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My Schip has itchy skin
Sent to Pet Experts August 27 08:19 PM

My 6yr old Schipperke blew his undercoat over a week and a half ago. After the shedding was complete, he developed itchy dry dandruff flakes that would come off when groomed. We brushed him alot during the big shed and after. Today I noticed tiny bumps here and there on his back from shoulders down to just before the tail area. Some bumps go down over the ribs. Some bumps are just felt and hard to see as they are just skin color but some a light pink. He scratches all the time which is not like him. I wondered if he had chiggers (we live in the woods) but his legs and belly do not have any tiny bumps at all. He does not have fleas. Is there something I can bath him in to sooth the itchy skin? Right now he is wearing a thin dog t-shirt to keep him from scratching as I do not want him to tear up his skin. He is otherwise in very good health with regular vet checkups. Any help will be gratefully appreciated, thank you!

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Answer
August 27 8:26 PM (7 minutes and 6 seconds later)
         
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Allergy problems AND demodectic mange are common in this breed. Your vet can rule out demodectic mange with a skin scraping.

There are some simple things you can do if your dog might be suffering from allergies.

I would talk with the vet about a different low allergy diet, one that will have the least reaction. Rabbit and potato is good, but you can choose another brand. Try steering clear of brands that have corn.

You should also get her on a flea preventative if she is not already. Even if you don't see fleas, it only takes one to get the cycle started. Some dogs are highly allergic to flea bites and will have a large reaction if just one flea bites him.

I would also use a prescribed dose of benadryl, especially during allergy season. My vet recommends 1 mg per lb of body weight given every 8-12 hours.

Keep in mind that dogs can have allergies to pollen, dust and other household allergens so you should evaluate your home and try to make it as allergy free as you possibly can for her.

You might also want to speak with the vet about a supplement that has omega three fatty acids. Good skin starts from the inside out and this can be very beneficial.

Let me know if you still have specific questions about this.
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Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
Reply
August 27 8:35 PM (8 minutes and 53 seconds later)
         
Thank you for your help. I will follow up on the skin allergy issue and contact my Vet on Monday if there is no improvement. Best regards!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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