Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  3. Scratching & itching like crazy!

Scratching & itching like crazy!

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • LewieFitzL

    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?

    0
  • tanzaT

    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

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • DebraDownSouthD

    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.

    Debra

    0
  • nobarkusN

    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.

    Buddy, Paolo and Dan

    0
  • DebraDownSouthD

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

    Debra

    0

Suggested Topics

  • N

    The Non-stop itching!

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    20
    0 Votes
    20 Posts
    14k Views
    RouxR
    @elbrant LOL you're right, I have 0 experience with eradicating ants! Taipei doesn't have fire ants hahaha though the huge flying roaches are a big problem and apparently cause Roux to have diarrhea if she eats one (I NEARLY HAD A FIT WHEN I SAW THIS) so thank you for the clarification! Hopefully y'all get down to the reason!
  • BARTB

    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' :)
  • serenjaneS

    Shedding like crazy

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    5k Views
    serenjaneS
    @barklessk9: Zak is also shedding like crazy. :D He always blows his coat in February and occassionally in the summer,but usually not until Sept. I highly recommend the Furminator - it works great! Thank you so much. I bought a Furminator and it works great. I also bought the shampoo and daily spray. I also read an article which advises useing lanolin or a bit of olive oil on the coats of dogs that shed a lot. After several days it is supposed to help with the shedding.
  • BookwormB

    Scratching and dandruff

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    16
    0 Votes
    16 Posts
    9k 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.
  • VanessaV

    Itching and rash around the neck

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    24
    0 Votes
    24 Posts
    14k Views
    AJs HumanA
    If he still wears the same collar and it is the culprit, it will irritate already raw skin and prevent complete healing. I know the holidays are usually tight for everyone, but perhaps finding a (maybe no-so-stylish) collar made of a completely different material and without dyes would stop the cycle. That's what eventually worked for Elvira, my cat. If it is confined to one spot where there an item directly touches the skin on a regular basis, it sounds more like contact dermatitis to me. Any creams may exacerbate the situation. If it was a food allergy, I would expect a more widespread problem. I would suggest, if he wears a cloth or nylon collar, get a natural leather collar with stainless steel loops rather than coated brass. Since colorful nylon and cloth seem to be the rage right now, it may be a little more difficult to find. The payoff is the leather collar will last much longer than cloth or nylon. If it is felt a cream or ointment must be used, break open a Vitamin E capsule and rub the goo on his rash. It is odorless and if Kiya feels she must be Little Miss Nursemaid, the Vitamin E will benefit her as well.
  • K

    Fanconi & Protocol

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    20
    0 Votes
    20 Posts
    10k Views
    RockysWomanR
    His vet appointment is in three weeks and I'm taking the AVA information on Fanconi syndrome with me. We've been very lucky with Rocky. He was a rescue and has become the best family dog. I know the breed is not known for being good with kids but he is so incredibly patient with my two children (3 and 6 months). He even helped teach my eldest to walk by leting her hold onto his shoulders while she toddled along. I'll keep you guys posted and let you know what's up. We've had him tested for kidney, liver, and renal failure in the past as well as chronic UTI and blood-bourne illness. Nothing… "perfectly healthy dog". We'll keep looking until we figure out what's wrong. Thanks for all the info!