Scabs and redness on my 4 year old Bichon Frise's tail - help!?

Question

I noticed about one week ago that my dog Cujo kept licking his tail. When I went to look to see if there was anything there, all I noticed was a pin-head sized drying scab. I thought maybe the groomer nipped him when he went there a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday I noticed his fur close to his skin was a light purply/pink and the scab was still there but now the skin was red. His fur close to his skin on his tail was so matted from all the licking that I had to cut a good amount of fur off just to see what was bothering him. I just rinsed his tail with cool water and wrapped his whole tail with a long piece of cotton. Should I be taking him to the vet? Is this common in Bichon's? This is the first time he has ever had this. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I had a Bichon...sweet dogs. She used to get what the vet called "hot spots" where she would chew her fur and skin. He said it was very common in those dogs to have sensitive skin and gave me a spray to help relieve the itch. I used to think it was more common to happen after being groomed, so I think it would be good to use a hypoallergenic shampoo (oatmeal shampoo is usually pretty good if it is not loaded with perfumes, etc). Of course, you need to be sure you don't have a flea problem starting which you would need to address ASAP, but guessing from my experience, it's probably just sensitive skin or an allergy which you might have to try to figure out (certain dog foods are made for sensitive skin allergies). I would recommend a visit to the vet...you want to be sure it doesn't get infected or your problems will be worse. I would also suggest you NOT put cotton on him...he may ingest it and cause intestinal problems, too! My dog seemed to like eating kleenex and worse which I've heard from others, then she would get "plugged up" at potty time! You pretty much have to treat them like babies and "dog-proof" your home. There is a nice website at www.bichon.org that gives good information on the breed. Good luck with your fluffy little angel...hope he is feeling better soon!

Answer 2

If you haven't already given a benadryl, I'd hold off on that. It can be very sedating, and your little guy probably isn't very big.

It sounds like it might be a hot spot to me. By clipping the hair, you've probably already helped a little. Hot spots are annoying and tricky, but will heal with proper care.

The key is air circulation and cleanliness. So, I start by shaving the area and removing any scabs that are present (they usually contain hair and bacteria, so they need to go). Then, a gentle scrub with antibacterial soap and thorough drying-off. If it's particularly bad, I give the dog some antibiotics, but for superficial ones, they go home with some soap and some DermaCool spray (think of Solarcaine on a sunburn...).

Also, along the lines of air circulation, keep the bandage off the area. If he's bothering with it, give him the dreaded cone collar to prevent licking- it really works, and it'll only be for a few days. If you're worried, the answer is always Bring Him In.

Good luck to you.

Answer 3

some are, some are not - you may want to wish to artwork with a respected breeder to locate a positive one. i understand of various who stay with more effective than one newborn interior the major different and toddlers, and they are large. yet different Bichons might want to correctly be snippy - no longer what you want in any respect. A mini Poodle may be slightly sturdier, and for this reason more effective in all probability as a puppy for a small boy. they are playful, yet no longer so fragile as a Bichon - and non laying off besides. I completely disagree about a Havanese - they are in many cases slightly feisty, and there might want to be problem with a small newborn. i'd not. although you get, ask for an individual canines. there's no want to augment a puppy, even as what you want is a waiting made playmate. Too many juveniles to augment concurrently in basic terms ability a mess of more effective interest and referee time. forget it - locate a positive poodle that desires a relations, and also you may want to likely have an staggering time.

Answer 4

you can give him a benadryl and get tee tree spray for him and irf you bath him use an oatmeal...i suggest aveeno and soak him for 10 min at least and rise real well(both very important) and it sould help if it is an allergy if it seems to not heal or get better after a week or two 1 bath per week 1 benadryl per day then call the vet and prepare to spend some cash ... i hope it helps.. also it could be a food allergy so i suggest pro plan salmon sensitive skin and stomach (affordable allergy food) give it some time=) also just double check to see if it has fleas or ticks sometimes even if never before they can pick them up

Answer 5

could your dog have fleas? allergies are very common in bichon's. you should take your dog to the vet. sounds like the area is making the dog miserable and the vet can help stop that. good luck.