dog itching

Question
Our adult dog has been scratching and licking the lower part of his belly.  It is all red and fur has come off.  He won't let us put anything soothing on it.  He lays down most of the time.  When he gets up he runs wild as if to get away from something then gets down on the ground fast and bites himself.  We found small thin white worms in his dog bed.


He is not going to let the vet near him.

What can we do to help him.  Please think of something, we love him.  He doesn't want us near him, but every so often he rolls over "asking" for a belly rub.  I'm sure we can't get him to the vet but need to help him.  Please help us.

Answer
Although a vet will provide your pet with the quickest, safest, and most effective relief, if you absolutely cannot consult a vet I would start by giving an oral broad spectrum dewormer. The first thing that cones to my mind is hookworms, although they usually are very hard to see. A dewormer will kill them, but you will still have to watch for secondary skin infections. The vet would probably prescribe an antibiotic to help with that. Perhaps your dog will let you at least spray an antibacterial/anti-itch type solution on the effected area. I would also use an Elizabethan collar to help keep your dog from further aggravating the area.