slight skin irritation

[clairep4]

For a few weeks now Bella's had a bit of itchiness - about 6 weeks ago she kept nibbling either side of her belly (just where her ribs finish) and also just at the bottom of her back. I had a look and found she had a few little spots in each area so I put Fuciderm on for a few days and they cleared up.

They haven't come back but she's still a bit itchy, mainly now it's the 2 sides of her belly - she's not nibbling it so that it's damaged at all but it's just itchy for her. I've been giving her garlic and fenugreek tabs plus mixed veg tabs (from Dorwest) and it seems to have calmed it down a bit but she's still nibbling at it now and then.

Her skin seems in good condition, not dry or flaky and her coat's nice and glossy so I suspect it's from her running through long grass or something. I'm thinking of giving her some Piriton to see if that helps but also using Hibiscrub - do I just get the stuff you can get in the chemists and water it down or is there a doggie version?

[LurcherGirl]

What sort of diet is she on?

[clairep4]

She's on a raw diet - hasn't had any other health issues for a year now.

[Jane S]

Yes just get Hibiscrub from your chemist or order it online from one of the canine pharmacies - it's the same thing as you would be given by your vet. I would use diluted Hibiscrub to clean the itchy spots, then apply either aloe vera gel or tea tree lotion to soothe the itchiness

[Helen]

aloe gel would be my recommendation but if you can get any manuka honey based antiseptic from the health food shop than that is even better   it is truly incredible.

ooh found a link - it's expensive but it lasts for ever and works on rashes, bites, ulcers and any skin conditions human or canine....and the plain manuka honey is fantastic for tummy problems as well

linky

[clairep4]

Thanks everyone - will try the hibiscrub and aloe vera route first as it's cheaper (just got both for a fiver) and if not, will definitely try the honey! 

[Penel]

Just make sure the Hibiscrub is really really diluted as it is extremely drying.
I would probably just keep slathering on the Aloe Vera gel !

[clairep4]

Just make sure the Hibiscrub is really really diluted as it is extremely drying.
I would probably just keep slathering on the Aloe Vera gel !

Thanks Penel. Well I got in yesterday to find Bella had turned into a chocolate roan - the dogwalker did ring me in the afternoon saying "I just want to apologise for the state you'll find Bella in - she ran off for a mud bath before I could stop her and she's a bit, erm, brown"  She was absolutely covered so went straight in the shower and even after a shampoo and several rinsings, I wrung out her ears and the water was still dark brown  .

Anyway I have been slathering on the Aloe Vera this morning and she seems to quite like it being put on so we'll see how she goes. Little does she know today is the last day before she starts getting tormented by Zorro. She's on a full day out with the dogwalker to deliberately get her exhuasted (she'll have about 4 hours' offlead excercise) so that she's nice and tired for tomorrow...