[sgrbgr]

My dog, Pony (Newfoundland) has bitten off all of the hair on her backside (above tail). We don't have fleas, she's been bathed...I don't know what to do. I tried spraying her with a first aide spray that helps with itching/burning, but it didn't help any. Does anyone know of some home remedy that I can apply to her?

Thanks,
Michelle

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by sgrbgr

My dog, Pony (Newfoundland) has bitten off all of the hair on her backside (above tail). We don't have fleas, she's been bathed...I don't know what to do. I tried spraying her with a first aide spray that helps with itching/burning, but it didn't help any. Does anyone know of some home remedy that I can apply to her?

Thanks,
Michelle

Could be caused because of some kind of allergy--food or other kind--like flea bite allergy! She will continue to itch and bite until you find the root/cause of the problem and eliminate it! And please don't get a drug from the vet like prednisone which will just 'cover up' the problem and cause much worse problems/diseases like diabetes and thyroid problems 'down the road!' Can't remember what all is in this forum for info for you but --Go to top of page(s) in here--see blue strip across page--find word search--click on it--Put word allergies in search box--select threads. Will try to find some more info in here for you---If I find something --will let you know--may be tomorrow as is late--need to go to bed!

You might try flea allergies as well as food allergies to put in the search field also

There are many skin diseases that could be the cause too--try that in the search box also! Will check on things tomorrow. Good night for now!

Note: You may not see any fleas on her but that doesn't mean she hasn't had a flea bite her at some time or other! One flea bite (if dog has an allergy to the bite--and not all dogs are allergic to a flea bite---can cause problems for a long time! Put flea bite in field box too and fleas/allergies. I'm sure I posted on this in here someplace before! Too tired to look right now!

[lil mutt]

I also think that it is caused by some skin allergy or your dog might be allergic from flea bites.

[CorkyMax]

Found this on the net:

Too often, the thinner, summer coats of our pets can reveal what winter coats have hidden from plain view – reddened skin irritations, possibly the sign of a seasonal or chronic allergy.

That’s right … just like humans, pets suffer from allergies. Allergens can come from any number of sources, including grasses, trees, molds, dust mites and flea bites. Even their food may contain allergens. With all of these possible culprits, how can a pet parent learn what’s causing their pet’s allergy?

The first step for many of us is to hop online. We know that information is plentiful on the internet, even if not all of it is trustworthy. That inclination, to try and uncover the reasons ourselves, especially when that impulse is coupled with hard economic times, can lead to a scenario where many pet parents will try to diagnose Fido’s or Fluffy’s allergies on their own, without veterinary assistance. But the cause of allergies is notoriously difficult to pin down because it so hard to isolate one possible cause from another.

If you want to determine whether or not your four-footer is truly suffering from an environmental or food-related allergy, you should have your vet do an evaluation. They will use either a blood test or a skin test, or perhaps both, to assess what allergens are producing the symptoms.

When animals experience allergic reactions, their bodies alter normal hormone production. Some of the resultant chemical reactions can lead to cellular inflammation, the process bodies use to remove the allergens. To understand this process, consider the following example: the common flea bite. Commonly, after a flea bite, there may be swelling and possible irritation (usually itchiness). But if your dog or cat has a flea allergy, the reaction is a much larger rash with severe itching. This is the body attempting to eliminate the allergen; in this case, flea saliva.

So, what’s the best way to nip allergies in the bud? Leading holistic practitioners and natural-care veterinarians have long endorsed foods and supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially those coming from fish oil, which help inhibit the body’s inflammatory response. And the amazing properties of omega-3’s don’t end there. When coupled with omega-6’s derived from a source like flaxseed, a balanced blend of these fatty acids are known to provide much-needed support by helping to strengthen the body’s natural response to allergens. They do this by enhancing the functions of the immune system and by fortifying the walls of individual cells in the body. At the same time, omega-3’s also help to protect neurological and blood systems. If you encounter information disparaging the inclusion of fatty acids in the diets of companion animals – either from online sources, friends or even veterinarians – it may be based upon outdated beliefs about these nutrients.

If you are not already feeding your companion a diet rich in omega-3’s like Life’s Abundance, you might consider incorporating into your pet’s diet a supplemental source of omega-3’s, either in chewable tablet form (like Skin & Coat Formula) or in capsule form (many of our customers provide Sealogix for their pets). Dr. Jane advises against feeding omega-3 supplements in the half-hour immediately before and after a meal, as the precise balance of fats can be thrown off, resulting in diminished absorption of those beneficial nutrients. Under no circumstances should you add liquid fish oil to dry food.

If you believe that your favored feline or precious pup suffers from allergies, please schedule time with your trusted veterinarian to determine the appropriate treatment, and consider incorporating essential fatty acids in your pet’s diet. By taking a proactive stance now, your pet might be able to avoid allergic reactions in the future.

[pinsnpugs]

First rule out the obvious...fleas. Seeing it is at the base of the tail, that is the most common spot for fleas to go to. Some dogs are very sensitive to fleas and a single bite can make them go crazy and itch uncontrollably.

Get a good topical med...Advantage or Frontline Plus and apply it after a good bath.
You can put some cortisine on the area to help with itch, and can dose with benedryl to help with the side effects of the flea bites (itching, inflammation) (1MG per Pound)
Do this only for a day or 2 and can give 2-3 times daily.

If the itching continues you may need to consider a food allergy.
Your vet can do a test to see exactly what your dog is allergic to.

If this is a new issue for the dog...have you recently changed foods?

[bostonlover]

i just came across this problem too with my older boston. checked for fleas with a flea comb and nothing, cleaned the whole house and his chest is spotted pink and is itchy. i have oatmeal shampoo that i've been using since he was a pup and only bath him once a month or so so i dont dry out his skin. the new puppy dosent have any issues but thanks Corky/Max, i'll be taking him to the vet on tuse.