[Swiffer]

Hi,

I just found this site 2 days ago when I was researching the Maltese breed. I have already learned so much.

I have a Cockapoo named Pookie who is 7 years old. A month of go we lost our other 6 year old Cockapoo named Latte to pancreatitis. It happened suddenly out of the blue and even though she spent the week in the hospital, when she came home she never would eat and was bleeding internally so we had to have her put to sleep. :smcry:We miss her so much.

Sunday on a whim my husband and I stopped by the Humane Society and instantly feel in love with a 5-7 month old Maltese who had been there a week and had been picked up as a stray. He was so matted. But what a big personality! So we adopted him and his name is Swiffer.

I need help. He has been groomed very,very short due to his matted hair and went to the vet yesterday and was neutered and had an extra tooth pulled. He had ear mites and is being treated for that. BUT he is scratching, licking and biting himself to the point it seems obsessive/compulsive. In the middle of anything he is doing he has to stop and scratch. What can I do? Poor guy, he must be so miserable.

Thanks,
Sherrie

 

[Cosy]

Poor little guy and how lucky is he to have a new home and people who care. He may be scratching due to being cut down as the clippers can cause skin irritation. If there are signs of fleas this needs tending to also. A nice bath in a soothing shampoo such as an organic oatmeal may help temporarily alleviate itching/scratching. Also, make certain he is on a good premium dog kibble as he might be allergic to the food.
Welcome to SM!

 

[Miss_Annie]

I have no advice, but :Welcome 3:

 

[iheartbisou]

Poor little guy and how lucky is he to have a new home and people who care. He may be scratching due to being cut down as the clippers can cause skin irritation. If there are signs of fleas this needs tending to also. A nice bath in a soothing shampoo such as an organic oatmeal may help temporarily alleviate itching/scratching. Also, make certain he is on a good premium dog kibble as he might be allergic to the food.
Welcome to SM!

Good advice here!

Welcome to SM!!

You can also try to give him a little Omega 3 oil on his kibble or add a bit of coconut oil, as they're good for the skin/hair etc. Also you can apply coconut oil directly on the coat as a moisturizer. I use it as a hair serum before a bath (for both me and my dog).

 

[coco]

Poor little guy and how lucky is he to have a new home and people who care. He may be scratching due to being cut down as the clippers can cause skin irritation. If there are signs of fleas this needs tending to also. A nice bath in a soothing shampoo such as an organic oatmeal may help temporarily alleviate itching/scratching. Also, make certain he is on a good premium dog kibble as he might be allergic to the food.
Welcome to SM!

Welcome! Good advice Brit gives you.

I had a Maltese with a food allergy, and it started out the same as what you describe. The allergy specialist said to put him on food which dogs don't normally eat. He recommended venison and potato food. His scratching and chewing on himself stopped within a week or so. We only bathed him in oatmeal shampoo as Brit said. He was allowed NO treats, as they contain things which could cause an allergic reaction. If he had a treat, it was part of a baked potato. If this continues, before you go the allergy testing, etc, which is quite expensive, I'd take him to a vet who specializes in allergies. It can save you loads of money in the long run, and you'll get better results. We waited too long, unfortunately. Good luck, and I hope he gets better quickly! You are so kind to take in your little rescue!

I don't know in what part of Texas you are, but if you are close to Dallas, there is an excellent vet hospital of specialists!

Good luck!

 

[Swiffer]

Welcome! Good advice Brit gives you.

I had a Maltese with a food allergy, and it started out the same as what you describe. The allergy specialist said to put him on food which dogs don't normally eat. He recommended venison and potato food. His scratching and chewing on himself stopped within a week or so. We only bathed him in oatmeal shampoo as Brit said. He was allowed NO treats, as they contain things which could cause an allergic reaction. If he had a treat, it was part of a baked potato. If this continues, before you go the allergy testing, etc, which is quite expensive, I'd take him to a vet who specializes in allergies. It can save you loads of money in the long run, and you'll get better results. We waited too long, unfortunately. Good luck, and I hope he gets better quickly! You are so kind to take in your little rescue!

I don't know in what part of Texas you are, but if you are close to Dallas, there is an excellent vet hospital of specialists!

Good luck!

I'm in Fort Worth. Could you tell me where this hospital is located?

Thanks everyone for making me feel welcome and your advice.

 

[maltlovereileen]

Welcome.... I agree that it sounds like it could be a food allergy, but just wondering if this itching was happening before as well or just since the grooming?

 

[Swiffer]

Welcome.... I agree that it sounds like it could be a food allergy, but just wondering if this itching was happening before as well or just since the grooming?

He was trying to scratch and bite around his tail/bottom area from the time we got him. But he was so matted in that area that he didn't do it as much. He scratched at his ears too. But since being groomed on Tuesday it's much worse.

We love this little guy! He has endless energy, prances when he walks, he can jump so high, and he is fearless!! I wish I could bottle his energy.

Pookie is still not sure how to take him. Swiffer tries so hard to get her to play but Pookie is a very cautious dog so she's still unsure of all that puppy love.

 

[Silkmalteselover]

:Welcome 1: Sherrie So glad you have joined SM.. What did the vet recommend for fleas? Does Swiffer have flea prevention on? Biting near the tail sounds like fleas.. or maybe worms. It could be a combination of fleas, ear mites and the fresh extra short hair cut. But the constant biting, scratching does sound most like a food allergy. We love pictures here.. and are so glad you rescued this precious baby.

 

[Swiffer]

The vet put revolution on him. He also did a fecal test for worms.

I'm going to buy him some food today. What is a good food for allergies?

I love this site by the way! This is a great community!!

 

[edelweiss]

Welcome!::welcometosm:
One more idea to check out: did the vet empty the anal glands? Sometimes this causes biting around the tail area (not just scooting on the bottom).
We look forward to a good solution w/you!

 

[Bailey&Me]

I also agree that he may have a food allergy or fleas...but I'm wondering if the biting and scratching at his bottom means he may have to get his anal glands expressed? I'm not sure but just a thought...maybe your vet could check for that when you take Swiffer in. Congrats on adopting him...he sounds like a wonderful (and lucky) little guy!

 

[Cheri]

Poor baby! SO glad you rescued him and so glad you found us!! These people are amazing and will help as much as possible!

 

[Snowbody]

:Welcome 1: Sherrie - Don't have any advice but I'm so glad you found us and thank you so much for adopting Swiffer -- I just love that name as I love Swiffer products I know you're going through a rough patch but I'm sure this will be figured out soon and little Swiffer will just be a happy, non-itching bundle of joy. I'm sorry about Latte and hope that Pookie comes around. I just takes time.

 

[Swiffer]

I've read up on extra virgin coconut oil and I'm going to start giving the dogs a little each day. They just had their first dose and they LOVE IT! I'm hoping it helps with Swiffer's itching.

Here's one article I read.


Numerous benefits of coconut oil for pets have been reported and the growing evidence is impressive. According to Dr. Bruce Fife, certified nutritionist and naturopathic doctor, coconut oil gently elevates the metabolism, provides a higher level of energy and vitality, protects you from illness, and speeds healing. In dogs, the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil balance the thyroid, helping overweight dogs lose weight and helping sedentary dogs feel energetic. As a bonus, coconut oil improves any dog's skin and coat, improves digestion, and reduces allergic reactions.*

Fed regularly to pets, coconut oil may have multiple benefits:

Skin Conditions
Clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis, and itchy skin
Reduces allergic reactions and improves skin health
Makes coats become sleek and glossy, and deodorizes doggy odor
Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including candida
Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing
Applied topically, promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings

Digestion
Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
Aids healing of digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis
Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs
Aids in elimination of hairballs and coughing

Immune System, Metabolic function, Bone health
Contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents that prevent infection and disease
Regulates and balance insulin and promotes normal thyroid function
Helps prevent or control diabetes
Helps reduce weight, increases energy
Aids in arthritis or ligament problems

 

[mfa]

welcome, your baby is so cute!!

 

[Nikki's Mom]

Welcome!

Coconut oil is awesome!