Rash

Obviously will be off to the vet later but wondered if anyone had any ideas ?

Elsie has come out in a rash all over her tummy and chest, tiny little spots worse on her chest and under her arms. Very itchy.

Have given her an antihistamine to help and just bathed it with cool water to try and take the itch away a bit. Anything else I can do before we head to the vet as I hate seeing her so itchy and down.

Re: Rash

How peculiar Julie. You haven't used any of that stuff like shake & vac have you? That used to upset a lot of dogs.
Have you used any carpet shampoo, sprayed anything on her bedding, or changed washing powder?
Only other thing I can think of is a possible flea allergy? It only takes one flea to upset some dogs.
Hope you get on alright.

Re: Rash

Julie it sounds a bit like a contact allergy from the description of the areas involved.

Re: Rash

I did wash the carpets couple of days ago but it's the same stuff I have used for years. But allergies can start up quite suddenly so it may be that I guess. Will have to be more careful what I use.

I don't think we have fleas it's something we always treat seriously, but the communal carpets are another matter with all the cats in the block. So could be a cat flea got her.

Re: Rash

Dogs like people, change every few years.7 for people dogs unsure.But they can even be allergic to grass.Have you used a weed killer,bug spray,?

Re: Rash

True, but I would have thought it the wrong time of year for gardening allergies.

Re: Rash

We have communal grounds so I have no control over what is used on the grass but the council are usually very careful what they use in case kids come in contact with anything.

Our late Duncan was allergic to grass was a nightmare - really hope it isn't something like that

Re: Rash

All calmed down now with a soothing cream and injection from the vet, he says it is contact with something either in the home or out so it's a bit of crime scene analysis needed to discover the problem. Not fleas apparently that is more usual to be a reaction on the back or near base of tail not all over the belly and chest like this was.

My husband reckons she just wanted her belly rub and treat from the vet as she loves him so much she pretty much begs to go in a see him every time we pass the surgery.

Re: Rash

Found it ! It's a plant growing by the canal she came into contact again yesterday with the rash back again by evening. Lock keeper says it's called hogweed and many people are allergic to it so not surprise she is too. Will have to stay away from it now we know.

Re: Rash

Oh goodness Julie, You google Hogweek, it is toxic and can be a very nasty old plant. Even them just sniffing it can harm them. It makes human skin sting and burn as well as dogs, so keep yourself and Grace away from it as well.