I went away for a few days and when i returned my chihuahua was skinny and shedding like crazy. Now that she has been back with me for a few days she is back to normal except she won't stop scratching and has scabs above her neck. I really don't see any fleas or bites? anyone have any ideas?? Thanx!!!!
2006-08-20 11:20:04 · 14 answers · asked by Christina L 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
sounds like a skin problem. time to go to the vet. he will probably give you some ointment for it. m
2006-08-20 11:26:22 · answer #1 · answered by Mache 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, Albannach has it backwards. Demodectic mange is called Red Mange (my dog had it). It is hard to say which is worse because scarcoptic (sp?) mange is contagious to humans and other animals but demodectic mange is worse on the dog. I've seen dogs with both.
That being said...it may not even BE mange. It was my first thought, but you won't know until you go to the vet and get a skin scraping done on your dog. Ideally, they should do one scraping from one part of your dog's body and a second one from a totally different section a good distance away from the first one.
I like what the other posters said about your dog not eating because you went away. Maybe she's just scratching still because she's still a little nervous. Ask your vet what they think.
Good luck!
2006-08-20 11:35:23 · answer #2 · answered by Amber 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Could be stress from you being away.
Could be fleas - check for small black specs (flea dirt - which is feces of dried blood, turns red when you get it wet). If flea dirt is present, she needs a flea preventative and it would probably be a flea allergy.
Could also be mange. Depending on her age and / or if she came into contact with another dog with mange.
A trip to the vet may be needed if you don't see her getting better soon, now that you're home.
The skinny part could also be a stress trigger. If she starts eating and gaining that weight back, you'll know. Otherwise get her checked out and have her stool checked for parasites who could be eating her nutrients from her.
2006-08-20 11:32:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the poor thing to the vet. With all the scabs, it could be mange or a flea allergy that's out of control or any number of skin conditions! I'm sure he's very very uncomfortable. The vet can properly diagnose and treat his problem, and hopefully get him feeling better!
2016-03-16 23:20:23 · answer #4 · answered by Carol 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your Chi has had an allergic reaction to something. Get some dog shampoo that has oatmeal in it. Also, get some diaper rash cream and put on the areas that she scratches and has scabs.
My chi had a chronic rash all the time until I started using an oatmeal dog shampoo for sensitive skin and the daiper rash cream worked wonders. I recommend using A&D Ointment or Beaudruex's Butt Paste. Hartz or Sargents has the shampoo. Also, look for some anti-itch cream, like Gold Bond.
Hope this helps.
2006-08-20 12:00:01 · answer #5 · answered by Regina R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fleas are sometimes very elusive and you might not see them especially if they live off the dogs and just jump once in a while to feed. Try this:
Shake your dog's hair over a white sheet of paper or paper towel spray the paper with WINDEX and check for flea poo residue. (Little black spots) That should help. if not.
Loss of hair could also indicate MITES. All dogs have mites on their skin but sometimes a sudden change (like you leaving) stress, anxiety or an immune system malfunction.
Read this it may help: http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=78
2006-08-20 11:39:31 · answer #6 · answered by Izzy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat used to have to get cortizone shots because he had horribly sensitive skin and would have scabs all over from scratching. Poor kitty. Give her a good bath and use a conditioner and take your doggie to the vet if she doesn't stop scratching soon.
2006-08-20 11:26:15 · answer #7 · answered by Amy >'.'< 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it may b allergic 2 flea bites although u may not c see the bite. i had a Chihuahua for over 16 years & he developed an allergic reaction 2 flea bites when he was 7 & had 2 get shots & the vet recemended Adams flea & tick shampoo which smells great
2006-08-24 08:05:19 · answer #8 · answered by Chey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it just happened when you went away it could be she drove herself crazy without you she didn't eat (thus the skinniness) and she was so nervous to took to licking and chewing on herself. But it could just be allergies I would take her to the vet and make sure she is healthy first if she is get a trainer to help the separation anxiety
2006-08-20 11:30:19 · answer #9 · answered by Jemma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Skin allergie's or if you gave it a bath with the wrong type of shampoo that can cause it too.
Also food allergie's to it's food, treats or human food.
2006-08-20 11:25:25 · answer #10 · answered by day by day 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of dogs get "hot spots" which is just a spot on their skin that itches really bad. You can buy an antiseptic spray from your local vet and spray on it, and will heal and go away in a couple of days.
2006-08-20 12:16:23 · answer #11 · answered by Jen 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋