we have a pitt mix who get little bumps all over his back every so often. they are itchy, he chews them, loses his fur, the skin gets infected, he ends up wearing an e-collar, what a pain!! the vet said it's skin allergies and when he breaks out we wash him with a special shampoo that keeps it from getting infected but it still itches and he still chews. we can't figure what the trigger is, it happens every few days to twice a month. has anyone with pitt-mixes had this problem and what did you do to solve it? i'm not keen on the idea of steroid shots so are there any more natural things to try? (the vet wants to give him steroid shots, that's her solution)
my itchy dog thanks you for any suggestions...
2007-07-24 03:03:08 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Does the dog food contain corn or corn meal? Canines are generally allergic to corn. You see it in dry patches on the elbows.
Have you tried a different dog food? One more natrual, with no rice or fillers?
I have been feeding my dog a brand called Hundenflocken (I love the name, eh). I also make homemade beef soup with celery, carrots and sweet potatoes for her.
Steriods are very hard on their liver.
Have you tried putting aloe vera (pure) on the bad spots? This will moisturize and sooth. But I would try a new diet first before steriods.
2007-07-24 03:09:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
What kind of food do you feed? Treats? Is this happening year round or certain times of the year? Has your dog been allergy tested? Have you moved? Do you have carpet? Wood floors? When did it start? How old is your pet? I have seen a lot of allergy problems in my life so far and my own dog has severe allergies. I may be able to help you but I need more info. I don't prefer steroid shots either and I believe and have seen many pets be helped without it. Allergies is a VERY controversial subject with vets and owners so you will not get answers that very many people agree with eachother on. However, there are a lot of things to try out there before steroids. Don't give up yet.
2007-07-24 03:12:42 · answer #2 · answered by SoShy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'll bet that your vet also gives annual vaccinations too.
Dogs have been over vaccinated for many years now. Dr. Ron Schultz of Wisconsin University published his duration of immunity on vaccines in 1999.
http://svmweb.vetmed.wisc.edu/articles/68/5/39
There's a lot on the net about this, so do some research! Vaccines can cause skin problems and a whole lot more. Food allergies usually cause the dog to lick his feet until raw, but this could also be your problem. The first ingredient in a good dog food is meat, not corn.
If you are looking for natural things, there is a Pets 4 Homeopathy group at yahoo.
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Pets4Homeopathy
2007-07-24 04:18:18 · answer #3 · answered by A Great Dane Lady 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do you know what your dog is allergic to? Removing that from his environment will help tremendously. I don't blame you for not being thrilled about giving your dog steroid shots.
Now, my parents have a beagle who is allergic to a lot of the additives in dog foods such as Gravy Train. So they have to get him another dog food- Not Beniful, but one like it. As long as he eats that and not the other, he is fine.
Good luck!
2007-07-24 03:14:55 · answer #4 · answered by Tigger 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try changing his diet. Corn (corn meal) is a common dog allergy. Find a food that does not contain it and try to feed him that. Nature's Recipe is a good one as is Innova. Good luck
2007-07-24 03:07:16 · answer #5 · answered by mairin 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It could be as simple as a flea allergy. If he does not wear a good flea collar get one. We took my daughters dog last year, she was bald and sore on her rear end. We bought her advantage..no fles, and hair grew back. She is now a beautiful dog.
2007-07-24 04:36:48 · answer #6 · answered by bjsuno 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Make a pyramid out of clothes hangars and sit him under it for 20 minutes. Turn and repeat.
2007-07-24 03:06:32 · answer #7 · answered by $Sun King$ 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋