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You can\u2019t expect your Yorkshire to have long, shiny hair if the hair is growing out of itchy, inflamed skin. More important, your Yorkie is going to be uncomfortable. As your dog\u2019s largest organ, and most visible one, skin, and its problems, are nothing to dismiss.<\/p>\n
If your Yorkshire is scratching, chewing, rubbing, and licking, he may have allergies, perhaps to inhaled allergens, or things he comes in contact with, like foods or fleas. Unlike humans, where hay fever and other inhaled allergens typically cause sneezing, in dogs they more often cause itching. Food, too can cause allergies. Signs of allergies, are typically reddened itchy skin, particularly around the ears, eyes, feet, forelegs, armpits, and abdomen. The dog may scratch and lick, and rub his torso or rump on furniture or rugs.<\/p>\n
Allergens can be isolated with a skin test, in which small amounts of allergen extracts are injected under the skin, which is then monitored for reactions. Besides simply avoiding allergens, some treatments are available. The most common inhaled allergens are dander, pollen, dust, and mold. They are often seasonal. Signs most commonly appear between 1 and 3 years of age. Treatment includes antihistamines, glucocorticoids, and hyposensitization.<\/p>\n
The most common allergy among all dogs is flea injects under the skin whenever it feeds. Not only does it cause intense itching in that area but all over the dog, especially around the rump, legs, and paws. Even a single fleabite can cause severe reactions in allergic dogs. The cure? Get rid of fleas.<\/p>\n
Everybody has an occasional itch. But persistent itching, or itching accompanied by vigorous chewing or rubbing, or by inflamed or broken skin, is more than a casual itch. It\u2019s a sign of a skin problem, one that will only get worse. That\u2019s because itching and chewing further damage the skin, creating a swampy welcome center for bacteria to compound the initial problem.<\/p>\n
Yorkshires can itch for many reasons, so your best bet is to get your veterinarian\u2019s opinion. Meanwhile, you can try some home treatments. Start simple. Apply an ice pack to the affected area. Or for a larger area, try a cool-water dip, immersing the dog in water for ten minutes. Pat dry, avoiding blow-drying or vigorous rubbing.<\/p>\n
Bathing may give better results. But remember, any medicated shampoo must be in contact with the skin for at least ten minutes in order to be effective. And use cool water! Consider these products:<\/p>\n
After bathing, you may wish to apply one of the following topical sprays or ointments.<\/p>\n
In severe cases, bathing and topical applications may not be enough to give your puppy relief. Oral drugs and supplements may be helpful.<\/p>\n
Finally, try to get your Yorkshire\u2019s mind off the itch. Play some games, go for a walk, or give a treat that requires extensive chewing or working. If the scratching and biting continue, try covering his trunk with a little doggy T-shirt or his feet with doggie booties. An Elizabethan collar, available from your veterinarian and some pet supply stores, can prevent the pup from scratching his face and chewing parts of his body – but he\u2019ll despise wearing it!<\/p>\n
If itching continues, take your Yorkshire to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Severe itching may call for oral cortisone medication. This provides the most immediate and effective relief, and may be necessary in order to stat treating the condition. If your Yorkshire still has skin problems, consider consulting a veterinary dermatologist, which you can locate through the American College of Veterinary Dermatology at www.acvd.org\/public\/findaderm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
