Comments on: Help! My Dog Is Itchy & Won’t Stop Scratching

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 11:27:36 +0000

In reply to Sandra Pryor. Hi Sandra. It’s a complex issue with no simple answers. This page and the links found therein are the quickest summary I can provide.

By: Sandra Pryor

Sandra Pryor — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 07:30:50 +0000

My rescue shitzu has red belly feet, mouth and smells unpleasant
I have tried numerous things to help her to no avail.
Is there a way I can help her be more comfortable – she licks all the time.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 10:25:20 +0000

In reply to Shayna. Hi Shayna. Sometimes if the skin is just starting to flare, a cool bath with soap-free shampoo can settle it back down again. It's worth a try.

By: Shayna

Shayna — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 07:01:05 +0000

Hello,
My dog had this problem and it became severe when heightened by stress two years ago they gave him the shot and no issue but a few months ago it happened again there was no change to routine but I took him to the vet they gave him antibiotics and it cleared up but it really cost me!! Now I’ve noticed it happening again skin red just barely itching but I know it will escalate. I’ve started him on a different food from the same brand and a dental water additive. I don’t know if that’s the problem but i wonder since it’s early days there was some advice to solve it at home before it gets worse

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 02:32:00 +0000

In reply to Frozenshiva. You hear coconut oil being recommended in two ways. Given internally in small doses, it’s probably harmless other than for dogs prone to pancreatitis, and oils can help some dogs’ coats and skin. However, we would much prefer using oils containing essential fatty acids here. Used externally, it’s extremely messy, picks up dirt, and probably has no beneficial effect.

By: Frozenshiva

Frozenshiva — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 01:31:56 +0000

Many people mention coconut oil… what’s your take on that for canine allergies if other things aren’t working well?

By: Trish

Trish — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 21:16:01 +0000

In reply to Andrew. Thank you very much this is very helpful

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 21:32:18 +0000

In reply to Trish Slink. Hi Trish. It certainly sounds like atopic dermatitis (atopy) and I assume the needle would be a cortisone (like prednisolone) injection, or possibly Cytopoint since you mention the cost. These injections work well on atopy, but only if there is no secondary infection. Therefore, the most common cause of failure is pyoderma (red spots or crusty rings) or malassezia (smelly, greasy skin); ask your vet about each of these. I'm sorry that no treatment for atopy works well every time: it's a matter of a lot of trial and error, which is why atopy is the number one paying condition in insured dogs.

By: Trish Slink

Trish Slink — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 09:25:29 +0000

Hello my dog is a Bordercollie X English staffy & as you say she is red under her arm pits. Mouth, stomach & at her tail . I had taken her to the vets so they gave her the needle which worked the first time. The next 2 times nothing and they arent cheap so what you are saying about the atopic dermatitis . Sounds just like her she is licking in between her paws they are very red & sore her food is Black Hawk dry & Primo wet. Can you help with this please.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 30 May 2020 06:03:29 +0000

In reply to Shaun. Yes it’s the same whether the food is wet or dry