Skip to content

Scratching & itching like crazy!

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • Can someone please help? Lewie has started scratching himself with his hind feet to right behind his shoulders… He seems to itch so much that he frequently has to scratch in mid-walk... It seems like it's really bothering him. There is nothing on his skin and no fleas (knock on wood)... We haven't changed food or treats recently, so I'm not really suspect of that. I don't really want to give him medication unless it's the last resort.

    Ideas?

  • It can take years sometimes for a food allergy to really show itself. Any shots given recently? And while he might not have any fleas that you can find, doesn't mean that he was not bitten by one or some other type of bug/spider

  • One flea is enough to cause a problem. You may never see it. And so can dry skin, a big bite and many other things. I would rub a little cortaid into the area, or give him benedryl for a couple of days. If that doesn't help, you may need to vet to check. Feel the area for heat, hardness, etc, not just look for inflammation or a sore.

  • I had a red Basenji that had that problem pop up and would scratch right behind the shoulders too and would wear the fur away. I believe I determined it to be a food allergy.

  • If all else fails, a thyroid panel might be needed– but typically that is more base of and tail area, all-over etc.

Suggested Topics

  • Basenji like cats?

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    3
    1 Votes
    3 Posts
    2k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    Make sure you give him a very late snack so his stomach isn't empty. You may also want to try an acid reducer for a few months and see if that stops it. I don't do small meals, but I do 2 regular and 2 snacks because otherwise Cara throws up, often.
  • Shedding like crazy

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    4k Views
    serenjaneS
    @barklessk9: Zak is also shedding like crazy. :D He always blows his coat in February and occassionally in the summer,but usually not until Sept. I highly recommend the Furminator - it works great! Thank you so much. I bought a Furminator and it works great. I also bought the shampoo and daily spray. I also read an article which advises useing lanolin or a bit of olive oil on the coats of dogs that shed a lot. After several days it is supposed to help with the shedding.
  • Itching?

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    16
    0 Votes
    16 Posts
    4k Views
    L
    @MacPack: I would bathe her with a soothing non-irritating soap for starters. She may have contacted plants that are causing the itching and washing may help. HOpefully you can get some benadryl in the morning if she is still itching. When any of ours get a flea, they act like that so if you have a flea comb, I would try that as well. Good luck! yes flea combs do help with the itching. I have found the ones from JW to be pretty good
  • Vaccines & Pregnant Dogs

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    1
    0 Votes
    1 Posts
    1k Views
    No one has replied
  • Hydrocortizone spray for itching?

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    3k Views
    B
    @jenwilson: My basenji/whippet mix scratches alot too. I give her a children's benadryl (hidden in peanut butter) daily. It seems to help. She had an allergic reaction to something the Thursday before Christmas. We went to the vet on that Friday and got a steroid shot and pills. It rash cleared up overnight and hasn't returned. We still don't know what she is allergic too. The vet did suggest the benadryl and I would rather do that daily and hopefully not have to give her anymore steroids. Food allergy perhaps? We had that problem with one and it was anything with wheat flour in it. Little skin rashes or hot spots. I guess it could be any number of things.
  • Fanconi & Protocol

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    20
    0 Votes
    20 Posts
    8k Views
    RockysWomanR
    His vet appointment is in three weeks and I'm taking the AVA information on Fanconi syndrome with me. We've been very lucky with Rocky. He was a rescue and has become the best family dog. I know the breed is not known for being good with kids but he is so incredibly patient with my two children (3 and 6 months). He even helped teach my eldest to walk by leting her hold onto his shoulders while she toddled along. I'll keep you guys posted and let you know what's up. We've had him tested for kidney, liver, and renal failure in the past as well as chronic UTI and blood-bourne illness. Nothing… "perfectly healthy dog". We'll keep looking until we figure out what's wrong. Thanks for all the info!