[rn1tv]

Took one of our shelties to the vet today for a skin rash that was driving her crazy from itching. Vet said it was the 3rd sheltie she had seen today with the same problem. We use a local groomer and the vet is suspicious of the shampoo products they used. Has anyone else's pets had skin problems and to what cause did the vet contribute the problem?

[Lauren Sweeny]

My Yorkie was allergic to grass. At that time we lived in Ohio and visited family in Florida. Whatever was in or on the grass in Fl.made him scratch constantly. When we returned to Ohio the scratching stopped.
I also had a problem with the flea product you apply along the back bone monthly.

[VT2TV]

Just FYI, did you know there is a vet speciality clinic with a doggie dermatologist, eye dr, orthopedic, and internal medicine doctor practice located in Maitland? We have had both of our girls to the eye doctor, and 1 of them went to the dermatologist. Love the place!!!!! Wonderful people, helped our girls. NOT cheap, but not outrageous either.

[GeoGeo]

Grass is a big cause. Also, have you changed any products you use at home such as laundry detergent and the pet could be laying on something washed in it. Have you changed your pet's dog food or treats lately? If you haven't changed anything I would seriously consider the grass allergy. I know several pets who have that. Also, ant bites or flea bites.

[rn1tv]

VT2TV, we did use the ophthalmologist in Maitland some time ago and very pleased! I appreciate everyone suggestions but we have lived here 9+ years and we have had the pup experiencing the problem for 5 years with none of the changes that you inquire/suggest. After a $150+ vet bill, our girls seems to be doing better. Thanks for everyone input and concern! Putting this info out there for others in case others have a similar situation.

[CraigC]

We have a Sheltie that has skin problems, too. They began in October of last year after a stay in a kennel followed by a shampoo and grooming at the kennel. We have tried a little of everything to get it cleared up. It is a lot better right now, but we have changed so many things, we aren't sure what is really helping, although, the most likely seems to be a bath every five days, which he hates with a passion. We have changed food several times, changed types of shampoos, moved him from sleeping on a dog bed to a towel that we was every few days, tried Dinovite for quite a while,and wash his feet and belly every time he leaves our property for a walk.

rn1tv, what do you think helped your shelties? Don't mind spending another $150 at all, if it will help. Our vet has been no help at all, other than giving him an antibiotic for a rash on his belly that seems to come and go, but I am sure is related to his general skin problem under his hair.

[CFrance]

VT2TV, I would appreciate having the name of the vet clinic in Maitland. Our golden, I am sure, is allergic to the grass down here. I know they are prone to skin allergies. The antibiotics the vet gave him last time did not do the trick.

[VT2TV]

Originally Posted by CFrance

VT2TV, I would appreciate having the name of the vet clinic in Maitland. Our golden, I am sure, is allergic to the grass down here. I know they are prone to skin allergies. The antibiotics the vet gave him last time did not do the trick.

Sorry for taking so long, I haven't been online for a few days. The office is::::Veterinary Dermatology Center in Maitland. (407) 629-0044. I really like them, wasn't cheap, but we did not have to get a second mortgage . They did not do any skin tests, other than check for infections, but they gave us a list of things we had to do, and put our little girl on things like kangaroo and rabbit meat. We had to get specific treats for her, and no people food, which they get very little anyhow. If you have questions, feel free to ask.

[Patty55]

I would try two things.

Local Honey-you might be able to get it at the pet supply store in Spanish Plains or maybe the farmers market. (It's good for people with allergies too.)

Turn off your sprinkler system in the area where your dog goes. There's some nasty stuff coming out of it. Try putting a dish out to capture the sprinkler water, do you really want them to get that "reclaimed" water on their feet and then licked off?

My dog never had an allergic reaction to anything until recently. She also never had a flea until this year. Flea products can kill the fleas but they can have contact dermatitus from the flea poop. (On a white dog it's easy to spot, looks like little pepper sized dots.)

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Patty55

I would try two things.

Local Honey-you might be able to get it at the pet supply store in Spanish Plains or maybe the farmers market. (It's good for people with allergies too.)

Turn off your sprinkler system in the area where your dog goes. There's some nasty stuff coming out of it. Try putting a dish out to capture the sprinkler water, do you really want them to get that "reclaimed" water on their feet and then licked off?

My dog never had an allergic reaction to anything until recently. She also never had a flea until this year. Flea products can kill the fleas but they can have contact dermatitus from the flea poop. (On a white dog it's easy to spot, looks like little pepper sized dots.)

Good suggestions. Is there anything to do about the contact dermatitis from flea poop?

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by VT2TV

Sorry for taking so long, I haven't been online for a few days. The office is::::Veterinary Dermatology Center in Maitland. (407) 629-0044. I really like them, wasn't cheap, but we did not have to get a second mortgage . They did not do any skin tests, other than check for infections, but they gave us a list of things we had to do, and put our little girl on things like kangaroo and rabbit meat. We had to get specific treats for her, and no people food, which they get very little anyhow. If you have questions, feel free to ask.

Thanks. I will check them out.

[Patty55]

Originally Posted by CFrance

Good suggestions. Is there anything to do about the contact dermatitis from flea poop?

I think that basically the only thing to do is get rid of the flea poop. On my dog it's easy to spot, looks like specks of pepper. I think if you took a fine tooth comb you could determine if you have it, after that it's just lots of brushing and combing.