Cocker Skin Problem

Question
QUESTION: Hi! I have a ten year old female cocker spaniel. She has always had bad skin, but over the passed two years or so it has been getting worse. She has bumps all over her body and it always itchy. After baths, she her skin gets red and irritated. She is always biting, scratching, and licking her sores so they must bother her. Do you know what the problem is or have any suggestions?

ANSWER: I need more  information.
What has your vet said?
Has she had her thyroid tested?
What do these bumps look like? Where are they?
What shampoo are you using?
Is her skin dry/flaky or oily with an odor?
What are you feeding her?

Thyroid problems can cause skin problems and it's easy to test for and daily meds will fix it.

I can suggest something immediately that may give her relief and that's an oatmeal soak.  Buy some Aveeno colloidal oatmeal (comes in a box with packets of oatmeal powder).  Fill the tub with warmish water..mix in one packet well and soak her for 10 minutes. A generic product is okay (Target has one).  Just read the label.  100% colloidal oatmeal.

If you'll answer the other questions I can be of more help.


Take a kitchen timer with you..it feels like it's been 10 minutes and it's been two minutes :)
Delores

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

QUESTION: The vet said it's nothing to worry about, that cockers are notorious for bad skin, but the condition has gotten worse since our last visit.

She does have thyroid problems.

The bumps are skin colored and about the size of a quarter. She has them all over, especially on her neck and stomach.

We use and Oxydex shampoo that was suggested by the vet, but it doesn't seem to help.

Her skin isn't flaky or oily.

She eats Beneful Healthy Weight.

Yes, our groomer also suggested an oatmeal bath, so we'll try that.

Thanks for your time!

Answer
Your vet, as usual, knows zip about cocker skin conditions.

As to the thyroid - what strength med is she on and when was the last time her thyroid was checked?  At her age it should be done every 6 months or so.

And what you need to do is an oatmeal "soak" not a bath.  So get the box of packets and do that asap.

Beneful is awful food so I'd strongly suggest switching to either Canidae or Innova and combine canned with kibble.

Meg, I'd like you to write me directly at DeeBeck7765@aol.com so we can communicate more quickly and easily.  I think I can help you.
Delores