General problems

[Whivit]

Well... there are a bunch of problems with my dog. Basic information--she's a mutt (golden retriever / irish setter sort of, no specifics but that's what she looks like), 7 years old and we've never had any problems with her till now, got pregnant at 1 and is spayed.

Now, a few months ago she developed a... wound? on her cheek. We brought her to the vet and he said she was constantly scratching it (we never saw it, but whatever), and prescribed antibiotics. We had to keep giving them to her for a month till it went away.

Now again, she has an even bigger wound all over the bottom of her face (under her jaw). The vet said it could be due to stress, that she's scratching and it caused the wound to develop or something? (Oh, and she's on antibiotics + steroids now, no fun giving her pills.)
In general, she's not a stressed dog at all. However, recently (VERY recently, just... from last week, maybe), she appears very scared and timid while in my room, trying to hide under my desk or behind my TV desk, wherever. She's never done this before, and it might have been started by the constant fireworks on purim (jewish holiday), but there've been fireworks before so that doesn't really make sense, plus there haven't been fireworks since then.

I... don't really know how to help her overcome her timidity, other than being very nice and supportive--I'm always like that, though, no one could possibly love their dog more than I love mine. The main problem is the wounds that she keeps causing to herself. Any advice?

 

[iwantmypup]

Hi, Welcome!!

Hmm. I actually don't know, I'm really sorry I can't be of more help, but I hope everything turns out okay. I'm sure somebody else can help you out.

Good luck!

-Ali

 

[Storee's Mom]

Hot spot?

http://www.thepetcenter.com/exa/hotspots.html

They can be tricky to treat, if that's what it is. We usually start with an antibacterial scrub and total blow dry of the area, then use a range of cream/spray/gel depending on the sore. Diet can be a factor, I know my guys get them more if they have too much grain in the diet, so usually I avoid grains during the summer months.

Lana

 

[rangersmom]

Hi,
I think that I would look at her diet. I would avoid grains and other potential allergens. Look at the label of what you feed and if there are colours or preservatives. Try to find a food with good simple ingredients. I like Go Natural Salmon for skin issues. It has just salmon, oatmeal, canola oil.
I had a golden with major skin problems and this helped Utah( 17 when he passed to the great golden puppy park)
Sometimes the anxiety goes along with being uncomfortable with allergy itches.

 

[Whivit]

Yeah, it looks like a hot spot, thanks! I'm most interested in preventing more from happening, since I'm pretty sure the antibiotics and steroids will do the trick. We can try different dog foods, I'll talk to my mom about that, and maybe more consistent grooming... hmm.

This did happen on her face though, I don't know how I'd groom her there. I mean, it'd be rather uncomfortable for me to brush... her face. Any advice on how to uh, prevent them, other than food and grooming?