9 month pit bull is scratching him self raw what could be causing him to do this?

Question

seems to start out as a bump under his skin then he scraches & nibbles at till its red & raw he has had all his shouts. He had hip surgery when he was 6months old.Has been around other dogs & they dont have the promblem & he sleeps with my son again no promblem.It looks red and lumpy & it must hurt because at times he seems to cry please help

Answer 1

He has mange or similar, get him to the vets, it will only get worse if left untreated.

Answer 2

He probably has a skin allergy. Before taking him to the vet for prescription shampoo, cream and pills like antibiotics, try bathing him with vitamin E soap. It worked for my dog better than the prescribed stuff. He also could have ticks which are a bump on the skin, gets bigger, will bleed if scratched. Get tick & flea medication for the dog; your vet will know if it is that or an allergy. Ticks can be picked up from other dogs or outdoors.

Try the vitamin E first for 3-4 baths, if it don't work, take him to a vet right away.

Answer 3

First thought would be fleas. Check that first.
If he is scratching until raw, that will cause an infection which often will have a "smell" to it. Sarcoptic mange is a type of mite that goes under the skin and will cause severe itching, irritation, and hair loss. Your vet can check that out, and prescribe a topical drop that is applied on the skin on the back of the neck and shoulder blades- I believe it is called Revolution. This also will take care of fleas.

Answer 4

I would advise to see a vet for proper diagnosis, he can take skin scrapings and examing them under a microscope to see if it is mange mite, which type and prescribe appropriate treatment.

He may have flea allergy dermatitis, if he has fleas, he can also have tapeworm and will need treatment for that, again, available from your vet. It could be ticks.

It could also be a fungal infection which will require veterinary prescription to heal it.

Another possibility is an enviromental or food allergy and the vet would need to supervise an elimination diet in the case of food or give cortisone injections and allergy medication if it is environmental.

He may have come into contact with a cactus or poison oak or similar. If it's cactus, it will need the spikes removed.

It may also be tumours developing, it is potentially one of many things, too many to list here.Only a veterinarian can adequately diagnose and it needs to be done where the vet can examine your dog in the flesh, take him off to the vet.

Answer 5

Mange, allergies and fleas are the most common causes. In any case, get him to the vet right away and don't let him sleep with your son until you have a diagnosis. Some mange can be transmitted to people.

Answer 6

For Mange:

Mix 1 part water soluble sulfur, 1 part calamine lotion, 1 part aloe vera liquid in large pot, add 1 gallon sterile water,and bring to slow boil. reduce heat, and simmer 20-30min. Let cool. Wash dog with solution let air dry on animal, do not towel off. Works in 1-2 treatments shows results in most cases within 1st. week. Complete recovery within 3-4 weeks. Remember not to allow re infection by removing old bedding,and spraying area with good insecticide. Keep animal and family healthy by good hygiene practices."

Answer 7

Is it possible he may have been bitten by a flea? If so, he could be allergic. Sounds like it may be a good idea to take him to the vet.

Answer 8

You should listen to lisamisc about the baths and try cortizone spray from the petstore. It will help with the itching and help it heal.

Answer 9

My view about pit bull dogs is clear. You should take your dog to a vet and have it destroyed.

Answer 10

I HAD A DOG WITH A SIMILAR PROBLEM. AT FIRST THE VET THOUGHT HE WAS ALLERGIC TO FLEAS BUT, IT TURNED OUT HE WAS ALLERGIC TO THE FOOD CO;OURING USED IN THE DOG BISCUITS WE WERE FEEDING HIM. CHANGED TO BISCUITS WITH OUT COLOURING AND THE IRRITATION WENT AWAY.