Dog skin rash on groin, paws, back legs and belly

by Rob
(Barrhead, Alberta, Canada)

belly rash

Starting in January our 3 yr old shih tzu has developed a skin rash on his groin area and paws, it is down his back legs and onto his belly. The area hardly has any hair left from licking and us removing the matted fur.

We have tried a hypo allergenic food and treats and the rash continues, we have tried udder balm, olive oil, an oatmeal bath, baking soda bath, and we always use baby shampoo on him. The vet gave him a antibiotic and and an antihistamine which helped for a while but symptoms came back after the prescription was up. The oatmeal bath helped to for a couple days as well.

He always wants to lick his belly and paws. The rash is red skin with dark red spots, you can tell he is uncomfortable... We used to give him hamburger and rice cause he is kind of sensitive and would throw up and get diarrhea sometimes - that's why he is on the hypo diet. We have eliminated the hamburger and rice to see if it helps, but rash is as bad as ever.

He is an inside dog, and our house is always very clean. He does go outside to a fenced yard with grass but spends most time inside. There are no other pets in the house.

We are at odds as to what to do for him.

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Dog skin rash on groin, paws, back legs and belly

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My Online Vet Response for: Dog Rash on groin, paws, back legs and belly
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Rob,
Looking at the photo of your 3 year old male Shih Tzu's belly and hind legs, it appears that the 'rash' is mostly on the underside of his body. You stated that he always licks his belly and paws, I assume you mean the BOTTOM of his paws and not the top of his feet.

If you were located in a warmer climate and this started in the Spring or Summer, I would be suspicious of flea allergy or inhaled allergies. But considering you are in Canada, and when this started in January it was winter, I am more inclined to diagnose a contact allergy. And it is probably something in the house to which he has developed an allergy, since the outside was probably under snow in January.

If he had a food allergy, then the cortisone and anti-histamines would not have helped. Therefore, it must be something he is in contact with, either the laundry detergent that you use to wash his bedding, or carpet cleaner, or the carpet, or a piece of new furniture, or a wool blanket or something that he has been in contact with since December (since this started in January).

I suggest that you make him wear a cotton T-shirt at all times when he is inside. Bathe him with an oatmeal shampoo two times per week. If his skin is dry then use coconut oil to massage into his skin, and allow it to soak in for 2-3 hours, then wash it off with Dawn Dish Detergent and rinse well. Then give him a second shampoo with the oatmeal shampoo.

Use Rescue Remedy, diluted in Spring Water and put into a pump spray bottle to spray onto his feet, legs or anywhere that he is still able to chew while he is wearing the T-shirt. This may help to calm down his skin, and also to help calm him down to make him more comfortable. Use as often as needed. Do NOT apply ointments, as it will draw his attention to the area to make him lick it off even more.

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART TWO

My Online Vet Response for: Dog skin rash on groin, paws, back legs and belly PART TWO
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Rob,
Here is the rest of my response.

Since he has a 'sensitive' stomach and is prone to vomiting and diarrhea, I am hesitant to suggest a diet change. But he will need to have supplements and a more nutritious diet to help his skin to heal.

A holistic veterinarian would be able to help by doing a more in depth and detailed history and exam and by giving homeopathic remedies. Also, some of the problem may have been started by vaccinations. I advise NO vaccinations until he is completely healed. And when he is healed, I would worry that if he is given a 'booster' vaccination, it might trigger the problem all over again.

Click here to find a holistic veterinarian in your area. Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

hes improving
by: Rob

We took away a blanket made from synthetic material that he got around the time of it starting, and gave him a couple baths with oatmeal shampoo, it does seem to be improving... About how long should it take to heal provided this is the cause?

We also have him booked in with a naturopathic vet

My Online Vet Response for: Dog skin rash on groin paws back legs and belly
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Rob,
Sounds good so far. It should take about 2 weeks to clear up completely.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

P.S. If you've found this service or our web site helpful, please "Like" us by clicking the like button at the top of the left margin. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
- Dog Skin Conditions,
- Dog Itchy Skin,
- Dog Skin Rash,
- Dog Skin Allergies,
- Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Skin Rashes, Marks, Spots, Lesions & Patches (including itchy skin and mange) Section,
- Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Hair Loss Section

shih tzu NEW
by: Janene

Hi there, I also have a shih tzu boy who is about 2 1/2 and has got the same rash, inside legs, groin, arm pits, tummy and is red and pimpley, scaly where there is more fur and has a odour. He too, spends most of his time inside. I have taken him to the vet several times and he ends up on antibotics but it eventually comes back, we once had him on dry food from the vets for skin allergies but there was no change. So I too would like to hear about remedies or is this going to be an on going battle. Any ideas for my baby out there.

My Online Vet Response for: Dog skin rash on groin, paws, bck legs and belly NEW
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Janene,
Thanks for your question. I'm happy to help, but we only accept new questions from subscribers (the original question above was from a subscriber).
Please click here to sign up and submit your question and photos. I'll then get back to you right away at the bottom of your newly created web page.
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

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