A year ago my then 5 year old black lab started itching and chewing himself. Vet ruled out fleas, but told us to try changing his food which we did, have tried various shampoos which were then recommended, and he was given a cone to wear to stop him chewing himself (a year later we're on cone #3), as soon as it's removed he's chewing himself or scratching. Vet seems to have run out of ideas so we have continued shampooing him every week and brushing him every day but he is almost bald on his back. We've tried antihistamines, salmon oil in his food, brushing, bathing him but the vet thinks it's become a habit with him. Any ideas? Don't think he wants to be wearing a cone indoors for the rest of his life either.
The bath seems to relieve him for 2/3 days. I have dropped his bath from 2 a week to just the one when he's really itchy. I'm hoping these different antihistamines and anti itch tablets will work as he's been a bit better today. I'm also trying a chill jacket which has been helpful so far so fingers crossed for him.
Which shampoo are you using? I think our dog might be allergic to coconut which is in every shampoo!! it could be a viscous circle. Have you had an allergy test?
The shampoo we were told to use contains peroxide which supposedly will help. No allergy test as yet but I think it could be a wheat allergy as he does seem to itch and scratch more after anything with wheat in.
It sounds like the excessive washing has stripped out all the oils from his coat. That shampoo is more for treating mites and mange. I would stop all bathing and brushing for two weeks and see what happens. You could also do what my dog’s dermatologist suggested which is 8 weeks on an Anallergenic dog food to see if it is food related. If symptoms stop during that time you gradually introduce new foods to test for a reaction.If symptoms persist it is likely to be environmental and he may need medication to boost his immune system. If you think it is wheat which is probably in a lot of kibble unless grain free have you considered feeding raw?
I think if your dog has been like this for a year it really is time to seek a specialist opinon rather than more trail and error that could just prolong his misery. A dermatology opinion should get you a diagnosis and a plan of action. I wound not want my dog to spend time in a cone as a permanent treatment option as it is not stopping the itch just preventing him from itching which must be awful for him. If the dermatologist concludes it is behavioral at least you will know and can treat accordingly. I had a cat that did something similar, she ended up on some antidepressant medication that stopped it, but we ruled everything skin related out first.
It could be a yeast infection or other fungus - like ringworm they are very difficult to eradicate as they can re-infect themselves. if it is then you will need to clean bedding and carpets frequently to avoid reinfection. Clotrimazole cream drops and/or fluconazale tablets are possible treatments to ask vet about. -
of course the most likely thing is Mange - if you can see it or find anything then it is not mange as it is microscopic - pretty much the only way to know is to treat for it and if it gets better it was a correct diagnosis Bravecto from vet will sort it pretty quickly - find a vet who will prescribe this treatment not something that just masks the condition
I have found one way to test for Mange is to smear Vaseline on the dogs skin - say over a bit of his tail - the mites will burrow into the skin to avoid drowning and you will see little spots of blood appear almost instantly if possible film it and show your vet. Fleas and allergies do not have this result so it’s pretty accurate for a positive test - it is possible to get a false negative if you happen to pick a place without any mites but you can try a few places where you can see the skin - wipe off thevaseline afterwards if your dog will lick it Let us know How you are getting on?
