My dog has some kind of crusty skin problem on his back and tail. He gnaws on it until it bleeds then it crust up and flakes off. It is a continual problem and I can't get him to the vet. Any ideas what this is or how to help it.
2006-06-24 12:05:26 · 17 answers · asked by Shawn D 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
As you know your dog needs a vet. That said, it may be fleas, mange, hot spots or allergies. You have to stop the dog from chewing it's self so the flesh can heal. Cone? Too many baths are not good for a dog. My guess is you are feeding a poor quality food. Does the food you are feeding contain corn and/or wheat? They both trigger skin problems in many dogs. Poor quality pet foods also contain by products (here, have a slab of cancerous tissue) Premium quality food contain none of these things. California Natural, Solid Gold, Innova and Merrick are some of the best foods out there.
2006-06-24 12:14:09 · answer #1 · answered by Stick to Pet Rocks 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
German Shepherds are predisposed to a skin condition known as Seborrhea. Depending on which type of Seborrhea different types of shampoo therapy are recommended. From your description of the skin crusting and flaking I would say you need a shampoo containing sulfur, salicylic acid, and coal tar.
Usually the flaking increases during the first 2 weeks of shampoo therapy, this is due to the flakes dislodging from the skin and being trapped in the hair coat. The repeated shampooing will eventually rid his hair coat of the "dandruff" build-up.
I like LyTar shampoo the best. You can order it at the link below from 1-800petmeds, and most veterinarians also sell this product out of their offices. It is an Over the Counter medicated shampoo, so you don't need a prescription to purchase it. Just follow the directions on the bottle. I would use it twice a week the first 2 - 3 weeks then once a week thereafter until the skin begins to become healthy again, and then experiment with maintenance shampooing after that (every other week or every three weeks, etc) until you find the bath frequency interval that works best at keeping your dog flake free.
If you pet doesn't begin to show improvement in a month or if his condition gets worse, he may have a secondary infection along with the Seborrhea, in which case a trip to the vet is necessary for antibiotics.
Good Luck, and I hope your dog feels better soon.
2006-06-25 00:10:42 · answer #2 · answered by I no longer participate! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some German shepherds are allergic to protein. Unfortunately, protein is found in meat. The protein can cause scabs on the skin which irritate and the dog chews these until they bleed, they then become sore and scabby and the dog keeps chewing at them and it becomes a vicious circle. It may not be this, that your dog has, but consider it. You can try feeding it on low protein dried dog meal mixed with hot water and gravy and then cooled before offered. Ask your pet shop of vet to recommend on (Wilson's dog meal). Try feeding this for a week, if the condition improved it is almost certainly protein related.
2006-06-24 19:18:00 · answer #3 · answered by SheBiggles 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely get your dog to the vets. This could be almost anything without seeing it. My German Shepherds have had clogged sebaceous glands in the past, which can bleed or ooze and become crusty until properly evacuated.
2006-06-24 19:22:24 · answer #4 · answered by darthsicarii 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like either an allergy or mange....either way, call a vet and ask what kind of mange meds would be best for the dog, and you can get the meds for less than $10 (it's a shampoo) follow the directions on the bottle and it should go away. I have 5 dogs myself, and 2 of them had an allergy, and the mange meds cleared it up!!! I wish you luck!!!
2006-06-24 19:10:48 · answer #5 · answered by goodcharlottefreak040404 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like a flea allergy or it could be hot spots which occurs when the hair is matted and unhealthy. Treat the animal for fleas and make sure the hair stays dry and clean. If the problem continues, please see your vet. If you can afford to be on the web you can afford a vet visit. Good Luck...
2006-06-24 19:11:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you have a vet come to you? Most livestock/horse vets come to your location for a nominal charge (mine is less than the office charges) and have pharmacy with them. They can usually treat just about everything right at your home.
aj is right, if you can afford the web, you can afford a vet for your canine friend.
2006-06-24 19:21:43 · answer #7 · answered by spaz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need, need, need to take your dog to the vet. If you can't afford it many humane societies or SPCA's will treat your dog for very cheap/ free depending on how much you make/ sliding scale. Do not let your dog suffer.
2006-06-24 19:52:57 · answer #8 · answered by tonya_momma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why cant you get him to the vet?
it may be hot spots...however...i am not a vet. try going to your local pet store and asking someone to help you pick out an appropriate ointment.
check this site out...does it sound like what your dog has?
2006-06-24 19:11:23 · answer #9 · answered by Jen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be anything from flea allergies, skin infections, or mange. Your vet can figure it out.
2006-06-24 19:10:37 · answer #10 · answered by lavieja321 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋