My dog's itchy rash won't heal. Does he need a vet or medication?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on

  Poor Jax! Oh from the pictures, that does look awful. At this point in time, yes I do think it's worth a vet visit. He sounds uncomfortable and it looks bad in the pictures. You've tried some things at home without success, so it is time to have him seen by a vet. I hope this helps.

  

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  Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 17th, 2017

  I am very sorry to hear about Jax's itching. Nexgard is a great product for fleas (I use it on my own dog) but it isn't going to make the itching stop immediately as it doesn't affect inflammation in the skin. The itching if it is due to fleas is due to flea bites that have occurred (the flea doesn't have to still be on the dog). Some dogs are especially sensitive to flea bites and it can make them very itchy. Often these dogs benefit from a short course of steroids to really stop the inflammation/itching. I would call your vet to find out if they feel you should bring Jax in. They may decide to see him to prescribe medication, or they may be able to tell you an over the counter antihistamine you can try. You can also try a soothing shampoo/creme rinse such as something with oatmeal or if your vet sells shampoos I like the Episoothe product, and a fatty acid supplement which can decrease inflammation in the skin, but often a few days of steroids will stop the problem much more quickly!

  

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on August 5th, 2018

  Allergies can be very frustrating to diagnose since they have multiple causes. Fleas are the easiest to rule out or treat, but in sensitive dogs just one flea bit can cause a reaction. Have Jax examined by your veterinarian. Discuss allergy testing, hydrolyzed diets, food elimination trials and antihistamine use during the visit. Benadryl can be used, however you will need to get a dose from your veterinarian based on Jax's body weight. Legally, we are prohibited from providing doses in the absence of a physical exam and a VPCR (veterinarian-patient-client relationship).

  

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  Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 10th, 2018

  I'm sorry to hear that Jax is uncomfortable. If Jax has any areas of skin that he has scratched hairless, or that are oozing or broken open, please make an appointment with your vet right away. If his skin looks ok, and its just that he's really itchy and uncomfortable, its reasonable to try a few things at home first before taking him in. There are a number of reasons he could be itchy. Fleas are a common cause, so if you are not already using a flea control method that your vet recommended, get started with that right away! (Something like Frontline Plus or Advantix). He may have allergies. You can bathe him twice a week with a dog shampoo designed to help allergies (many are available at PetCo), and this will keep the amount of allergens on his skin down and may be beneficial. If those things aren't helping, see your vet. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

  

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