I have a three year old female boxer, ever since she was about a year old she started itching all the time. It started out mostly in her ears, she would itch them until almost all the fur came off, my step-mom took her to the vet and they treated it like an ear infection, then the itching spread to all over her body, now she itches EVERYWHERE she scratches herself all over to the point that her fur will come out and she gets big bloody scabs, sometimes she will also get hives under her fur that you can actually see. My step mom keeps taking her to the vet and they keep saying that its just skin allergeys, we have gone to this same vet for many years with all of our past dogs and they have done a great job, however i dont think that this is just skin allergeys. We also have an older boxer (he is 6 now) who had similar problems but not this bad, and mostly with his ears, but he grew out of it by the time he was her age.
2006-12-05 03:46:35 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
My step mom also started bathing her no more then once a week, because the vet recomended that she do so. She bathes her with very gentle soap, it has seemed to help a little bit but not too much. Also now (im not sure if its because of the med.'s the vet perscribed or not) but she must wear a diper to bed because she has a hard time controling her bladder in her sleep. I have NO idea what could be wrong with her, but so many bad things have came to mind such as diabetes, mange, a thyroid problem, if anyone has any idea what this could be or any sort of advice it would really be appriciated...i love my dog very much and i want her to feel better!
2006-12-05 03:51:06 · update #1
we tryed alot of diffrent allergy meds. thats why i dont really think that its allergys but maybe what were using isnt good enough...and i dont think its fleas or ticks cuz wouldnt the vet have noticed?? and both of my dogs are treated for fleas and ticks...but thanks for your answers
2006-12-05 03:56:37 · update #2
we feed the IAMS
2006-12-05 04:19:02 · update #3
we feed them IAMS
2006-12-05 04:19:41 · update #4
If it IS allergies, then changing your dog's food might help. Try finding an all-natural food with no by-products. Usually a lamb and rice mix will work well for allergy-prone dogs.
I would also take the dog to the vet and INSIST that they do a skin-scraping. This way you can be sure that she does not have mange.
You can also buy medicated shampoo from the vet that can be used to treat all kinds of skin problems. Wash your dog with it once a week, and it will help her skin feel better and help to prevent infections.
Another option (if it's allergies) would be to start her on a steroid treatment. My parents have to keep their beagle on steroids or she will scratch herself raw.
Good luck with your dog. If you think that your vet isn't helping you, you can also always try another vet. Most will understand that you are simply trying to help you animal.
2006-12-05 05:03:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog might have a food allergy, what are you feeding her? Thyroid would be a possibility, but it doesn't explain the itching. If it was mange I'm sure your vet would have diagnosed that by now. Incontinence can be common in larger spayed females. If she isn't spayed you should bring this up with your vet. If it is incontinence, there are meds she can be put on (Proin...PPA...phenylpropylaminine). Also consider getting a second opinion from a different vet. If this has been going on for 2 years and your vet can't offer any reason it may be time to go to someone else.
Okay, now knowing that you feed Iams, I'm going to say she has allergies to the food. Iams is a poor quality food. I don't know how much money you have to afford a great food, if you can afford it, get one of the following brands: Canidae, Wellness, Innova, California Natural. If you can't afford that, look into the Royal Canin formulated for boxers. You really want to get something for her that doesn't have ANY grains in it. Solid Gold would also be a very good option, or Merrick. I'd bet on it being a food allergy that would clear up once you have her switched to a better food. You can also get an allergy test done at the vet's office, but that doesn't always find everything they are allergic to. It runs about $75.
2006-12-05 04:16:03 · answer #2 · answered by Meggz21 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be grass allergies....
My dog had that problem...she was a Bichon Frise and they are know for having skin allergies. We had to put shirts on her to keep her from scratching herself raw.
Wash your dog at least once a week with a shampoo with tea tree oil or oatmeal. It should help with the itching and hotspots.
Benydril does work also. But it'll make her sleepy.
2006-12-05 04:45:54 · answer #3 · answered by Jenny 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to leerburg.com to the nutrition page,food allergies. Also check out the shampoo its the best hope this helps GOOD LUCK
2006-12-05 04:01:53 · answer #4 · answered by dogman054 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your dog has extreme allergies to something in your yard. Have you tried Benedryl? My Mom's pooch has the same problem and that is really all that works for her dog.
2006-12-05 03:54:33 · answer #5 · answered by Girl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like a flea or tick infection.
2006-12-05 03:49:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋