My 14 year old Chi has chewed all the hair off of her back and tail from the middle of her back, down to the middle of her tail.
Andthat area is red and inflamed...I've been told thta it could be she is allergic to red dye but we put her on a diff diet that contains no red dye and her treats have no red dye now,but it doesn't seem to have made a difference.....She has chewed her skin till now where there are these little bloody places n her back.. she stays at my dad and stepmom's house(i live with my mom) and my stepmom works from 11pm-6 or 7 am and my dad and his friends are constantly coming and going.. I thought it could be from everyone that runs in and out of the house...but I don't know...there is also a cat that has lived there for the past 10 years in the house...what could be wrong with my chihuahua??please help!! she has been like this for about 6 months now....but my stepmom won't take her to the vet....
2007-02-07 04:42:42 · 11 answers · asked by .::country gurl in a 4X4::. 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I've put several homemade cones on her and she gets them all off......
2007-02-07 04:48:47 · update #1
Ask your mom and/or your dad to get that poor dog to a vet. It sounds like a hot spot but I am only guessing. That is all you will get on here is guess work. That dog needs a vet. If the dog is not recieving vet care then I imagine it also gets poor quality food. That contributes to skin problems. Our pets need quality pet food. Read the ingredients list and learn what the stuff on there is and what it does (or does not do) to/for our pets. A quick pet food 101. If the pet food contains corn/corn products or by products it is a poor quality food. Do not pay attention to advertising, they all say there food is great. Corn is a filler that can trigger skin problems. (allergies, skin problems, itching and excessive shedding) By products is anything from an animal not fit for human consumption, including cancerous tissue. Quality foods have meat as the first ingredient. California Natural, Solid Gold, Innova and Merrick are a few of the best brands available. If you want to learn more check out: http://www.sagekeep.com/petfood.htm www.api4animals.org/facts?p=359& more=1 http://animalark.eapps.com/animal/PetFoods.nsf/$$PetFoodsByRating?OpenForm
2007-02-07 05:58:34 · answer #1 · answered by Stick to Pet Rocks 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get that dog to the vet any way that you can and asap! Not getting treatment for your animals IS animal cruelty/abuse. There are alot of great answers on this question except the benedryl one. I would NEVER self medicate my dog especially a tiny chihuahua. Thats for the vet to decide. Some of the home remedies sound "ok" but it could also be the dogs anal sacs--they could be full and it is a very painful thing for the dog. My chihuahua has to go to the vets and they have to express his every couple of weeks, sometimes weekly. Please take your dog in to be seen by a good vet. Your dog is a senior and you want her to enjoy these years and be happy. Why dont you keep the dog with you? That would be better; you seem to be the only one concerned for her. Good luck to you and your chihuahua.
2007-02-07 06:07:25 · answer #2 · answered by naomi b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your stepmother's refusal to take your dog to the vet is animal cruelty. And your stepmom better be careful because she may be reported to your local Human Society. The dog could be taken from your home and/or your stepmother may receive a fine.
Chewing like that could be due to many things - from allergies, insects or boredom. It could be psychological (she chews when left alone, for example). I would strongly advise a vet visit first to determine if there are any medical issues. After she receives the medical "clear", we can work on psychological topics.
Just note that at 14, she's getting up in age. As such, her ability to adapt may also be more difficult. So that could be another issue.
Good luck!
2007-02-07 04:52:35 · answer #3 · answered by doctoru2 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You dog could have a skin infection. It could spread. Need to see a Vet.
Your dog could have scent gland problems. Need to see a Vet.
Your dog could have fleas. Need to see a Vet.
You dog could have mange. Need to see a Vet.
Your dog due to its age could be having a problem with nutrition and not absorbing food properly. Check out the dog's poo... If it is loose and gooey all the time, there is a problem. Need to see a Vet.
Your dog could be doing it out of boredom. Dogs are social animals and do lots of strange things when they are get lonely. If your "step mom" will not take the dog to a Vet, the dog is probably being neglected in other ways as well.
(FYI, that woman is NOT your step mom. You have a mother. She is your father's wife.)
If she will not take the dog to a Vet, talk to your dad or mom.
Try crying.
Lastly, why is YOUR dog not living with you?
2007-02-07 05:33:19 · answer #4 · answered by forgivebutdonotforget911 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are some over the counter salves you could try, such as Bag Balm, or some home made remedies such as a comfrey poultice. If these don't work, you need to see she gets seen by a vet.She is old and old chi's like a quiet routine with lots of physical closeness. Perhaps you could spend more time with her?
2007-02-07 04:52:01 · answer #5 · answered by Tina S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, I think I have a possible solution for you.
Take her to the vet. Get her the antibiotics she needs so her infections don't spread. Also, get her a really good flea medication. My dog Gracie used to chew her legs, rear, and her tail to the point she'd bleed - we took her to the vet and found out she was allergic to fleas! Most animals have fleas and itch them, but it's just a reaction to the fleas biting - Gracie however was actually allergic to the fleas and their excretions (saliva in particular) so she'd chew herself to relieve her reaction.
If your step-mom won't take her to the vet do it yourself.
2007-02-07 04:54:48 · answer #6 · answered by jedi_junkie05 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try giving her 1/16 of a Benadryl.I mean 1/2 of a 1/2 of a 1/2.Teeny little piece.And tell your step Mom your neighbor said she is going to call the Humane society if this is taken care of.This is animal abuse!
2007-02-07 04:52:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get a cone for her so she won't chew herself while you're gone. You should take her to the vet, though.
2007-02-07 04:45:24 · answer #8 · answered by Julia 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Please go to http://www.earthclinic.com and do some reading on doggie skin conditions. This website is FULL of info,advice from others and has great home remedies that really do begin to work with the very first bath!!
2007-02-08 02:50:50 · answer #9 · answered by lighthouses101 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Take her to a vet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If your step mo wont take her, you'd better find someone else, sounds like something is defintly wrong.
2007-02-07 04:57:49 · answer #10 · answered by luvmylab 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋