Itchy Dog Skin

by Su
(Lincolnshire)

My son has just got an alsatian cross dog from a rescue centre. She had been there for one year and kept outside in cold damp conditions. She is eight years old, so they told him. she has a terrible dog skin condition.

When he got her she was sore and itchy in her arm pits and inside legs, this is getting better now, but it is all over her paws and haunches.

My son doesn't have a job so is only able to take her to the blue cross for veterinary care. They prescribed antibiotics but say she has had all she can have of these. They also prescribed a dog skin cream, but she just licks it all off. Her skin looks so sore and weeps and bleeds and she looks depressed though is eating, but reluctant to walk far because she is so sore. She is bathed regularly in salt water, a step also recommended by the vet.

Most of her thick, outside, coat has fallen out now. Is there any advice you can give to improve the dogs health? I don't know if the blue cross have run any tests to determine what is causing the problem but i doubt it.

Regards

Su

Editor Suggestions - itchy dog skin

Dear Su,

Thank you for your question and sorry to hear about the difficultly you are going through to treat itchy dog skin and other dog skin conditions.

A dogs skin is exposed to many factors which can cause symptoms such as lesions, sores, itching etc. Dogs that have remained outdoors most of the time and those rescued often develop various canine skin conditions due to exposure to various infectious and non infectious agents. Also, not only the skin, but general physiological conditions (normal body function) are affected.

As you said, this dog has been kept in cold damp conditions and has developed sores which are more severely presented in the inner side of the fore and hind limbs. This indicates that it initially started as a fungal infection, which spread to other parts of body as the infection progressed. Also, it is possible that secondary bacterial infections have caused the condition to worsen.

Also, if the veterinarian prescribed antibiotics as the major treatment, it indicates that your dog is not infested with parasites such as mites, fleas etc. It may be only a fungal and secondary bacterial infection causing the dog skin sores and itching.

We suggest that you bath your dog with a medicated anti fungal and anti bacterial shampoo such as Clinical Care Antiseptic and Anti Fungal Shampoo, initially twice a week, and when conditions get better, once a week till complete recovery is achieved.

Additionally, to support skin health and body condition, try some natural remedies and tonics. Two good choices are Skin and Coat Tonic and Immunity and Liver Support.

Feed the dog quality food and take additional care by keeping it indoors most of time. Also be sure to provide the dog with opportunities for regular exercise.

Hopefully, the dog skin conditions such as itchy dog skin will get better over time, but only if you take good care of your dog and follow the aforementioned recommendations.

Please keep us up to date on your dog's condition.