Skip to content

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.

Suggested Topics

  • Hair like wire

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    18
    0 Votes
    18 Posts
    14k Views
    tanzaT
    @Sunh0ney did they do a full/complete thyroid panel?
  • Dogs & warts

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    5k Views
    BARTB
    Yes, it was. Being on the bottom of the foot, it was quite annoying, I guess. He still licks the spot occassionally but I suspect that may be 'cause its still a somewhat fresh wound more than anything else. Amazing that such a small thing could affect his behavior the way it seems to have. I just wish I could have seen something sooner. It was obviously bothering him for quite a while b4 there were any visual (to me) signs. Gosh, makes me want one of those dog tranlsater collars from the movie "UP"…..'sqirrell' :)
  • Original Black & Whites

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    2k Views
    NemoN
    Thanks! I see what you mean, I was mixing up my terminology…native versus foundation dog...and I meant foundation. Zoni gets her black from Miliku on the Jerlin side.
  • Itch

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    2k Views
    tanzaT
    @Kananga: Higher quality food will certainly make the B happier. :) I agree… while it might not solve all problems .... in the end a better quality food will cost you less in the end.. and certainly make your pet healthier
  • Scratching and dandruff

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    16
    0 Votes
    16 Posts
    8k Views
    BasenjimammaB
    Bookworm, just a hint, our petco and petsmart down here in Texas will take back food even if it has been opened, so if somethings doesn't work out you might be able to return it.
  • Hydrocortizone spray for itching?

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    4k Views
    B
    @jenwilson: My basenji/whippet mix scratches alot too. I give her a children's benadryl (hidden in peanut butter) daily. It seems to help. She had an allergic reaction to something the Thursday before Christmas. We went to the vet on that Friday and got a steroid shot and pills. It rash cleared up overnight and hasn't returned. We still don't know what she is allergic too. The vet did suggest the benadryl and I would rather do that daily and hopefully not have to give her anymore steroids. Food allergy perhaps? We had that problem with one and it was anything with wheat flour in it. Little skin rashes or hot spots. I guess it could be any number of things.