Tucker has skin problems?!

[CJW]

So, I have a six year old golden retriever named Tucker. He is adorable and he is my baby(: But he gets very itchy. I've noticed this before ... bubt recently it has gotten so bad that he can't stop scratching! He does it all the time and he does it everywhere! It is SO bad that he itches until he makes himself bloody. He is giving himself sores!!!!!!!!!! He always seems so irrittated! We have changed his food a few times ~ trying to see if it was a food alergy and it didn't help! If anyone knows anything, please reply ASAP!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!

[Moostang]

Any hair loss? Have you had a vet look at him to see if it is possibly mange?

[CJW]

Well, he doesn't loose hair anywhere except where he itches/licks on his sores because those are the spots he continuously licks.

[CJW]

What's mange?

[Moostang]

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/mange1.html

[Bellabianca]

Sounds like maybe hotspots? Also goldens can be a little....obsessive (I can say it 'cause I have one). He could be obsessively licking and causing lick granulomas. But that is more unusual, I think.

[CJW]

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bosley Slave]

I'd really encourage you to get a allergy screening done at your vets.

[weezyNollie]

It sounds like allergies to me..

Couple of things to do:

Oatmeal Shampoo Baths

See a vet to get a recommendation
-they will first tell you food trial, which means a novel protein diet (not chicken, beef, lamb)
-prescribe an antihistamine for the itching (such as hydroxyzine)
-if the spots that are now sores are infected possibly some antibiotics (cephalexin most likely), and even possibly prednisone if there is major inflammation

My mom's dog is an allergy dog, and as soon as she cuts back on the antihistamine she starts to scratch again. She did notice a change when cutting out cheese in her diet, but the dog is probably allergic to environmental things too.

Good luck.

[CJW]

Thanks Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!