DFW Pug Rescue

Hi all,

One of our pugs (Daisy) has gotten a staph skin infection.  The poor little girl is SOOOOO itchy.  The vet has treated it multiple times with various antibiotics. She's fine during the treatment and seems to be getting better, but starts scratching again as soon as the treatment is over. 

 We really need suggestions to whip this because we hate to see our little girl so miserable...

Thanks,

Pneil

I know your Pain!   We almost lost our Pug Jo to the same thing.  I would suggest going to a Dog Dermatologist.  I know it's more expensive then a normal vet but with their help, 4 different RX , Rx shampoo and after bath cream we have been itch free for 6 months.

Good Luck

DoziersMom

My Booger had so many allergies that he was always itching, and losing his hair, but all our Vet could prescribe were steroids.  We bought some of the oatmeal shampoo that they sell at Walmart and began bathing him in that shampoo and it provided him with so much relief it was incredible.    It did not cure his allergies but it did provide him with so much relief from the itching.

You might want to try changing the brand/type of dog food that you are feeding.  A lot of dogs have food allergies and come out as skin issues.  Talk to your vet about different types of food that might help out with the itching.  I know that we've gone to a lamb and rice fomula for our pugs and it has helped with the foot chewing issue.  Look at the ingredients in your current dog food and talk to your vet.  I"m sure they will be able to help you find a pet food that will help reduce some of the skin irritation.

Hey all,

 Thanks for the response. We're trying the food thing.  A new food seems to have

reduced the problem.  The vet put her on a mild steroid (which I hate from previous

experience).  It seems to be helping (as long as it's VERY temporary).  I think our

next try is a dermatologist.  Any recomendations would be appreciated.

 Thanks

Pneil

Trooper (whom we fostered and subsequently adopted) had a lot of issues. He was severely allergic to fleas and had yeast infection in his skin and had food allergies (he had bad ear infections and his skin was always pink). The vet had him on quite a few medications at first but Malaseb (which is an antifungal antibacterial shampoo) really helped his skin issues. He is also on Px dog food (Hills Z/D Ultra Allergen) because of his food allergies . I don't give him any treats - just kibble. After a couple of months his fur grew back and he looks like a completely different dog.

I hope this helps!

Both my girls started having really bad itching at the end of summer, to the point where my younger black fawn would actual scab over in certain areas. My vet put them on a strict hypoallergenic diet (we are on a rabbit and potato meal) for over two months to completely cleanse out their system. I've slowly introduced new foods to see reactions. It's done wonders for them. No more rashes or skin irritations whatsover. I also use an soapless oatmeal shampoo for them to help. Hope Daisy is feeling better these days!

We have the same problem.  After going to several vets, trying various medications and food, we've discovered that our dog has atopic dermatitis with a superimposed bacterial and malassezia infection (yeast).  We are treating her with a short burst of steroid, simplicef for the bacteria, and ketoconazole for the yeast.  We also use Malaseb shampoo twice a week (use cool baths, not hot water, and let the lather soak in for a good 10 minutes).  She is on the Z/D Prescription diet (ultra-allergen), but the vet thinks that she more likely has atopic dermatitis rather than food allergies.  Once her infections are cleared, we're going to try Atopica (a cyclosporine) for her.

It's a lot, but I think once you get it under control, it's just a matter of maintenance.  I'm hopeful that the Atopica will help prevent the itching, which leads to infections, etc.

It also helps to wash the dog's leash and bedding with hot water/chlorox frequently.

Hope this helps!  I learned all this info from our fabulous new vet and technician. There's nothing worse than a miserable pug.