Bichon Frise has an itching problem

[mark the spark2]

Hi just found this and as it happens I have a Bichon called Lucy (as if thats any help) aged 9 years and she has an itching problem. As far as I can tell she hasnt got a flea, I keep her regularly brushed, she is bathed about once every three weeks and groomed about once every six weeks. I know that Bichons are prone to skin problems but she has been scratching herself raw on the left shoulder with her back claws. I have been told to try Benadryl for children and just wonder what your views are on this and if so at what dose.

Many thanks in advance

Mark

 

[Apache]

I know it sounds like we are all in a cartel just to get your money, but she really needs to see a vet!

There are a great many things that can cause skin problems and sometimes just by looking closely at the dog a likely cause can be established. Sometimes we take hair samples or skin scrapes looking for parasites. Fleas are the most common, but there are many more parasitic problems. Often we will treat the dog with something to kill parasites just to rule them out.

If it's a simple allergy then usually they need a short course of corticosteroids [steroids] to break the itch-scratch cycle. Sometimes there is superficial bacterial infection that requires systemic or topical treatment.

Benadryl for children is an antihistamine that may have some effect if the dog was suffering from an allergy. I have tried them in some dogs, but they are not very effective.

Get the wee beastie checked out properly.

 

[mark the spark2]

Many thanks for your help i will get her to the vets and see what they have to say. Can I also say how much I appreciate your (Free) advice its not often you get owt for nowt these days.

 

[Apache]

No bother! If only we had a thanks button for these occasions.

 

[batty]

Many thanks for your help i will get her to the vets and see what they have to say. Can I also say how much I appreciate your (Free) advice its not often you get owt for nowt these days.

The bills in the post Ha Ha.