also wanted to add, location of breakouts can be a bit, arbitrary; Oscar used to get pustules on his belly, for a while it was all over, then in a sort of saddle pattern on his back, for the last couple of years he's had a small bare spot on his tail that seems to be prone to pustules, and at some point in that, he started feet licking, which he didn't do originally. I found that the location of the breakouts tended to migrate, as has what does and doesn't work. That said, there are locations that can indicate cause of the allergen.
If she does have a flea allergy, and it is bad, IMO the safest bet is to just do the flea meds. I don't like them either but I will be getting some when I have the funds; spring to fall here is good flea season and, for us, flea allergy = hives that refuse to go away + Os trying to rub himself on everything, including pavement
If money is an issue, I would go first with what you KNOW will work and then if you have extra go for what "might" help. Allergy dogs are not cheap.
Things to keep in mind, took me a while to grasp them :
- there is not "will" or "won't" work, no matter what anyone says; each individual dog has different allergies and sensitivities, so it is what you find works for the individual
- there is NO CURE. I always wanted to "fix" the allergies, and you just don't; you control, manage or mask the symptoms, but the allergies never go away - as my vet says "putting out fires"
If she is itchy, Dermapet has a new steroidal, antifungal, antibacterial shampoo; I really think this is one of the best things they've come up with for allergy dogs. But of course, since they figured out how to put steroids in a shampoo, it isn't cheap! And only available at the vet, I think... at least it is here.
I don't want to sound negative or harsh, just realistic
From my 9 years of experience with my allergy dog.
I can only please one person per day. Today is not your day, tomorrow doesn't look good either.
_______________________________________
"You didn't know of the magical powers of the break stick? It's up there with genies and Harry Potter as far as magic levels go." SisMorphine 01/07/07