Dogs

Vet Q&A; Itchy & Scratchy

Feb 03 11:36am

Question

In edition 8 of Your Pet Magazine, there was a question regarding a Silky scratching her belly by rubbing it on the grass and your vet suggested it could be a contact allergy associated with the Wandering Jew family of plants (eg Rheo). We have a Jack Russell Terrier who has the same problem and our garden has a lot of Rhoeo plants. Would you please clarify if the vet meant Rhoeos? If so, I will certainly pull them out to remove the source of the irritation.

Our dog has been on cortisone tablets and injections. He is now on atopica and still has the problem to a lesser degree. He has a very hot tummy and is always licking his paws which are very red. I have tried all sorts of creams and calamine lotion seems to be the most soothing. I’ve been told that the food colouring and wheat in dried dog foods is a source of irritation. We feed our dog uncooked chicken necks and wings for dinner and dry dog food in the morning. Could it be a diet issue? We feel so sorry for him and would appreciate your advice.
Maureen Olsen

Answer
provided by Dr Carl Milford BVSc

Your Jack Russell has an allergy however dogs are often allergic to more than one thing. While Wandering Jew is a common allergen, there are many other allergens that could be causing the irritation. There is no cure, and many medications will help, but I recommend you place your dog on an anti-allergy prescription diet available from veterinarians since there are many elements in normal diets that can sensitise the skin.

PS: An online search shows that Rhoeo plants are sometimes referred to as Rheo – Editor.

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4 Comments Report Abuse

1. nondementica - Mar 06 04:16pm

I have a poodle on Atopica because he was to be put down due to the severity of the itching.He was bleeding and crying.There seems to be no other way

2. maree671@y7mail.com - Jun 05 11:25pm

our dog to has some sought of allergy scratching itchey red sore paws which she is always licking i to was told from a vet that unless you know what is causing the allergy there:s not much you can do i was given some tablets/special wash creme to bathe her in but this has only helped a little.

3. jackiejelsma - Oct 08 09:16am

i have a maltese who constantly licks her paws and sometimes breaks out in a really bad rash, my local pet shop/vet recommended MALESEB wash, i find it works wonders, it lessons the paw licking,(which i think is more habit now) and eliminates all the itch. sensitive skin dog food helps alot aswell.

4. mousewilko62 - Oct 15 12:36pm

I Have a staffy with much worse symptoms, ended up having a skin allergy test (allergic to alot of things but alot of grasses). He has injections at the moment to prevent long term symptoms and cross fingers will be more tolerable. (Cost a few hundred $). Maleseb supposed to be good, not for my dog.