Maltese Mix With Constant Itchy, Smelly, Scabby Skin

by Shannon
(baton rouge, la)

Reader Question

I have a maltese poodle mix who is 8 years old. She constantly has irritated skin rashes that drive her crazy. I will wash her with medicated shampoo once per wk....which helps at first. But after a few days, she starts itching like crazy & knawing on her skin. At this point she begins to stink and her hair gets greasy. Her skin also forms scabs everywhere. I've brought her to the vet TONS of times....and each time they give her antibiotics, steroids, etc. and they tell me its her allergies. Sometimes I can give her Benedryl, but I don't want to give it to her everyday. This has been a constant problem and I need help! I hate to watch her suffer!

Also, we live in Louisiana, and it is extremely humid here year round. Additionally, not sure if this matters or not but she has a cleff palet...which caused her nose to have a split down the middle. Thanks a bunch!!

Answer from Our Team

Itching that returns days after a bath, with greasy hair, odor and scabs, usually means an allergy with repeated bacterial and yeast infections on top. Antibiotics and steroids help for a while, but the cycle continues until the allergy itself is controlled.

Ask your vet for skin cytology to check for yeast as well as bacteria, and about a strict 8-week elimination diet to rule out food allergy. If she's still itchy after that, newer itch medicines or allergy shots can reduce the need for repeated steroids, and referral to a veterinary dermatologist is worthwhile. Antihistamines help only a minority of dogs.

See dog allergies and yeast infections on dogs' skin.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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Maltese Mix With Constant Itchy, Smelly, Scabby Skin

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