Skin Allergies

Question
I have a 2 1/2 year old pitbull and last October her back broke out in red, flaky, itchy, puss filled bumps. It had done this last spring but only lasted for about 1 month - at that time I just gave her Benadryl and it went away. She is licking her paws alot, and scratching sometimes. The bumps started on her back and head, and have now gone to pretty much everywhere else. She has lost hair in her genital area and anywhere where her hair is not thick (belly, lower sides, chest), she also has spots where her hair has fallen out where the bumps were on her sides. We changed her food (same brand different kind) about 2 months ago - after her skin broke out the second time and we do sometimes feed her table food. We have not changed detergent, she has not been recenlty inoculated, and she does not have fleas. We have taken her to the local pet clinic where they have been giving her cortozone shots and medicane but the shot only lasts about a week or two and then the bumps are back. I'm just wondering what it could be - I'm thinking she has outside allergies. Can you help?

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

Without seeing your dog, anything I have to offer is pure guesswork.

Licking of the paws is a common symptom of an allergy, which could be anything from a reaction to something in the environment,or something inhaled, to an ingredient in the dog's food.

The small pus filled bumps can also be a symptom of an allergic reaction or a symptom of an irritant causing contact dermatitis. It can also be a symptom of mange, or a fungal or bacterial skin infection.

As you can see, the symptoms your dog is suffering from apply to many conditions, but the treatments for these conditions vary.

While the cortisone was effective, it was only treating the itchy symptom, and not the underlying condition. Since the symptoms are continuing, you need to go back to the vet. The next step would be to have the vet do a skin scrape test, or possibly an allergy test. The advice of a veterinary dermatologist may be another avenue to explore.

Talk to your vet regarding the possibility of a food allergy. You might be given a hypoallergenic food to feed your dog. The restricted diet must exclude all other food sources including table scraps, chew toys, treats, and access to other animals' food, so that you can pinpoint the food ingredient which is bothering your dog. A hypoallergenic diet needs to be fed for a minimum of 12 weeks before a decision as to it's efficacy can be made.

Your dog is obviously uncomfortable at the moment, so my advice is to call your vet, arrange an appointment to be seen, discuss the situation with your vet and ask for the correct dosage of Benadryl (an over the counter antihistamine), so your dog can be comfortable until she can be seen. She may seem drowsy when given Benadryl.

You can also use pure Aloe Vera gel on your dog's "hot spots". It's very good at soothing an itch, and it won't hurt your dog if she licks it off. It contains enzymes which break down inflammatory proteins and enhance healing. You can get it at many drug stores and health food stores (or you might have it as a house plant) just make sure you use 100% pure Aloe Vera.

Witch Hazel is another product you can buy at just about any drug store. It has a cooling effect on the skin which is soothing for both animals and for people. It is available as a spray or lotion, try not to let your dog lick it off.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,
Patti