Bandit has always been a victim of itchy skin. I am not sure what he is allergic to but he will rub his face against the carpet or against the ground, pushing himself around in a circle, all for relief of the itch.
Summer is the worst time of year. First, off came his whiskers, then muzzle fur, then fur around his eyes. He was beginning to look more like a raccoon with dry black skin all around his eyes. The vet prescribed some allergy pills, Diphenhydramine, and described them as something similar to Benedryl. They are mild and will ease the itching. He is a big dog, so he has two sometimes 3 with each meal. They cause drowsiness though, and Bandit slept a lot more this past summer, and didn't have much energy or maybe desire to play with Bo or Otto.
THEN winter came. When there is snow on the ground Bandit is happiest. He can cool off his itchy skin by rolling around in the snow. It must feel great. Because he is able to do this, and because his skin seems to itch less in the winter we do not give him any of his allergy pills. This results in a more playful pooch who welcomes a little tug of war with Otto, or a romp around the house with Bo.
Here is Bandit at his best outside, he is always entertaining:
This time we had to go out and rescue him, he couldn't turn around.
What a cutie!
