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Scratching & itching like crazy!

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • Can someone please help? Lewie has started scratching himself with his hind feet to right behind his shoulders… He seems to itch so much that he frequently has to scratch in mid-walk... It seems like it's really bothering him. There is nothing on his skin and no fleas (knock on wood)... We haven't changed food or treats recently, so I'm not really suspect of that. I don't really want to give him medication unless it's the last resort.

    Ideas?

  • It can take years sometimes for a food allergy to really show itself. Any shots given recently? And while he might not have any fleas that you can find, doesn't mean that he was not bitten by one or some other type of bug/spider

  • One flea is enough to cause a problem. You may never see it. And so can dry skin, a big bite and many other things. I would rub a little cortaid into the area, or give him benedryl for a couple of days. If that doesn't help, you may need to vet to check. Feel the area for heat, hardness, etc, not just look for inflammation or a sore.

  • I had a red Basenji that had that problem pop up and would scratch right behind the shoulders too and would wear the fur away. I believe I determined it to be a food allergy.

  • If all else fails, a thyroid panel might be needed– but typically that is more base of and tail area, all-over etc.

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    I kept my basenji girl from scratching at her stitches by dressing her in a very small child's T-shirt. It worked well. Sometimes covering up a wound is all that's needed. Unfortunately, sometimes not. Naomi had a little T-shirt that boasted the lettering "Dirt is my favorite color." It was not of course; she was a very tidy girl.
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    Hydroxizine AKA Atarax is a great drug for treating severe allergies, it is by far the best antihistamine for reducing itching. It does have a high amount of sedation as a side effect and is also marketed as a sleep aid. OTC Zyrtec is a good alternative since it is a metabolite of Atarax and has less sedation. You may want to find a vet that specializes in allergy treatment and have the dog skin tested to identify exactly what it is and isn't allergic to. You could consider allergen immunotherapy to reduce and potentially eliminate the allergies.
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    @MacPack: I would bathe her with a soothing non-irritating soap for starters. She may have contacted plants that are causing the itching and washing may help. HOpefully you can get some benadryl in the morning if she is still itching. When any of ours get a flea, they act like that so if you have a flea comb, I would try that as well. Good luck! yes flea combs do help with the itching. I have found the ones from JW to be pretty good