Recurring red itchy rash all over my puppy!!
 

I have a 5 month old yorkie I got through a breeder. From day one she has had health issues from cough that lasted a month in which she was under antibiotics. Then soon after that she started having a rash that hasn't completely disappeared and she's had 2 other antibiotics prescribed to her. Her recent episode is still the ongoing red and itchy rash now all over her body.

Doctor had suggested giving her more antibiotics, but I decided against it as I felt there was something really unhealthy w/ keeping her medicated this way for nearly 3 months. Her rash started behind her hind legs and stomach area which had minized and disppeared. But rash had also spread around her armpit and neck and even cheek area after her stomach rash disappeared. And today I notice that the rash returned on her stomach area. And appears to now also get them around her chest area leading up to her neck. She doesn't itch continually like crazy like I've read in some posts, but she does itch occassionally on those rash areas.

She has been tested for mites (twice), mange and ringworm and came out negative. I really don't know what else to do as I feel like the vet isn't really helping, just taking a stab at more antibiotics. As far as her disposition, she is consistently hyper and energetic and playful and eats fine. The only thing giving me any comfort these days. I'm painfully concerned about her and feel helpless in the matter. I would like to know if anyone has heard of this or can shed me some light.

Thanks

rash
 

Does she scratch? How do her ears look inside..are they red also? Does she go in the grass?

Has the vet perscribed prednisone for the rash. It definitely sounds like an alergic reaction to something. You could try putting hydrocortisone on it to see if it helps.

She does scratch, from her hind legs, to her belly, to her from legs, then neck. Pretty much where she has the rash. Her ears inside are fine. She did have some ear infection that cleared up in a week about 1 1/2 months ago. Vet checked her ear 2 weeks ago and said they looked fine. She does go in the grass, but doesn't roll around. She doesn't care too much for grass, really.

JeaniK, no the vet hasn't prescribed those. In fact he said if Belle doesn't get cleared up after a week that he'll suggest going to specialist. I'm currently using Gentocin antibiotic spray and Glenhaven y/s medicated shampoo. I'll try hydrocortisone.

I'm sorry about the problems you're having with your little one.

By any chance do you use fabric softener sheets or liquid fabric softener in your laundry? If you are, try not using it for a while to see if it makes a difference.
I had a dog that was very sensitive to fabric softeners of any kind, so I had to not use them on my bedding and places where she slept as she would get itchy.

I do hope you find the answer to the rash soon as it must be itchy for her....and frustrating for you!

She can be allergic to something. Maybe you should get a second opinion. I hope you find out what is causing the itchy rash soon and she start feeling better soon. Please keep us posted.

I do use fabric softener. I'll stop using it for a while and see if that helps out. Thanks

I've also heard of alergies to carpet freshners. Have you used any of those. Like Febreez?

I have used some carpet cleaning powder with baking soda when i vacuum.

I have seen lots of puppies with itchy rash that looks like pimples and it turned out to be puppy staph. But I am sure your vet has ruled that out. My Chihuahua used to get rashes and had to be on a twice a year allergy shot. Her rash looked like she had gotten in a bed of fire ants or something...it was so bad!

Stewie had this. Get her scratch tested for mange. I know you said she got tested, but I am speaking from experience - Stewie had sarcoptic mange and it didn't come up in the first two tests. I would get her back on antibiotics. You don't want her to get infected. Make sure you finish every last drop (or pill) of antibiotic that was prescribed even if she clears up. If you don't finish the antibiotics, it could flare up again even worse. (again speaking from experience). Also, I would check out a new vet if your vet isn't really helpful

That darn puppy rash
 

Both my pups had a similar rash until they were about 6 months old.
Used gentamycin eye drops and hydrocortisone spray. Both got a small amount of fleas. I used frontline spray, which is safer in a multi-pet household. The spray kills and repels fleas, but also aids in the itchy "flea dermatitis".

Carefully check your pup. The areas you mentioned are notorius for flea bites.
Check bedding, blankets, etc. Check between hairs with a flea comb. You may have to use a flashlite or magnifying glass.

Good luck to you and your pup.

Benadryl will help if it is an allergic reaction to something.

Thanks you guys for all the responses. I felt quite in the dark dealing with this issue by myself, other than with my vet. She's do for a follow up in about a week so I'll get her checked again for mange. She's also thinning out pretty noticeably from her mid back to her rear. But her upper side to her head looks normal. Not sure what this means as well and vet hasn't been able to tell me anything helpful. She's also curently on advantix. Can anyone suggest a good product for yorkie dry skin?