Help... My dogs has skin problems?

Question

She scratches all the time. I give her an alergy medication twice a day (chlorphenirmine) and that seemed to help for a little but now, she seems to starting the scratch and itch more. She was on a different drug, but they were making her fat and the vet said that drug wasn't good for her over a long period of time. Her ears almost always stay infected. I give her oximoton (?) for the ears for 7 days... they clear up for about a week after I stop, then its back again. She always scratches them. She's always chewing on her back feet, which probably doesn't help with the ears when she scratches them. Now, I've noticed that around her ears, her skin is dark and kinda scally. And around her mouth...
She can't be comfortable and it kills me knowing she may be miserable. I've gone to 2 vets and they have both told me that it's just alergies and that is the problem with where we live (Louisiana). Anybody out there have other suggestions? A diet I can use? She eats Science Diet.

She's a maltese...about 6 yrs old

Answer 1

My moms dog was allergic to the shampoo, some shampoo's dry the skin out.

Answer 2

My Golden Retriever also has horrible allergies. There are a few simple home remedies you can use that can make it easier on her.

1. Switch her to a premium dog food with NO wheat. Wheat is the #1 culprit for skin allergies. Try a lamb and rice or duck and rice formula. (Nutro Natural Choice, Royal Canin, INova, etc).

2. Purchase a product called Linetone. It's an oil you can put on their food to help promote healthy skin and coat. They have a specific formula for excessive itching and for skin allergies. If you're a little tight on $$ you can start off with olive oil or fish oil.

3. Use a shampoo called Tegrin. You can find it in your local grocery store. Don't use head and and shoulders, etc, Tegrin works the best. It's medicated and will help to sooth the itch. Or if your dog needs more moisture and conditioning try an oatmeal based shampoo AND conditioner after the allergy symptoms have cleared. Oatmeal is great on a maintanance level. You should also only shampoo your dog once a month. You can condition or use a spray conditioner more often.

4. Long hair or short you should brush your dog a minimum of twice a day. It will help to get rid of the excess dead skin and hair that may be trapping moisture on the skin. Also it will promote the natural oils.

5. For the ears, use a mixture of 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% white vinegar. It's more natural than what the vet prescribes and more cost effective. It helps to dry out the ears and clear the **** inside. It's safe to use not only to help clear the infection but for maintainance once the infection has cleared.

6. Look into getting pet vitamins. Dogs who suffer from excessive allergies are lacking something in their diet, sometimes even from the outside environment. Just like humans their immune system is working on overdrive. Talk to your vet about suppliments for your dog.

Good Luck

Answer 3

First of all, Science Diet is HORRIBLE. A lot of dogs have food allergies to soy, corn, and wheat, which is most definately included in SD and a lot of other pet store/grocery store brands.

I'm not saying the food is the immediate cause of the allergy, since I can't be certain, but try switching to a better food, or better yet, go raw.

There plently of helpful books and websites for cooking recipes.

For kibble, I would reccomend Innova and Canidae. I know Innova makes a grain-free food and both have real meat and vegetables in them, including just the right amount of protein. It has essential vitamins and minerals as well.

I would first try switching to the better quality food which you can find online if not near you. Remember, this could take time to start working, so don't expect the dog's coat and skin to be better the next day. Along with switching foods, I would try yet again another vet just to be on the safe side. Neither of the two have actually done allergy TESTS on her to figure out what exactly she is allergic to.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I'm not much help with dogs, as I own cats. One of my older guys does scratch a lot and bite near his tail. Upon closer inspection, it is usually fleas. I take him into the shower with me and thoroughly shampoo him with ScratchX flea shampoo, followed by a conditioner as he has long hair.

Although it may not be your dog's problem, Advantage monthly, some flea powder and a good flea comb will help if fleas are the problem. When my cat's haunches get really scabby from all his scratching I rub Palmer's Cocoa Butter into his skin. It soothes and hydrates. He does lick it, but it does not contain harmful chemicals.(It's for people - I buy the pump lotion at a drugstore.(It will soothe his ears too) It is important to wash all the pet's bedding materials, as flea eggs hatch quickly, and even a clean pet will soon become re-infested.
Some of the other posts seem to indicate a change of food may be in order, so - Here is a link: http://www.allergicpet.com/
In fact, reading all the testimonials, I think I'll order some for my poor old cat, too! Let me now if it works for you, and I'll also let you know.

Answer 5

I dog scratches a bit and has dry skin. I found some spray on moisturizer which is also scented. I found that when I srapy that on him and rub it in he stops scratching and wont place his mouth near his body. Maybe try and find something like that at your local pet store. Most dogs scratch for a reason. they itch or there is something on them that is bothering them. Flees-Ticks-dry skin. Try to cure all those possibilities and maybe he will stop the scratching. When I see my dog scratching I pick him up and check the area he is scratching for flees and then rub the area for him knowing that I am not going to damage him like he would himself with his sharp little nails. Good Luck

Answer 6

Stop the Science Diet. Start with a RAW diet. Try it for a few weeks. Also, try finding a holistic Vet. I've found that they are better at preventing problems from occurring, while vets are better at treating problems.

Answer 7

Take her off science diet that won't help her at all. Try putting her on kibbles n bits my dogs love it and they have no allergic reaction to it. Also, try washing her out weekly with a special skin shampoo. Don't use just any shampoo that says it works read the label and find out if it has anything in that could possibly make her itch.

Answer 8

often ths sererio is a food allergy - try a food with a DIFFERENT protein base - lamb, duck & venison are often hypoallergenic. there are many hypoallegenic (sensitive skin) formula dog foods that contain less additive to cut the allergy risk. If you want to make the commitment to a raw diet or homecooked diet (READ UP FIRST) that also may help

Answer 9

Most allergies are food related. You need to change her food to one that is made specifically for dogs with allergies. It should be high quality, human grade with no added fillers and only one protein source and one carb source. The protein source should be something that she has never eaten before like duck, venison, rabbit or bison. There are several high quality natural brands that have food for dogs with allergies. Wellness, Timberwolf and more. Please read my page on natural pet foods at:
http://www.peaceful-organic-planet.com/natural-pet-food.html

Also, you should make sure you bathe her with a high quality shampoo that has no detergent in it. I use Doc Ackerman's Colloidal Oatmeal shampoo on my dog. Make sure you don't bathe her more then once every 10 days. Longer if you can.

Peace,
Kim

Answer 10

Please listen to me, I have 6 dogs all small, 4 pugs, 1 puggle, 1 boston and I spend about 500 a month on vet bills. I have been through numerous vets and Specialists regarding various issues and one pug of mine has the SAME thing you speak about, so I KNOW I can help you with my experiences. I also hope it helps you without you having to spend an enornmous amount of $ like I did.

Firstly, has anyone recommended a "thyroid test"? have her checked. Reason I say this is, I have one pug who had horrible allergies breaking out from a puppy with cyst type acne on his face and his thyroid was "deficient" we had to get that under control "before" starting anything else, a bad thyroid on a dog will throw off everything else and can cause eye/ear infections. Seemed everytime we tried an antibiotic and took him off vet directed, within 2 wks they were back. We even did the "desensitization shots" for allergies like they do in children with journals recommended by a "Dermatologist for dogs". His so called allergies were "worse".

My female pug "Lilly", is 6 yrs 22lbs chronic ear infections, and chews on her feet, NOONE could get the ear infections under control and she is deaf now in one ear. I have a "pharma vet co" that I get discounted vet medication through. I got fed up with the vets back and forth bs, so as I was ordering more meds I asked the pharma sales rep and he recommended: We overkill both pugs on antiobiotics you knock it hard and the "dermatologist" also did say this and NO you won't harm your dog. It finally worked!!! The black pug "PhatChow" had no more facial acne" This along with his being on Thyroid medication.

You should keep your dog on antibiotics for not 30 days, but 60 days, sometimes 3 mos and try Clavamox 250 mg half tab twice a day it's expensive, but worth it, you maybe able to substitute Clavamox if it's too costly. The vet pharma co recommended this ear drop a few drops of "(Synotic)Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.01% and Dimethyl Sulfoxide 60%" couple times a day, then follow with "(Mometamax)" 3xs a day. (I told you what Synotic is just in case you mention this to the vet and they don't know what it is, some vets did not)

While your dog is on the antibiotics keep lots of water around, they get really dry and may not make it to the door all the time as she once did, due to frequent urination while on the antibiotics (it's not forever). You may also want to get some yogurt for her, just any cheap kind and give it to her everyday, 1/2 cup or so, she will love it and it helps females with bladder infections they can get like female humans, Don't discontinue this practice as it's always good for her.

Her feet, does she get professionally groomed? If not, or even if she does, be sure the hair is not growing up between the pads, snip this hair down it aggravates them and many dogs will chew. Be sure her nails are clipped (which I'm sure you are just suggestions).

Oh one last thing, the darkness you are seeing is the meds I believe drying her out.

I'd also honestly be concerned about where you live in Louisiana and are you walking your dog? Is the place you walk chemical free after Katrina? Unfortunately, I don't know that anywhere there is ok overall ground wise, also remember and this sounds untrusting, but I don't trust any govt that tells me "it is safe". My dogs are my children, so I'd not take any chance with my pet down there walking. Perhaps if you like to take her for walks, either get her those doggie booties (she will hate em, but such is life she will get used to them) or if you have a tredmill in the house, use that for her exercise (you can and if you watch the "Dog whisperer" great show on Discovery channel he's an incredible dog psychologist and trainer and he uses our workout tredmills all the time to exercise dogs). If she likes to go with you outside and isn't walking on the ground, try getting a doggie stroller or carry harness.

Lastly, don't ever be afraid to mention to your vet that you heard this med or that works a friend of yours had a dog with the same problems and lives in MD etc., the vet should not be insulted to look into your suggestions or to take them into account. If they are then they are not worth it, you also should not be afraid to ask for a referral to a "specialist", such as a "Dermatologist" and where I live we are fortunate enough to have a major "Vet Referral Clinic" that is all Specialists, you have to be referred by your regular vet, but people actually fly their dogs to this place. They have "ear nose and throat drs", "Onchologists", "Opthamologists (Phat chow has a genetic eye disorder, he's a very $$$$ pug will be on meds for many things his entire life *ugh but what can you do, I am thankful I am able to care for him properly) My point is don't be afraid to ask for a referral.

Best of luck, you sound like I did just last year, I hope this works for you!