Boxer Dogs: Boxer with skin condition

Question
QUESTION: I have a 3 year old male boxer that I've recently notice he has some kind of skin irritation. He is loosing hair under his armpits and has little red bumps, also his skin is kinda crusty. Last night I took him a bath with a flea shampoo and he just stood there in relief and he usually doesn't like taking baths. I have no idea what it is but I think he has some kind of allergy to fleas? Well he has an appointment tomorrow evening, but I just want to know if theres any shampoo that I can get that will soothe the itchiness. I just want him to feel better, he has been scratching and bleeding a little. thanks hope to hear from you soon  
Oh and I also noticed that he has been really thirsty

ANSWER: Lani,
It does sound like Flea Allergy Dermatitis or Flea Bite Hypersensitivity which can be a common problem in boxer dogs. While I can't recommend a particular shampoo there is a great article about this on my website at http://www.hitowerboxers.com/fleaallergiesinboxers.htm which does lists ingredients to look for in a product. I have always used Cortisone Cream ( Anti-Itch cream) for my boxers and boxer rescues over the years who had any kind of itchy skin problems and it seemed to work great as long as it wasn't something more serious like mites. You don't want to bathe your boxer too often as this will dry his skin out and loose the natural oils in the coat causing more itch problems. Also flea shampoos can be toxic if dogs are bathe in them too often.I would recommend this article as well before trying over the counter and vet recommended flea products http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/flea-tick-control.html. WE have opted to use Diatomaceous Earth or D/Earth, food grade, a dusting powder to use on our boxers and their environment to control fleas. You can learn more about this product at http://www.thomaslabs.com and you can get it at Co-Op's or feed stores. Before using D/Earth we opted for the once a month Comfortis tablets or Frontline from our vet.But after this study came out we changed.

I also can share a  story about a boxer who had this problem for years, after treating the environment, this boxer was put on NuVet Vitamins and hasn't had another episode in over three years even if a flea gets on him. You can't buy them in stores but there is a link on my website if you'd like to try them.We do give our own boxers these supplements daily.

As for the increased thirst in your boxer, I'd have the vet do a complete thyroid panel and check for diabetes. There are several other things that can cause increased thirst so be sure to mention  the increased thirst to your vet.

I hope this information has been helpful to you and please let me know what the diagnosis was from your vet, I'd appreciate it. Thanks for your questions.
Sincerely,
Angela Donald
Canine Behavior Consultant
40 Year Veteran Boxer Owner, Breeder & Exhibitor
http://www.hitowerboxers.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well i took him to the vet and they told me that he had an allergy. They gave him some antibiotics and some steroids to stop the itching, I been giving him his medicine and his coat and everything has gotten better. I've heard that steroids can be harmful to dogs is this true? They also told me that they have seen a lot of this allergy cases in colorado.

ANSWER: Hi Lani,
So glad to her your boxer is doing better. My opinion is short term use of steroids is okay as long as they aren't over used, here is an article I think might be helpful to explain steroid use in pets and the possible side effects http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2082&aid=137, the protocol your vet is using to treat your boxer seems to be the normal treatment.

Remember if all else fails try the NuVet Supplements as these worked great for a number of cases in the past.

What did the vet say about the increased thirst your boxer has? Did he do any blood work on your boxer ? Steroids will increase thirst in dogs so be sure and give your boxer adequate water during treatment.

Good luck and thank you so much for the update on your boxer.
Sincerely,
Angela Donald
Canine Behavior Consultant

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes I did but he told me that it was probably because its getting really hot out here. Also, I have one more question today I noticed that he has a discharge coming out of his penis is this normal?? In 3 weeks im due to see the vet again, he needs to get his shots but they told me they couldnt do it because of the allergy.

Answer
Hi Lani,
Believe it or not, I have been told from numerous vets over the years that the discharge is probably due to the beginnings of dehydration ! This is a common first sign of it, that is probably what it is. So by all means increase your boxers water consumption..and potty breaks..I look forward to hearing from you in the future,
Sincerely,
Angela