Dog with A Rash?? Maybe Allergy???

**cmdarlin** · 09-09-2008, 07:36 PM

I have a 3 year old Australian Shepard/Lab mix that has the worse rash on her. We've never had any kind of problem like this since we got her. She's constantly, scratching or biting. She's got to the point were she has scabs on her back and missing alot of hair. When it first started I thought it was just a hot spot, then fleas. We've given her two flea baths. The rash has finally gotten to where its practically all over her body. I feel so sorry for her. I've tried every anti-itching cream/lotion, I've been giving her benedryl. Nothing is working. I know I should take her to the vet but right now, I can barely pay for gas and utilities.

Is there anyone out there that's had a similar problem and knows maybe of something I can do to give her some relief?

Thank you,
Debbie

**Starlight9803** · 09-09-2008, 09:29 PM

Well, a vet visit would be the best thing if you could possibly swing it, since it could be so many things. If you have tried benadryl and it didn't help, then it probably isn't due to a regular allergy (like pollen, mold, flea bites, etc). It could possibly be mange mites. They sell an OTC dip for mange (around here they have the "Happy Jack" brand) and they usually have it at the local feed/farm supply store. You could try that and see if it helps. It could also be due to a food sensitivity (usually to by-products, corn, wheat, or some meat sources) A change in food (to one with no by-products or common allergens) might help. I would try the mange dip first though. Good luck, I know how hard it is to watch a furbaby suffer and not be able to financially do anything about it.

**danimarie0820** · 09-09-2008, 09:54 PM

My dog has the same thing. It just recently got to the point that I have to take the little guy to the vet tomorrow. Benedryl doesn't work for him either. But...now it's to the point where he is wheezing or what they call a reverse sneeze and it's really bad and keeps him up all night. He now has to get a low dose steroid shot every 6 weeks. My vet charges $13 for it and it really helps! I was told that a humidifier in the house can help too but I haven't bought one yet. good luck!

**cmdarlin** · 09-10-2008, 07:03 AM

Thank you so much for the suggestions. I really do appreciate them. I'm going to see if I can find the dip and see how that does. If it doesn't help, hopefully I can figure something out to get her to the vet. A vet won't even discuss what could be wrong unless I bring her in. I get my first pell grant installment in October..... If she doesn't get any better after the dip, I'm going to take her in.

thank you again!

Debbie

**Day~Dreamer** · 09-10-2008, 07:39 AM

You could also try to change her dog food. My mom's dog has really bad skin allergies and she has him on science diet the kind for sensitive skin. Also instead of using harsh chemicals (which may irritate it more) try an oatmeal based one. That helps a lot with sensitive skin and dry skin. Also you might want to shop around for a Vet. Some prices are outrageous others more reasonable. Like around here Vets charge about$20-$40 just to walk in the door, but my vet only charges $12 and I love him!! He has been so great! And he does house calls for only$30!!! I have 11 dogs, so when it's check up/vaccination time I schedule him to come out. Good luck I hope your puppy is feeling better soon!!

**DAAC3DEC** · 09-10-2008, 08:56 AM

my littlest dog has the same thing, the other dogs are fine but he has issues with allergies.....dry skin, bites himself to scratch. poor baby........of all things my vet told me to put "hemorroid ointment"

on him, he won't lick it off and has great healing properties. works wonders for him.

**danimarie0820** · 09-10-2008, 06:03 PM

I'm back from taking Bruiser to the vet... He got the shot and had me get him on flea meds (he rarely gets fleas he's mostly an inside dog) and heartworm meds. After everything it cost me $65. I'm glad he's feeling better but she said since its cooling down and in a few weeks we will get a frost he won't need his next shot until spring. Maybe try an oatmeal bath (you can get this at the pet store) too soothe your dog's skin until we get the first frost to get rid of the pollen, mold, etc.

**itsahumanzoo** · 09-10-2008, 07:02 PM

I would take her to the vet as soon as you can. MIL's dog got a horrible rash/scabs and it turned out to be leukemia. I don't want to worry you, but if you could even find a low-cost clinic or something that would be better than nothing.