puppy rash

by lucia
(lakewood colorado)

what can i do my pom-a-poo puppy has flaky skin with a horrible rash and now fur lost and vet doesn't know what it can be please help????



Hi Lucia
Could this be allergies? Many puppies, and dogs, suffer from canine allergies the way people suffer from the human variety!

A bad reaction to flea saliva, dog food ingredients, or even ordinary things such as pollen, shampoo, grass or carpet, can trigger skin irritation, rashes, hot spots, hair loss and more.

Your vet should be able to test for allergies by taking a blood sample, but you can do some 'detective work' yourself....

First of all, make sure your pup doesn't have any fleas. Using a monthly 'spot on' or topical flea preventative is the best way to keep him flea free.

If he's been groomed or bathed lately, or you've used any kind of scented products, that could have triggered his skin reaction. Always use a very mild puppy shampoo, or an oatmeal based or hypoallergenic one. Bathing too much can also cause dry, flaky, itchy skin. Unless your pup gets really dirty, a bath every month or two is enough. You can find products that are designed for dogs with sensitive skin, and sprays and creams to reduce the itching/discomfort on my Canine Skin Allergies page.

Some puppies and dogs react badly to certain dog food ingredients. Many colors, additives, chemicals etc. can trigger skin irritation. I would suggest changing his diet to include a food that has been especially designed for dogs with allergies, check out my Dog Food Allergies page for more advice, and to see the best foods to use.

It's also possible that your pup's itching is due to an infection (if he's scratched his skin raw), or to mange (a skin condition caused by tiny mites), but only your vet can make this diagnosis.

If the above suggestions don't help your pup, I would suggest taking him back to your vet or looking for a second opinion. Best of luck!