My dog's neck is raw from scratching. What can I do until the vet?

If you haven't yet had him seen by a vet, ideally I would recommend that you have him evaluated. He may have a secondary bacterial infection that needs to be cleared up with antibiotics, and he may benefit from prescription medications such as Apoquel which can make a big difference for these guys! If you are unable to get him to the vet, you can try him on an antihistamine such as Benadryl. See here for dosing info: https://www.petcoach.co/pet-medication/benadryl/. Try switching him to a "sensitive skin" food, such as this: (this s actually what I feed my dog who has some skin allergies/dry skin/itchiness) https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/hills-science-diet-adult-sensitive-stomach-and-skin-chicken-recipe-dry-dog-food You can also give some Omega 3 supplements, as this may help as well. Bathe him once a week to cut down on topical allergens being absorbed in the skin, and follow with a dog cream rinse. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-shampoo-with-vitamin-d3 https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-rinse-with-vitamin-d3 If these "at home" measures don't give him relief, though, get him in to see your vet. Thanks for asking PetCoach!

The lesions that you are seeing on the back of Bruce's neck could be a result of a skin infection from his excessive scratching (possibly related to allergies to fleas, food or environmental factors), but could also be associated with ringworm, mange or benign or malignant cancerous processes. Bruce should go to his vet for evaluation because he likely needs a course of antibiotics to treat any infection present. Until you can get to the vet, keep an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent further scratching and skin damage. Also be sure that he is receiving a high quality flea preventative (such as Nexgard, Bravecto or K9 Advantix II) regularly. Baths in an antibacterial shampoo (here is one example: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27982) may be beneficial until his vet appointment. I hope that all goes well!

First, place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent further scratching. Keep it on her 24/7. You can take it off when she eats or drinks, but monitor her closely so she doesn't start scratching again. Next, have her seen by your veterinarian. The licking, biting, scratching and hair loss may be due to allergies ( https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/canine-allergies ). These can be difficult to diagnose since there are many causes (inhaled, environmental, food, fleas). Discuss allergy testing, food elimination trials and antihistamine use with your veterinarian. The doctor may prescribe medications to treat the wounds and stop the scratching. https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/food-allergies/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/4-great-strategies-for-relieving-your-dog-s-allergies/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/seasonal-allergies-in-dogs-what-you-need-to-know/

Oh no, poor Hookie sounds very itchy! This itching could be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, he will need a spot on treatment such as Advantage or Revolution. You will need to disinfect the environment as well. Even if he's up to date on his flea medications, he should see a vet. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm if he is up to date on his flea treatments. he will also need his raw skin treated, and it may be infected from all the scratching. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

It's possible Amigo may have an issue such as an allergy to the environment, external parasites or even an infection brewing on the skin. Bringing him into your vet is best to have the area looked at and checked for these issues. Until you can get to the vet, it is best to use an Elizabethan (cone) collar or old T-shirt to keep him from scratching and chewing which can worsen the irritation. Once the cause is figured out, treatment can be anything from a day allergy medication to a course of antibiotics to help the skin clear up.

Ouch! Poor baby! I would put some Neosporin on it twice a day. I would also make sure he isn't scratching at it as this can slow healing. You can give him Benadryl if it seems itchy. If it isn't healing, I would have your vet take a look to ensure he doesn't need any oral antibiotics or other treatment. I hope this helps! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/

Poor Shorty! He does sound quite uncomfortable. You can try bathing him in an aloe and oatmeal dog shampoo, or using a topical hydrocortisone spray labeled for dogs - you should be able to find this at most pet stores. These things may help to soothe his skin and help relieve the itching until he can see a vet. He will probably need prescription medication including an antibiotic and a short-term steroid like prednisone to treat the problem effectively, so I would definitely recommend having him seen by a vet on Monday if at all possible.