Scratching...

[BabyElephant]

Poppy scratched her head last night until it bled I didn't think she was scratching that much, she makes these funny noises when she is scratching and I heard her doing it but didn't think much of it. Then I let her out to potty before bed and when she came back in I saw this fresh blood on her head... oh my poor baby.

[Dax]

Poor girl... hugs from Canada

[GSDNewbie]

was it near her ears?

[BabyElephant]

No, it was on her forehead - why do you ask?

[lovemelovemedog]

Poor Poppy. Give her a big kiss and a cuddle from me.

[GSDNewbie]

if it were around her ears would have possible ear infection or mites was just wondering why she was scratching, I take it she has skin allergies? or it was just an out of the blue scratching? i only ask because of the noises and scratching till bled my sisters lil dog used to do this till i started treating it for allergies.

[BabyElephant]

GSDNewbie, I just read my original post and I made it sound like she scratches a lot didn't I? No, she doesn't have skin allergies, she scratches occasionally when she's got an itch (just like us humans ) and she always makes funny chewbaka noises when she does it! I was surprised that she'd bled because that has never happened before and the thought did enter my mind that perhaps her platlets had dropped again but I've checked and I can't see any other bruising/bleeding (I have to check everyday anyway) so perhaps her nails were a bit sharp and she scratched a little too much.

What did you do to treat your sister's dog's allergies?

[GSDNewbie]

I bathed her in tar shampoo regualrly put cortizone on her hot spots and fed her a different diet. This is a dog that would be in terrible distress making the oddest noises and scratching and have bleeding sores if i didnt get it under control <1 i was learning grooming and junior handling age 14> I was going to beg that my parentsput her dog down out of its misery it was that bad! I just kept it clipped short and took care of its needs full time and she was okay then. Its okay I was asking because I was not aware of Poppy's heath conditions just knew some existed.

[BabyElephant]

Ouch, that does not sound nice - good that you could help her though

Originally Posted by GSDNewbie

Its okay I was asking because I was not aware of Poppy's heath conditions just knew some existed.

OK, here's a potted health history for you in case you are interested - I did think that Poppy was starting to get allergies last year although the vet never verified this. She had a skin infection and lost a lot of fur (never had hot spots), then a few months later she had an ear problem which I managed to clear up, then she got conjunctivitis a couple of months after that which was treated but then turned in to constant runny eyes. The vet (not our regular one) said the runny eyes was because she was sleeping in a draught which was rubbish. So I did some research and went down the raw feeding route with some help from Dobified I also donated all her dog biscuits and treats (which contained additives) to the local rescue and now only feed her additive free treats or make my own biscuits (this is thanks to Dax who sent me two wonderful recipe books and some great cookie cutters ) The runny eyes stopped once I'd stopped giving her stuff with additives in and her fur and skin is in great condition (apart from this little incident!)

Now the only health problem we have to sort is her blood problem (hopefully not long to go before she gets spayed) and whether or not her hips have issues... my mother-in-law said to me the other day "I bet you wished you'd got a puppy from another breeder now don't you" - nope, I love Poppy to bits no matter what, she is my baby

[GSDNewbie]

fantastic answer LOL

nope, I love Poppy to bits no matter what, she is my baby

i think you nailed the food allergies on the head there!! I wish you well with the tests!!