Help!
 

Hi guys, I am new to this community, but am desperate for some help for my Bella....she is itching and scratching constantly. She has no fleas. This has been going for a couple of months, but only got worse the last couple of weeks. Have tried benedryl, and a rx from the Vet..nothing seems to help. Any ideas?

Welcome to Yorkie Talk. I'm sorry Bella has the itchies. Does she itch all over, or particular areas?

How old is she?

Has anything changed in her life: grooming products? House or laundry cleaning products? Anything in the yard?

If there's been no change in water, food, temperature / environment, laundry detergent then...

You can consider trying giving her a few licks of organic virgin coconut oil each day (I use Nutiva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil). Start out with very little to prevent loose stools and then they can gradually work up to getting a few more licks.

You can also consider adding a drop or two of apple cider vinegar to their water.

Are you using a gentle non-fragrance dog shampoo? How often do you shampoo? Are you feeding grain-free dog food? How old is Bella?

Might need to try a prescription diet from your vet like Royal canin hypoallergenic. What prescription did your vet try?

What Rx do you mean you tried? How old is your kiddo?

Sounds like allergies, and it's the perfect time of year for that. Read this whole thread: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/die...tart-here.html

Bella's itching
 

I have used oatmeal shampoo, Saturday when I picked her up at the groomer, I bought a Tea Tree Shampoo that my groomer suggested. Bella is 3 yrs old and not the "typical" yorkie. I keep her clipped in a "puppy cut" with a teddy bear face...very short. I have used a Lavender "hot spot" spray. She is fed Blue (I don't think it is totally grain free though, but planned on switching her to that when she is out). My roommate has a long haired Chihuahua and she is not effected at all. Bella has bitten some spots on her front legs to the point where she has then all red and sores. She has a comprehensive check up and dental cleaning scheduled for this Saturday (thank goodness), maybe they can shed some light on it. I am making note of your suggestions to try and I thank you for your response. Will keep you posted.

I am skeptical about using tea tree products for dogs, because I've read that it's toxic to dogs if ingested orally. When Scottie had itchy skin, I bathed him every 2-3 weeks using Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Fragrance-free (Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo Fragrance Free - earthbath ®). I gave him the coconut oil orally, and I made sure to feed him grain-free kibble (started with Acana and now he's on Orijen).

There are a lot of quality grain-free kibble out there. Based on your description, of biting the front legs to the point where it's sore, it sounds like an allergy of some sort. I would definitely try to do a slow transition Bella to a grain-free kibble now, rather than waiting until you finish the bag. Most pet stores in my area will give refunds if less than half the bag of kibble has been used. They wanna make sure the kibble you're feeding your dog meets their needs; if your dog is allergic to the food, they are very understanding! Also wanted to note that I've heard from a good number of people who's dogs have had bad experiences on Blue.

Oh and I'd also try to keep his area/bedding cleaned often and make sure to use less laundry detergent and that it's well rinsed out.

You hadn't mentioned whether Bella is a puppy or an adult?

I thought I heard it's not good to use oatmeal shampoos? Am I wrong?

I've also seen comments on YT that oatmeal shampoos are not good, but at the same time read they are good. I'm not completely certain about this one either...but can only base it on my experience with Scottie's itchy skin :)

Hello an welcome to YT

My yorkie did not do well with blue. I decided I wanted my yorkies (puppy and adult) on the same food, so I just started transitioning them to a food for all stages of life by Acana. They both love it and it has been an easy switch.

I have read pros and cons on oatmeal shampoos. My boys' skin and coats benefit from it, but some dogs react negatively to oatmeal.

I agree about staying away from tea tree oil. It's used in many dog products that are available, but I've read a lot of negative information to convince me to avoid it.

Essential oils in general I am very wary of using them on the dogs. Many people report great success with them for various things like tick and flea repellent, but they can have negative side effects depending on the quality of the oils and whether or not they are diluted or mixed properly. I've read stories about dogs going into respiratory distress and having other very serious problems, including skin burning, so I stay away from essential oils.

Itchy skin can be caused by so many things, but I agree with Wylie's Mom that I would suspect allergies -- environmental allergies -- if no other apparent cause can be found.

Also, a flea problem may actually be difficult to detect. My Teddy is highly allergic to fleas. One stinking little flea can cause lots of havoc. It's possible to not see a single flea or flea dirt and the itching can go on and on.

Frequent bathing with a soothing shampoo and conditioner will help keep allergens off the hair. A short hairdo is good.

Suzeyqhere, I hope you and the vet can figure it out to get your baby some relief.

Bella still battling
 

Thank you for your suggestions. I am going to change her food immediately and see if that helps. Poor baby, she is driving herself (and me) crazy! I feel for her so much. Will stay in touch! Thanks again!

Please make sure you change her food gradually. Replace about 1/4 then gradually increase the amount until it is all replaced. Otherwise, she may have belly upsets. Look for a product that is grain free and well balanced.

My friend is one of those who's dog reacts negatively to oatmeal shampoo.

Food allergys are kinda rare and because of the time of year it is I am thinking its environmental so changing food won't do anything. You really need to go to your vet and let them take a look.

We use oatmeal shampoo from Walmart or Petsmart on our Bella, and she has no problems with it at all, but Bella never had problems with itchy skin. We feed her Wellness Core Grain Free Small Breed dry kibble and she absolutely loves it. (Maybe a little too much--she's getting a little chubby and we may have to put her on a diet.) Food allergies are not common, but they do occur, and when they do, a prescription hydrolyzed dog food is best until they find out what your dog is allergic to. You might want to consider a board certified veterinary dermatologist (skin specialist). They can run tests for various environmental allergens and may be able to prescribe some medicine that is better targeted to your dog's problem, if necessary.

Update on Bella
 

Hi guys! Well, Bella went for her comprehensive check up and dental cleaning today. When I dropped her off, I shared with the Clinic Manager who took her in the problem she was having with the itching and called to her attention the spot that she had bitten and scratched raw under her front leg. They always want to blame it on fleas, but she is groomed regularly and has never had fleas. The are saying that they feel it is allergies of some sort. They gave her a prescription for a steroid called Temaril-P that I start tomorrow and decrease daily until complete along with a shampoo GlenHaven TrizChlor 4. They want me to bathe her 3 x a week for 3 weeks and then once a week after that. I will see how she does. My next step will be the dermatologist. Thanks for all of the good advice. I did switch her to grain free food and treats too.