like to feel desperate to find a way to relieve the suffering of our fur friends.

Thank you @chicklit71. I will have a look at this food also. It is so sad to see them unhappy and unable to get to the root cause.