My dog is itching, anxious, and has hot spots. How to calm her?

Question

Dog been itching, panting, scratching. Anxious, won't sleep. Gave bath w allergy shampoo. She has a few hot spots I treated. Ideas to calm her down? Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Female | spayed | 7 years and 8 months old

Angel Alvarado, LVT · Accepted Answer

Do not give any medications to your pet without the advice of your veterinarian. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Since your dog has hot spots, she is at risk for a skin infection and requires antibiotics. Your vet can also prescribe a short course of steroids to break the itch cycle then can dispense or recommend an antihistamine to prevent the itchiness from returning. Some antihistamines work better than others in different dogs, so you will need to find the one that works best. A pet approved colloidal oatmeal bath can soothe itchy skin. Use cool water and pat dry after to minimize the itch. Consider adding an essential fatty acid supplement (usually a fish oil) to her diet to promote healthy skin. EFAs may also decrease inflammation. Search www.pet360.com for fish oil supplements. If a diagnosis of allergies is made, your task is to try to determine what she is allergic to and decrease or eliminate it. Discuss food elimination trials, hydrolyzed diets and allergy testing with your vet.

My dog is itching, anxious, and has hot spots. How to calm her?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?

My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?

My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?

My dog's matted fur bled after cutting. Should I take him to the vet?

How to keep a pet mom and her newborn babies warm and calm?

Share