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CFrank · Dec 22, 2009, 05:10 PM

Our Dog constantly digs and scratches himself all the time. He has been to the vet and has bee treated with antifungal and steroid medicine. He is fine when he is on the steroid but as soon as he is weened off he is back to scratching and chewing his fur off. He is a 13 year old shu. We have a cone on his head most of the time. He seems miserable.

Any help would be appreciated

teachnk · Dec 22, 2009, 05:21 PM

Has your vet looked into possible food allergies?

shazamataz · Dec 22, 2009, 05:35 PM

Shih Tzus are known to have a lot of skin problems.

Do you know specifically what he was being treated for at the vets?

Common skin problems include:
Allergies
Mites
Hot spots
Dryness

Each has a different treatment and are managed differently ;)

CFrank · Dec 23, 2009, 07:13 AM

Thanks for the replys
Our Dog was successfully treated for a yeast infection with an antifugal medicine and he was fine for awhile. We changed his food and treats several times with the ones claiming to be allergy formula.
I was trying to find someone that has a pet in the same situation.
Thank again,
CFrank

Aurora_Bell · Dec 23, 2009, 11:14 AM

We had a simialr problem with one of our Shih Tzus and a Lab we fostered, with the Shih Tzus it was due to too much batheing, but since you already said it was a yeast infection, have you tried any fatty oils, like any Omega oils? I honestly think that they can cure almost any type of skin irritation or allergy. The lab after numerous vet trips and tons of money spent, one Vet suggested we try feeding her apples. It helped a lot. It could be that they are alergic to the animal by products in the foods, what type/brands are you feeding her?

shazamataz · Dec 23, 2009, 12:32 PM

The fungal infection could be caused by just the oils on her skin.

Have you tried or considered just getting some allergy friendly pet wipes and giving the areas she is affected the most a wipe down daily.
Bathing her will remove too much oil from her skin but the pet wipes and just enough to keep areas nice and clean.

Cornflour is another great option for any parts that seem to get wet a lot.
I went through a packet of cornflour a week with my Shih Tzu, just sprinkle the flour over the area that is wet and comb it out, it takes all the moisture out as well as any dirt without having to use a dryer that is harsh on her coat and skin.

Aurora_Bell · Dec 23, 2009, 12:34 PM

[QUOTE=shazamataz;2142436]
Have you tried or considered just getting some allergy friendly pet wipes and giving the areas she is affected the most a wipe down daily.
Bathing her will remove too much oil from her skin but the pet wipes and just enough to keep areas nice and clean.

I forgot all about these! They work great!

CFrank · Dec 28, 2009, 06:49 AM

[QUOTE=Aurora_Bell;2142441][QUOTE=shazamataz;2142436]
Have you tried or considered just getting some allergy friendly pet wipes and giving the areas she is affected the most a wipe down daily.
Bathing her will remove too much oil from her skin but the pet wipes and just enough to keep areas nice and clean.

I forgot all about these! They work great![/QUOTE

I am using the wipes daily. They work great for keeping the areas clean but he continues to scratch and chew. I know another vet visit is next.
Sometimes you get lucky and find someone that has dealt with something like this on these forums.

Thanks again,
CFrank

J_9 · Dec 28, 2009, 06:55 AM

Is it possible your dog has/had fleas? I had the same problem with one of my dogs and he was allergic to fleas.

redhed35 · Dec 28, 2009, 07:16 AM

I don't know much about this subject and usually leave these threads to others.

But I wondered could it be the dogs bedding?

Or a house hold cleaning product your using?