My Dog Is Allergic to Everything So No Birthday Treats!

What treats can you buy for a dog who is allergic to absolutely everything? Let me tell you the answer…absolutely none! Such a shame, because Kip, my Hungarian wire-haired vizsla and my little bestie, is celebrating her birthday today. Can you believe she’s five years old? Where did those years go?

You might remember that little Kippy Girl wrote a post on this blog when she was a tiny pup. Well…she’s been itching (literally!) to get her paws back on the keyboard ever since. So, as a birthday treat, I am going to let her do that.

Hello Everyone 🐾

Hmm…I just read the title of this post, and Mum implied that I’m a dog. Let me tell you…there’s no doubt about it — I am absolutely NOT a dog. I’m just like Mum and Dad. Okay, I have a bit more hair, longer ears, paws, and a tail, but I’m definitely not a dog. I sit on chairs, just like them with my front feet on the floor, and I lie on the bed with my head on Mum’s pillow. I am NOT a dog, but she was right about the other thing — I AM allergic to everything!

I’m Not a Dog…But I AM Allergic to Everything

Anyway, it’s my birthday. I’m five. I expected to get a big box of treats, but Mum and Dad say that nobody makes treats for me — they say I’m allergic to everything.

I don’t understand this allergy thing. Mum and Dad have to keep taking me to the vet because I get nasty sores on my skin that itch like crazy. The vet lady keeps giving me medication, but it never really helps. One time, the vet got a big needle and told Mum and Dad she would do a blood test to find out what I was allergic to. That was a wee bit scary.

A few days later, the vet phoned Mum. Mum came off the phone looking shocked. She told Dad I was allergic to everything. Then she just kept saying, “Everything! Absolutely everything!”

Dad said, “What about venison? Can she have that?”
Mum said no.
“What about rabbit? Eggs?”
No.
“What about rice? Potatoes? Carrots?”
No to everything.

I started to feel sad because I thought I’d never be able to eat anything ever again. Was I going to starve?

Special Food For a Special Dog Girl Who is Allergic to Everything

Thankfully, Mum and Dad didn’t let me starve. They bought food that the nice vet lady recommended — but they did say I might bankrupt them, whatever that means.

The new special food is anallergenic, made by Royal Canin, and it’s really nice. I love it. Mum says it’s special food for special girls, and that it’s made from feathers, but I think she must be joking about that. Surely?

I still get sore, itchy skin, though, so we have to keep going back to see the vet lady again and again and again. She gives us more tablets every time. Some were special tablets for itchy skin, but they didn’t work either. Two weeks ago I needed to get big horrible tablets and little teeny weeny tablets. Mum said they’re antibiotics and steroids, and I need them because my skin is infected.

Eugh! I hate taking tablets. Mum gives them to me before breakfast. She says, “Open wide,” then sticks them down my throat. I don’t make a fuss, so I can quickly start munching on the feather food. Dad tried to give me the tablets once or twice, but I spat them out. Mum said he just doesn’t have the right technique.

Oh, and they make me wear socks and a big plastic thing so I can’t lick, nibble, or scratch my itchy bits. Mum calls the big plastic thing a hat, but it’s not like any hat I’ve seen Mum or Dad wear. It looks more like a lampshade to me.

Mum says she’s getting exasper-something-another, but at least she doesn’t need to wear a lampshade on her head!

Favourite Things: Blankies, Boxes, Balls & Buzzing Flies

One of my favourite things is my blankie that I’ve had since I was tiny. It’s covered in holes because I chewed it, but I like to carry it everywhere.

Another favourite thing is cardboard boxes. I get so excited when I see one. I play with them for ages, then chew them into pieces. When Mum spots it, she always goes, “Oh, Kiiiip!”

My absolute favourite thing in the whole world is my ball. It flashes when it bounces! Mum hides it sometimes, and I run around the house searching for it. She gives me some of the feather food when I find it and tells me I’m really clever.

I’m really good at catching flies. When I hear them buzzing, I wait patiently, then leap six feet in the air to catch them. Of course, Mum goes, “Oh no… she’s probably allergic to flies too!!”

This Place is Called Kip’s Kingdom

Dad takes me out for walks and lets me run up the hill. I call this place Kip’s Kingdom. There are lots of funny animals that live here — white, woolly things that make a strange baahing sound. I’d love to be able to play with them, but I’m not allowed to go near them. Oh, and there’s loads of yummy grass to eat, but I don’t think I’m meant to do that either. Mum panics and says to Dad, “Remember she is allergic to everything, and that probably includes grass!!” I hate this allergy thing…it spoils everything.

Favourite People and Cuddles

If I’m ever scared, I get a cuddle from Mum. I’m scared of lots of things, especially noises and new people, but once I get to know them, I quite like them and try to smother them in kisses. I especially like to lick their ears.

My favourite person, apart from Mum or Dad, is the postie. He comes to the house in a red van nearly every day and brings letters. Sometimes he even brings cardboard boxes, so I get really excited when I see him. I tried to jump into his van once, but Mum reminded me I don’t like travelling and said she didn’t think Hugh would have wanted me to throw up on people’s letters.

I have another favourite thing too. At night, when Mum and Dad are lying on their bed watching television, I like to snuggle in between them for a cuddle. They say they might need a bigger bed, though, because I take up so much room.

Oh…I need to go. I’m sure I heard a fly buzzing!!

🐾 🐾 🐾

I hope you enjoyed Kip’s post — you can also find her on Facebook and Instagram occasionally.

If You Have a Dog Who Is Allergic to Everything…

It’s a nightmare when your dog has severe allergies. Honestly, it can be so exasperating. This poor girl has had a really tough time — every time medication helps, we know that in a few months we’ll be back to square one. We’ve never had this problem with any dog before, but it seems allergies are common in her breed (Hungarian wire-haired Vizsla).

Kip takes it all in her stride and doesn’t mind wearing her cone or socks. Us… not so much! I’m sure the vet must love us by now 😅 If you have a dog who’s allergic to everything, you have my complete sympathy.