Westie With Skin Problems ....

[seekeerz]

My 12yr old Westie has suddenly developed a skin problem ....he scratches and chews patches till the hair is gone and it's quite raw.

The vet has prescribed Apoquel etc, because Charlie is diabetic and the usual anti- histamine can't be given.

We're being to think this is an allergy .....he doesn't have fleas ....but nothing seems to reduce the itching.

I know Westies are prone to skin problems, but we've been very lucky that neither of our two have had anything up till now.

Anyone had something similar out there ?

[wolf63]

No experience but I know Westies are prone to this. Have you changed his diet lately?

If it's his feet I have heard that washing their feet after walks through grass can remove anything that he has picked up.

Good luck

[tonyav]

Could try changing Charlies diet, Steff.
https://www.petforums.co.uk/threads/best-food-for-westie-with-skin-allergies-not-raw.446663/

[seekeerz]

Thanks, wolf ......only slight changes in his diet, not using anything new when bathing, and his feet don't seem to be affected .....mainly the inside of the back legs.

Trying to find something to externally cool and soothe the areas, though most of it will be licked off, poor chap. :((

[Calicogirl]

Try Aloe Vera gel from Holland and Barrett- my Malamute used to chew at a patch of itchy skin on his leg and that applied two or three times per day really sorted it out, nice safe, non toxic, really cooling and nice. x

https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holland-barrett-aloe-vera-gel-60002672

[seekeerz]

Hi Tony and thanks ....I'm looking into the raw food approach, I'm just surprised that what he has had most of his life is now upsetting him.

It's a real minefield when a dog gets something like this trying to isolate the cause.

[seekeerz]

Thanks, calico girl, sounds good to me, I know you're in the States, I'm in Oz ...hope I can find something similar here :))

[tonyav]

I'm just surprised that what he has had most of his life is now upsetting him.

Happens with us humans to though, Steff.

[seekeerz]

Too true, isn't it !!

[Calicogirl]

That's in the UK Seekerz, but I think you can get pure aloe gel pretty much everywhere x

[pastafreak]

You could try coconut oil. It's been shown to be helpful for dry and itchy skin in dogs. I intend to try it on Sally as she gets itchy, flakey skin in the summer...it's started already this year.