Allergies or Mange?

[jwray]

Our 16 week old pup has been itchy lately. A few days ago I noticed that his chest is looking a little odd. He has a spot on his chest that is balding and a little red. I have also noticed him biting at his paws some and balding there as well. He has a small spot on the inside of his hip as well. The rest of his coat is in good shape, and he is otherwise very healthy.

We have recently seeded our yard and covered it with straw, and the spring flowers are in full bloom here in PA. I am thinking that it is just a skin allergy to these things, but I am a bit paranoid that it could be something worse such as mange. Thoughts?

 

[Gatorblu]

Your poor pup! My first boxer lost hair because of allergies. But the only way to know for sure, is to go to the vet and have a scraping done. Personally, the sooner the better. If it is mange you want to start treatment before it spreads any more.

That being said, biting the paws does sound like allergies. You can wipe him down, top to bottom including paws, with a cool damp towel everytime he comes in. That way any allergens will be taken off. If it is allergies than your vet can also get you something or suggest a dosage for over the counter meds. Healing (((vibes))) to your pup!

 

[gmacleod]

Definitely see a vet. From what you describe, I wouldn't think mange is most likely (or at least, not demodectic mange - which shouldn't itch, and the location of the balding spots isn't typical). Not sure that mange is worse than allergies though For the reason that mange is easily curablem whereas allergies are a life-long affliction.

Still, its best to see a vet to be certain. Considering the itchy feet though, if allergies is determined to be the most likely thing and if wiping off his paws after trips outside doesn't seem to make much difference - then do consider food as a possible source of the problem. Red itchy paws are a frequent symptom of food allergies (along with things like ear infections), so although your yard currently would seem to be full of things likely to cause inhalent or contact allergies, food could be an alternative source of the problem. Just one more possibility for consideration