Help; My dog is itching none stop..HELP - Page 3 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

yougetthesmiles · 09-05-2006, 02:23 PM

I just started a thread on apple cider vinigar, make sure you read the whole thread, there is some good info that could help your baby on itching.
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51751

Believer · 09-05-2006, 02:56 PM

Meeko took a visit today to the vet for itching so much. He had itched a large sore right behind his ear. She said to use children's benadryl 12.5 to help with the itching. I got him the FastMelt chewables. She also said that it needs time to heal. Since he will not listen when told "no", she said to put a baby booty (sock) on his back leg to keep him from clawing at it. She said that she rarely recommends ointments because more of it ends up on the furniture than gets into the dogs skin. She says to stick with baths once every week or two at the latest. And apply Advantage flea control two days after each bath.
(Side note: she told me that the box for bigger dogs has EXACTLY the same thing as the box for smaller dogs, just more of it. Meaning the tube last about 5 times longer for $4.00 more. She told me just to apply one drop per pound.)

Amanda · 09-07-2006, 04:30 PM

My Ruby is having the same problem. The vet sees no fleas or anything like that. She usually sleeps with my husband and me. She was itching so much that my husband couldn't sleep. Me and Ruby had to sleep on the couch! I feel so bad for her. My husband does, too. If you figure anything out, let me know, please! Good luck with your precious little one. God bless her!

Lacy's Mom · 09-07-2006, 05:02 PM

If my dog was itching I would have a skin scraping done to rule out sarcoptic mange (contagious to humans and other dogs). The test is not always the best since the mites burrow in the skin. The mites prefer hairless areas, but will invade the entire body after a while. The skin looks dry and scaly and causes intense itching.

Sarcoptic mange
Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, is caused by a microscopic mite. The female mite causes the characteristic intense itching as they burrow under the skin to lay their eggs. The eggs hatch in a few days, develop into adults, and begin laying their own eggs in less than three weeks.

Dogs with scabies dig and bite at themselves with great ferocity. Their skin reacts with oozing sores, and secondary infection may set in, requiring treatment with an antibiotic in addition to treatment for the mites. Unfortunately, the sarcoptic mange mite can be difficult to find in skin scrapings, and unless the veterinarian parts the hair and carefully examines the bare skin for the characteristic pin-point bite marks, diagnosis is difficult. Furthermore, the presence of a secondary skin infection can hamper the search for the mite bite marks.

Telltale signs of sarcoptic mange are crusty ear tips, fierce itching, and hair loss, particularly on the ears, elbows, legs, and face in the early stages. Later on, the hair loss spreads throughout the body.

Sarcoptic mange is contagious to canines and humans. If the dogs share sleeping places or if the infected dog sleeps on beds or furniture, everyone will begin scratching. It is not unheard of for the family dog to infest the kids, the kids to infest their playmates, and the playmates to infest their pets and parents with scabies. Fortunately scabies in humans is self-limiting, that is the mite can burrow under the skin and cause itching, but cannot complete its life cycle on humans and dies within a few weeks.

Veterinarians now use Ivermectin in two doses, two weeks apart, to kill the mites. They may also prescribe steroids for short-term use to relieve the itching until the mites begin to die off and give the dog some relief. Itching usually begins to subside within a few days of the first dose of Ivermectin.

Canine skin damaged by sarcoptic mange and secondary skin infections can take weeks or months to recover, depending on the scope of the problems. Frequent medicated baths may be necessary to soothe irritated skin.

Mange damage can mimic that caused by other skin conditions, including autoimmune diseases, bacterial infections secondary to flea allergies, and contact dermatitis, making it impossible for the pet owner to diagnose with any success. If your dog suffers from irritated, itchy skin, make an appointment with the veterinarian. Early diagnosis of any of these problems will give you a head start on a cure and will be less uncomfortable for the dog and your wallet.

LuvMy5Yorkies · 09-08-2006, 02:25 PM

My Me-Me started doing this after I put frontline topspot on her. She has slowly gotten better, but it still bothers her some. My groomer thinks the problem is the antibacterial soap and hand lotion on my hands that gets in her underarms when she is held and is bothering her skin. I'm trying to be careful what is on my hands when I hold her. She scratched little dark blotches on her skin that are now clearing up. I also bought doggie cortisone for her and it really helped. So much is dangerous for the pups to lick.

Breny · 09-09-2006, 07:29 PM

My oldest Yorkie has the itching problem too. Him and my Pug right now are itching all the time. I'm wondering if they could be alergic to flea bites?

red98vett · 09-10-2006, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breny

My oldest Yorkie has the itching problem too. Him and my Pug right now are itching all the time. I'm wondering if they could be alergic to flea bites?

Actually - the fleas themselves will make anyone itch - imagine tiny little bug crawling on your skin ....

Have you checked them over very carefully for the signs of fleas ? You can look on their bellies ...if you see little dots that look like dirt - chances are it's flea dirt and also look on their heads right above the eyes....I usually take my girls outside in direct sunlight to look if I see them scratch - they have never had fleas (cept when brought Chanel home) but it's very easy to catch them from our yards - other animals - pet parks - etc.

if you can rule out fleas - and your dog is still scratching badly - I would get them vet tested for allergies and Mites. My friends yorkie was miserable with mites for months before the vets figured it out.

Lacy's Mom · 09-10-2006, 12:02 PM

To add to Red98vet's post - brush the "dirt" on white paper, add water, if it turns pink then it's blood (which is what flea dirt is).

Dartprincess · 09-10-2006, 12:11 PM

You can get Tea Tree oil in health food store and add it to there shampoo. I added some to granddaugthers shampoo it help prevent lice.

Lacy's Mom · 09-10-2006, 12:16 PM

If you are unfamiliar with Tea Tree Oil make sure you do some research or get help from a good health food store. In your research you will probably see negative statements about it, but it really works for things like ringworm and lice. You're probably better off buying a shampoo with tea tree oil already in it. Tea Tree can be toxic if overdosed and a very little goes a long, long way. Never use Tea Tree oil on cats.

Breny · 09-10-2006, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red98vett

Actually - the fleas themselves will make anyone itch - imagine tiny little bug crawling on your skin ....

Have you checked them over very carefully for the signs of fleas ? You can look on their bellies ...if you see little dots that look like dirt - chances are it's flea dirt and also look on their heads right above the eyes....I usually take my girls outside in direct sunlight to look if I see them scratch - they have never had fleas (cept when brought Chanel home) but it's very easy to catch them from our yards - other animals - pet parks - etc.

if you can rule out fleas - and your dog is still scratching badly - I would get them vet tested for allergies and Mites. My friends yorkie was miserable with mites for months before the vets figured it out.

I have a fenced in area outside where they play outside in the grass and patio when its nice out. I found a flea today on Brodie (not the itching Yorkie) but if one has them.....they all have them! Everyone got Frontline today. But of course, Rogan is still itching. I'm sure it'll take a little bit for the fleas to die.

LuvMy5Yorkies · 10-01-2006, 06:32 PM

I finally gave up and called a dermatologist vet. I take Me-Me in this Wednesday. I'll let everyone know what her scratching turns out when I find out. Nothing is helping her. Our regular vet took three scrapings on her legs and found nothing, so it's time for the big guns. I changed her food, used lotions, oatmeal baths so it's time to take her in. It's supposed to cost from 110-400 and it will be worth it to give her some relief.

09-08-2006, 02:25 PM	#35
LuvMy5Yorkies Donating Senior YorkieTalker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sevierville, Tennessee Posts: 227	My Me-Me started doing this after I put frontline topspot on her. She has slowly gotten better, but it still bothers her some. My groomer thinks the problem is the antibacterial soap and hand lotion on my hands that gets in her underarms when she is held and is bothering her skin. I'm trying to be careful what is on my hands when I hold her. She scratched little dark blotches on her skin that are now clearing up. I also bought doggie cortisone for her and it really helped. So much is dangerous for the pups to lick. __________________ This is Me-Me..our baby and her sisters! My Photo Album Here My yorkies...my heartbeat at my feet

09-09-2006, 07:29 PM	#36
Breny My Tiny Treasures Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: . Posts: 11,790 Blog Entries: 3	My oldest Yorkie has the itching problem too. Him and my Pug right now are itching all the time. I'm wondering if they could be alergic to flea bites? __________________ http://Brenysbabies.com

09-10-2006, 12:11 PM	#39
Dartprincess Minnie's Mommy Donating YT Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: WA State Posts: 916	You can get Tea Tree oil in health food store and add it to there shampoo. I added some to granddaugthers shampoo it help prevent lice. __________________ Carol Minnie

10-01-2006, 06:32 PM	#42
LuvMy5Yorkies Donating Senior YorkieTalker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sevierville, Tennessee Posts: 227	Me-Me is still scratching I finally gave up and called a dermatologist vet. I take Me-Me in this Wednesday. I'll let everyone know what her scratching turns out when I find out. Nothing is helping her. Our regular vet took three scrapings on her legs and found nothing, so it's time for the big guns. I changed her food, used lotions, oatmeal baths so it's time to take her in. It's supposed to cost from 110-400 and it will be worth it to give her some relief. __________________ This is Me-Me..our baby and her sisters! My Photo Album Here My yorkies...my heartbeat at my feet

09-05-2006, 02:23 PM	#31
yougetthesmiles BANNED FOR NOT MAILING PRODUCTS PURCHASED Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 9,295 Blog Entries: 3	I just started a thread on apple cider vinigar, make sure you read the whole thread, there is some good info that could help your baby on itching. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51751

09-05-2006, 02:56 PM	#32
Believer Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ft. Lauderdale Posts: 87	Meeko took a visit today to the vet for itching so much. He had itched a large sore right behind his ear. She said to use children's benadryl 12.5 to help with the itching. I got him the FastMelt chewables. She also said that it needs time to heal. Since he will not listen when told "no", she said to put a baby booty (sock) on his back leg to keep him from clawing at it. She said that she rarely recommends ointments because more of it ends up on the furniture than gets into the dogs skin. She says to stick with baths once every week or two at the latest. And apply Advantage flea control two days after each bath. (Side note: she told me that the box for bigger dogs has EXACTLY the same thing as the box for smaller dogs, just more of it. Meaning the tube last about 5 times longer for $4.00 more. She told me just to apply one drop per pound.)

09-07-2006, 04:30 PM	#33
Amanda YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Penn Yan, NY Posts: 5	My Ruby is having the same problem. The vet sees no fleas or anything like that. She usually sleeps with my husband and me. She was itching so much that my husband couldn't sleep. Me and Ruby had to sleep on the couch! I feel so bad for her. My husband does, too. If you figure anything out, let me know, please! Good luck with your precious little one. God bless her!

09-07-2006, 05:02 PM	#34
Lacy's Mom YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 3,065	If my dog was itching I would have a skin scraping done to rule out sarcoptic mange (contagious to humans and other dogs). The test is not always the best since the mites burrow in the skin. The mites prefer hairless areas, but will invade the entire body after a while. The skin looks dry and scaly and causes intense itching. Sarcoptic mange Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, is caused by a microscopic mite. The female mite causes the characteristic intense itching as they burrow under the skin to lay their eggs. The eggs hatch in a few days, develop into adults, and begin laying their own eggs in less than three weeks. Dogs with scabies dig and bite at themselves with great ferocity. Their skin reacts with oozing sores, and secondary infection may set in, requiring treatment with an antibiotic in addition to treatment for the mites. Unfortunately, the sarcoptic mange mite can be difficult to find in skin scrapings, and unless the veterinarian parts the hair and carefully examines the bare skin for the characteristic pin-point bite marks, diagnosis is difficult. Furthermore, the presence of a secondary skin infection can hamper the search for the mite bite marks. Telltale signs of sarcoptic mange are crusty ear tips, fierce itching, and hair loss, particularly on the ears, elbows, legs, and face in the early stages. Later on, the hair loss spreads throughout the body. Sarcoptic mange is contagious to canines and humans. If the dogs share sleeping places or if the infected dog sleeps on beds or furniture, everyone will begin scratching. It is not unheard of for the family dog to infest the kids, the kids to infest their playmates, and the playmates to infest their pets and parents with scabies. Fortunately scabies in humans is self-limiting, that is the mite can burrow under the skin and cause itching, but cannot complete its life cycle on humans and dies within a few weeks. Veterinarians now use Ivermectin in two doses, two weeks apart, to kill the mites. They may also prescribe steroids for short-term use to relieve the itching until the mites begin to die off and give the dog some relief. Itching usually begins to subside within a few days of the first dose of Ivermectin. Canine skin damaged by sarcoptic mange and secondary skin infections can take weeks or months to recover, depending on the scope of the problems. Frequent medicated baths may be necessary to soothe irritated skin. Mange damage can mimic that caused by other skin conditions, including autoimmune diseases, bacterial infections secondary to flea allergies, and contact dermatitis, making it impossible for the pet owner to diagnose with any success. If your dog suffers from irritated, itchy skin, make an appointment with the veterinarian. Early diagnosis of any of these problems will give you a head start on a cure and will be less uncomfortable for the dog and your wallet.

09-10-2006, 12:02 PM	#38
Lacy's Mom YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 3,065	To add to Red98vet's post - brush the "dirt" on white paper, add water, if it turns pink then it's blood (which is what flea dirt is).

09-10-2006, 12:16 PM	#40
Lacy's Mom YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 3,065	If you are unfamiliar with Tea Tree Oil make sure you do some research or get help from a good health food store. In your research you will probably see negative statements about it, but it really works for things like ringworm and lice. You're probably better off buying a shampoo with tea tree oil already in it. Tea Tree can be toxic if overdosed and a very little goes a long, long way. Never use Tea Tree oil on cats.