Why is my dog digging at her face to the point it becomes raw and swollen?

Question

The last time I posted this question allot of answers said she had something stuck in her teeth,but I took her to the vet 3 times and he said it was an allergic reaction.We treated her with antibiotics and steroids the 1st time and I will never put her on steroids again.The 2nd time he gave cream and antibiotic again,the 3rd time gave wipes and antibiotics.She seems alright while on antibiotics but after they are done she goes back to swollen and raw lips and face.I can not afford another vet bill right now so I need help!I have tried giving her people allergy med's only 1-2 pills a day because I tried giving her 2 pills at once and she broke out in hives which shocked the vet.

Answer 1

maybe u should try to find out whats causing this try different walk could be something shes walking threw or a plant shes been eating in ur back yard maybe poison Evie  

Answer 2

These are classic signs of an allergy (seasonal, environmental, or food)

Steroids and antibiotics do not FIX what is causing the problem, they only alleviate the symptoms temporarily.

You need to determine what is causing the distress through extensive testing (about $350) and then plan your next course of action. A simple dietary change, longer steroid use until the first frost takes place, or identifying the trigger within your environment, are just the starting blocks.

Good Luck

Answer 3

I would start making a list of everything she eats-where she travels and what she is walking in or around.- she may need a test done for allergies even though you cant afford it-- a payment arrangement could be a possibility -- try changing what she eats-- not to much though a dog(in my opinion needs to maintain a certain diet)  

Answer 4

The dog is allergic to something in the environment.

Could be what she eats.  Because dogs stomachs are sensitive some of them can only eat dog food.  For example, lots of dogs are allergic to pork.  Does she have a toy bone made out of pork?  

Feed the dog dog food only and not anything from the kitchen table.  Fruits can have allergic reactions as well for dogs.  See what that does.  

Does the dog enjoy l*****g the floor or eating off the floor?  What you use as a cleanser can cause a bad reaction.  Keep out of children applies to dogs as well.  The dog may have a reaction to the chemicals.  

Don't give her people pills, that's like fake surgeons using animal antetetics on humans.

Answer 5

You mention the meds but did your vet ever suggest switching to a hypoallergenic food?

She could have a food allergy...

Barring that suggestion do you use any cleaning products on your floors or carpets? Spray any air fresheners? Use scented detergent to wash her bedding? Environmental allergies are more likely then the "contact" allergies I listed above. Grass, dust, pollen etc are all common allergies for dogs. The best thing to do is improve her enviroment, switch her food and try to treat her a bit like she is in a ICU. Try to give her as sterile an enviroment as you can manage and work from there.

Answer 6

If it's mostly her face, then it's probably the food or whatever she keeps rubbing herself into (towels, bedsheets, rugs, etc)... You need to figure out what she's allergic to.

What does she sleep on? Do you wash it with detergent? Is it a towel? Change it all.

What does she eat? Is it a good brand? Boil some chicken and mix with steamed broccoli or cauliflower and mix with her kibble and see if that helps.

What shampoo do you use? I certainly hope puppy/dog shampoo... get oatmeal pup shampoo for sensitive skin....

What do you clean the rugs, carpets, floors with? Change it all to a more dog friendly version or don't have the dog around until it's all dry and mop with water afterwards..

Is she nibbing on any plants at home or rubbing herself in the grass? It could be pesticides?!

Wash her with cool water right now... no shampoos or anything...and pat dry immediately with tissue or papertowels (very very gently)... no towels (maybe it's the detergent?)... blowdry her a bit if you have to....

My dog had that for about one year!!!! Back and forth visits to the vet and nothing! Finally the vet gave him a steroid shot that would last 4weeks of no reactions... the pill worked within two hours and he stopped scratching himself... it gave us long enough time to change his diet, get new shampoo and figure it all out... he's been fine for a year now!

I honestly would suggest asking the vet about the shot, it could really give you the time to help her while she's letting her skin breathe and regenerate..

Otherwise you'll be running into a large costs of allergy tests...

Good luck...

Answer 7

Do you spray your grass with any chemicals or does you association?  It could be a topical allergy; you could also switch to a limited ingredient diet to eliminate the chance of it being a food allergy (Natural Balance Duck & Potato is my go-to for foster dogs with any sign of allergy).

As much as you don't want to hear this, I would say you need to see a *different* vet and get a second opinion on your dog's condition.

Answer 8

Jen could be right. It is an allergy and may be caused by something in her environment. Grass plants, shrubs, perfume someone is wearing, cleaning agents for the house and floors, etc, or food. Get a dog food with the least known allergens. Call the vet and ask.( a phone call is free) Use a damp rag to wipe off her face and paws several times a day. She may be carrying something on her coat and paws. Watch where she goes. Restrict her to certain area of the yard as you are testing her reactions. If she breaks out, move her to another part of the yard. Take note of different or similar plants in the yard. Do the same with your house. One thing at a time until you find the allergen.

Your dog is must be miserable during these attacks. Does it happen more during certain seasons of the year? This could be a clue if outside plants or grasses are the culprit. Good luck.

Call the vet and ask what type of ointment that you can apply to the face and lips to prevent the pain. A thin coat of Vaseline may help.