Why is my dog's itchy skin, bumps, and scabs not going away?

Question

Always skin problems! Mollie just finished prednisoline and MalAcedic shampoo for what her vet thinks was staph infection on her skin about 2 weeks ago. She’s still very itchy/red and has bumps/scabs. Her dr is really wanting to suppress her immune system thinking it’s autoimmune. Even on prednisolone her rash didn’t go away this time. Is it worse now or could it be something else? First pic is “staph” 2 weeks ago and the last 2 are her skin now. she has bumps/scabs anywhere you look in her hair. Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 9 years and 2 months old | 18 lbs

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. She does look improved after being on the antibiotic shampoo and this is because of being treated for the secondary infection. However, the allergies have to be addressed or else these infections will continue to recur. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Why is my dog's itchy skin, bumps, and scabs not going away?

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