- February 11, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
Buddy' s need to itch decreased after the first dose of medicine. Like many pets during pollen season, Buddy has allergies. Photo by Jacque Estes
Ginger, GA34683796, is a female 10- year-old boxer mix. Courtesy photo Halifax Humane Society
Inky, A34572116, is a male 3-year-old domestic shorthair cat. Courtesy photo Halifax Humane Society
The middle of Bike Week found me surrounded by motorcycles on U.S. 1. Not a place you are generally going to find me, but Buddy needed allergy medicine and his vet is on North U.S. 1. I never even hesitated.
Buddy the Jack Russell has allergies. I know this because he has been chewing his haunches and pink skin is beginning to show through his white coat. I have heard from other dog owners that their dogs are scratching and chewing as well.
My vet offered a prescription, a combination of antihistamine and steroid, to give Buddy relief. I mentioned preventatives to my vet’s wife, and vet tech, Tina Freiberg at Freiberg’s Healing Paws Veterinary Clinic in Ormond Beach.
“I read that wiping the dog’s paws with a wet cloth when they come in will help,” I said.
She agreed, and suggested keeping a box of non-scented baby wipes by the door.
“Rub his body and paws,” Freiberg said. “They lick their skin and their paws and ingest it and that starts everything.”
Not having a baby in residence this required a quick stop at Publix for baby wipes. A damp towel can also be used.
A half a pill, covered in peanut butter and wrapped in a piece of bread, was tossed into the air. Buddy caught it. He catches all of his treats and I definitely want him to think of this as a treat. Then I rubbed his body first and then his paws with the baby wipes.
I didn’t expect the reaction. He bounced from chair to chair and finally onto his blanket on the floor where he buried his head. A squirrelly reaction to be sure. The next time I will be sure to video this.
I called Dr. Stephen Hart, one of the veterinarians at Safe Haven Animal Hospital in Palm Coast, to ask some basic questions.
I am happy to report the medicine is already taking effect and Buddy is on “his” recliner obviously feeling relief.
