Skin Irritation and losing fur

[Devin]

When I picked Bella up from her previous owners she was 8 months old and was eating a Purina puppy food. I’m not sure which one exactly anymore. I went through the process of switching her food over to Natures Recipe Adult Lamb meal and Rice. After about a bag and a half she started to get a rash in her arm pits. I assumed she was allergic to something in the food so I am now about 2.5 weeks into switching her food over to Chicken soup for the dog lover soul and out of the old food but she isn't really eating much anymore. I'm not sure if it has to do with quality of the food or if she just doesn't like it but she was eating about 4 cups a day before and now she might eat 2-2 1/2 cups but doesn't act like she is hungry.

Along with the Rash she seems to be losing her fur and itching quite a bit. I try to stop her from itching and I work from home so the only time I don't know if she is itching is when I'm gone or sleeping. She doesn't have any bald spots but I think soon she will, there are some parts of her that are really pink from where you can see her skin showing thru. I can run my hand down her back and my hand is covered in fur. Shedding is one thing but this seems like her normal shedding x10. I’ve never had this before so I assume it’s all related and I assumed it was a food allergy but anymore I’m not real sure.

There are some pictures in my Gallery of her Arm pits, Chest and a couple others. If anyone has any info/advice for me, that would be great.

 

[gmacleod]

I think a visit to your vet is in order... from what you describe and after looking at the photos, I think the problem may have nothing to do with food. I'd be more inclined to think that the dog may have sarcoptic mange. <the itching and pattern of hair loss are classic for that condition.

What you need to know about sarcoptic mange:

1. It is contagious. Especially to other dogs, but actually even to humans. Sarcoptic mange is scabies. Info here: Canine Scabies: Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs
So you need to keep your dog away from other dogs until after you've been to the vet and find out if this is the problem.
2. You need to see a vet to determine if this is the problem and get it treated. Although the mites are sometimes missed in skin scrapes, once found, its easily treated.

In short - get thee to a vet

Incidentally, in the event this turns out NOT to be the problem, I still wouldn't put food allergies at the top of the list of potential problems. The symptoms aren't classic food allergy - possibly environmental/inhalent allergies, but much less likely food. With food allergies, symptoms are usually itchy red feet & ear infections.

 

[ColePaityn]

Definately looks like food allergies to me. My dog Dixie had the same problems when she was a puppy. She looked identical to these pics. Try Blue Buffalo food. I had all kinds of tests done when she was a puppy, and just ended up with food allergies.

 

[CrazyCharlie]

I think it is worth the trip to the vet. It could be ANYTHING but I tend to lean towards what gmacleod said. It might be a severe reaction to food allergies, but I think you should get her checked.

 

[diamondmom]

My diamond was the same way but not as bad. But right now she is itching her face and her ears and losing hair the same spot as your dog. She just breaks out on her belly and neck and then it will go away. I do use a hot spot spray that works great. I also found that with her skin I was putting vitamin e oil and vitamin e cream. That worked very well her ears healed up . I think she just has bad allergies I take her back to the vet at the end of month for her yearly . She also sheds really bad and we have been switching foods as well . Diamond does not like smells , not sure about your dog but I have to becareful or she will try to lick anything I put on her off , . I guess that's any dog but I think she's really anal about it . I hope things clear up for you because I know just how you feel .

 

[avaboxer]

Oatmeal bath

Oatmeal can help with skin irritation and soothe their skin