Our chihuahua has what appears to be a rash all over and it's making her very itchy. Just noticed it this morning as blotchy red areas on her stomach, but we think it is other areas too. Is there a home remedy for this, like a small dose of benadryl? We don't think she ate anything unusual nor had contact with anything that she normally doesn't.
Master Advisor Matthew says:
December 10th, 2007 at 12:55 AM
Hi, The rash you describe is certainly evident from the photo. The entire underside appears erythematous. There are a number of possible causes. The first thing to do is to rule out parasites - although this looks more like an allergic dermatitis, it is prudent to apply an antiparasitic spot-on to rule out sarcoptic mange (scabies), an intensely itchy parasitic condition normall contracted from lying on ground where a mangy fox has been recently. You can give an over the counter antihistamine tablet such as Piriton. This may take away some of the inflammation. It is safe to give a childrens piriton tablet twice a day, even long term. However, with severe allergies this is seldom enough. Other possible causes are contact dermatitis (a reaction to a chemical the dog has encountered, perhaps a carpet cleaner or washing detergent). Think hard whether anything has changed in Kiki's environment lately. Otherwise you would be looking at an allergy - either to an ingredient in the food, or something in the environment such as a certain type of grass. I would try antihistamines, rule out parasites with a veterinary spot-on treatment, and if the rash is still there, consider a strict dietary trial with a hypoallergenic diet preferably, at the very least boiled rice and chicken, for 4-6wks. Severe environmental allergies (atopy) can sometimes only be controlled effectively with corticosteroids (prednisolone). Good luck.
User suggests:
March 16th, 2009 at 10:51 PM
I have a dog just like yous and she had the same rash you can give her a littlechildrens benidril and it will take it away
Do you know the answer this question? Are you a pet professional? Become an advisor today!
Not a pet professional? Register here to comment on this question and help fellow pet owners.
Do you have a pet question you need answering? Ask our caring pet advisors here:
Does this not answer your question exactly?
My dog (5 months old) has been vomiting all day and won't eat her food. She is drinking water. This is the 2nd time in the past couple months. Read More »
My boyfriends mother's cat got in freezer yesterday about noon and she found it in there about 2 hours ago (in freezer about 22 hours), it is still meowing but not moving other... Read More »
Advice on lump on dog's face (2nd opinion needed)
My 4 year old dog has a small pinkish bump under her chin (< 1/2" round, photo attached), showed up about a month ago. During her annual check-up her vet eye-balled it... Read More »
my 4 mo. old kitten has had his 3rd eyelid showing for about 4-5 weeks. He's frequently licking his bottom but I see no worms nor any in his stool. He has had a few loose stools... Read More »
over the last few night my dog is dragging his rear end across the floor and tonight upon examination his anus is bright red Read More »
Televets does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.
© Televets 2008
