Why is my Shih Tzu scratching with dandruff near ears and neck?

I agree that allergies are one of the most likely causes for your dog's scratching - this is a very common problem for many dogs in the summer. But there are other possible causes also that should be ruled out first - itching can also be caused by skin mites (mange), or bacterial or fungal infections. If the itching is allergy related, you can try bathing in a dog shampoo with either cortisone or aloe and oatmeal to help soothe the itching. But most allergy problems in dogs require prescription medications to treat successfully, so I would recommend having your dog examined by a vet if bathing her isn't helpful.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From your description, it sounds as though Jojo is fighting a bacterial skin infection. It is hard to say for sure without pictures being unable to examine him. I would recommend a chlorhexidine based shampoo such as Douxo PS chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until the infection is resolved. A spray such as malacetic conditioning spray should also be used and applied to the affected area 2-3 times daily until resolved. These can be found online quite easily and if you are unable to get these delivered to your area, something comparable should suffice. If the skin condition worsens I would recommend having a veterinarian examine him so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

I don’t advise to give coconut oil or olive oil but an omega-3 fatty acid supplement for dogs is excellent. You add this to the food. You may even look for a breed-specific diet for Coach as it will contain additional supplements to support a healthy hair coat. They don’t make lotions for dogs but they do make dogs specific shampoo and conditioners that are balanced for pets skin pH. Oatmeal type conditioners and shampoos tend to be the most moisturizing and can be done once a week. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional quote

The most common cause for hair loss and itching in this particular area is flea allergies. I would recommend that you have Shi Shi examined by a vet. The vet will examine all of her skin and discuss her medical history. The vet may need to take a sample of the skin for examination under the microscope. Once they have a better idea as to the cause, as in fleas or flea allergies, mites, or bacterial infection, they can recommend an appropriate treatment plan. https://www.petcoach.co/article/flea-allergy-dermatitis-or-flea-bite-hypersensitivity/

That area of Albie looks inflamed! If he did not have these lesions yesterday, it may be a reaction to the shampoo. Rewash him in a hypoallergenic shampoo and rinse him very well. Over the counter antihistamines may also help the itching. You may also consider taking him to the veterinarian's office as they will have stronger medications that will work faster to make the itching go away. I hope Albie gets comfortable fast!

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Porr Kandi! It sounds like Kandi may have fleas and the fleas are causing her to scratch and thus causing a skin infection. I would recommend calling your Vet for a flea product and get her seen to relieve the scratching. She may also need antibiotics. Good luck!

I can see the redness and crusting in Rocky's underarm areas. You are correct in saying that this may be due to an infection. Both yeast and bacteria can cause these signs, as well as food sensitivities, which make dogs itchy. The constant scratching breaks the skin barrier and can allow for infections to occur. I recommend having him seen by a vet who can prescribe oral antibiotics/medicated shampoos as well as a special diet if needed. In the meantime, there are skin wipes for dogs available in pet stores that you can use to keep the area clean.