Why does my pit bull have a recurring itchy rash and weepy sores?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think continuing the use of a medicated shampoo would be good as he likely has secondary infections. I think this could be due to allergies and it would be crucial to identify the allergic component to try to see if he can improve. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Those spots on Rey could be several things including fleas, allergies, skin mites, bacterial infection, ringworm (which humans can get) or endocrine disease. There are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they may not address the underlying cause. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing her diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. You can wash the lesions once a day (not her whole body, just the lesions). Also protect the area from trauma by having your pup wear an elizabethan collar at all times. If the lesions do not start improving within a week or if they are getting worse, have her examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

This is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

This is a skin infection. Medicated baths sometimes help but fair skinned dogs are more prone to allergies and skin infections. To clear this up she probably needs oral antibiotics for several weeks. This is not contagious. Some dogs develop this when laying in a moist area, or on something irritating. Please take her for a veterinary exam to confirm the problem and get medication to treat this. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. I recommend bathing him with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula. This can help soothe the skin and relieve itching. If this does not resolve the issue, then he will need to see his veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

Hi, it seems like Rincon may have gotten into something he is allergic to. I would make sure they are both on flea and tick prevention first, and if not, treat them with a topical purchased at a pet store or from a vet. If this does not resolve the problem, you can try an antihistamine like Benadryl. There may be an insect or type of plant he is allergic to. This may be repeated whenever the bumps come up. IF this does not resolve it, take him to a vet for a skin exam. Good luck, i hope this helps!

Pits are prone to allergic skin disease, and everything you describe can be symptomatic of this condition. Lex may benefit from a prescription allergy diet trial on something like Hills z/d fed exclusively for 9-10 weeks. He may need to be on allergy medication like apoquel to help stop the itching, and if he has a secondary bacterial or fungal/yeast infection in his skin, this needs to be addressed as well. See your vet for a skin allergy workup and proper medications. Hope that helps!