my doxie (dachshund) has been itching and itching... hes always had dry skin but this is getting rediculous... he gets flea bites and they puss up like ant bites now... and god forbid he actually get ant bites. they take foreverrr to heal on him..anyways.. ive noticed that he has patches of severely dry skin that comes off easily and the hair comes out in those areas... theres usually at least one flea bite but the area on his chin doesnt have a bite so im not sure if its flea related or not.... does anyone know what to do for this... its driving him and me crazy... ive tried medicated shampoos, oatmeal shampoo, hydricortizone spray and cream, hell ive even tried head and shoulders on the poor boy.... nothing works... help me if you can. thanks...

jamie and mooshu

i did some google research and found some possibilities but heck im not a vet.. idk what to think? heres some of what i found:

Scabies (Sarcoptic Mange): The most common cause of intense itching. Small red spots like insect bites on the skin of the ears, elbows and hocks. Identify mites. Typical crusty ear tips.

Walking Dandruff (Cheyletiella Mange): Puppies two to twelve weeks. Dry flakes over the neck and back. Mild itching.

Inhalation Allergy (Canine Atopy): Severe itching, face-rubbing and licking at paws (hay fever-type symptoms.) Often begins at the same time each year (seasonal pollens). Certain breeds more susceptible.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis: Follows flea infestation. Pimplelike rash over the head of the tail, back of rear legs and inner thighs. Scratching continues after fleas have been killed.

Thyroid Deficiency (Hypothyroidism): Males and females. Coat is thin and scanty. Hair is brittle and coarse and falls out easily. Tends to involve the body and neck. Skin is thick, sometimes darker.

Estrogen Excess (Hyperestrinism): Mainly in females. Hair has greasy feel, falls out along flanks and abdomen. Buildup of wax in ears. In males, consider a testicle tumor, especially with a retained testicle. Loss of hair in genital area. Nipples enlarge. Dry skin and brittle hair.

Zinc Responsive Dermatosis: Crusty, scaly skin with hair loss over the face, nose, elbows and hocks. Cracked feet. Caused by zinc deficiency. Arctic breeds most susceptible.

Acanthosis Nigrans: Hair loss begins in armpit folds. Black, thick, greasy, rancid-smelling skin. Mainly in Dachshunds.******** <----maybe this one?

Acanthosis nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is a condition in which there is abnormal darkening of the skin. It is primarily a disease of dogs and has several different forms and causes. The disease can be divided into a primary form that is a genetic condition found primarily in Dachshunds, and a secondary form that has several causes and can be found in any breed or age of dog. In the secondary form, there is a mobilization of the pigment called 'melanin' to areas of chronic inflammation. It is the melanin that creates the dark appearance of the skin.

The primary form of the disease occurs in dogs less than one year of age. In this form the skin darkens and thickens, seborrhea develops, and secondary infections with bacteria or yeast can occur. It can affect large areas of the body. Primary acanthosis nigricans is not treatable, but the condition can be controlled with steroids, melatonin injections, and frequent anti-seborrheic shampoos. This condition is rare and is diagnosed mainly through breed history and biopsy.

The secondary form of the disease is much more common. The darkening of the skin occurs because of one of three underlying conditions.

• Friction caused by obesity or conformational abnormalities.

• Endocrine imbalances including hyperthyroidism, Cushing's disease, or sex hormone imbalances.

• Hypersensitivities due to food, inhalant (atopy), or contact allergies. In addition to blackening of the skin, secondary acanthosis nigricans is often associated with chronic hair loss and/or itching and other skin problems.

If you see these skin conditions developing, have your dog examined by a veterinarian and have the underlying cause identified.

The treatment for secondary acanthosis nigricans usually consists of treating the underlying condition, e.g., through weight loss, thyroid medication or allergy relief. In more severe cases, steroid therapy at low doses has helped to reduce inflammation in the skin. In addition, Vitamin E supplementation has shown to help in the recovery of some cases. The majority of time the condition will improve once the underlying condition has been identified and properly treated.

i think he might have these cyst things too:

Cysts: Smooth lumps beneath skin. May grow slowly. Can discharge cheesy material. Become infected. Otherwise not painful.

is there a vet in the house?

Just curious, what kind of food do you feed, what are the first five ingredients listed on the bag>?

7dogs

yeah, i'm with 7, what kind of food do you give him? He may have allergies. My Rocky (doxie mix) is BAD when it comes to fleas. He is way too sensitive so he is has to have flea medication. He gets just how you described but then again, that's the flea thing. I pray ACV on him too. Don't spray with open soars though, it hurts alot. I use baby shampoo to smooth out the skin. It worked for Olivia. She had dry skin due to allergies from cooked meat and most kibble.

I was reading this, as Sassy has really bad dander. Vet said it was because I bathed her too often. But when she's warm or in the sunshine, she gets a really bad odor and nothing I buy gets rid of it.She is a mixed breed,and I bathe her once a week, and have tried medicated shampoo,antibacterial,everything!!The only thing that gives her any relief, is if I use conditioner on her. SHE DOESN'T ITCH FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, BUT THE SMELL COMES BACK .sorry-I hit the caps lock-anyway, she's always been this way, but its gotten worse this fall.I'll take any and all suggestions.I can't  keep buying expensive shampoos, 'cause I have enough now to start my own store. The vet doesn't think its all that important, but he doesn't have to watch her scratch constantly!