Rash - Bichon Frise

[bunnybaby]

Please can anyone give me some advice!
Our 5 year old Bichon developed a rash in June 2008. We have taken him to the vets for test and a couple of hundred pounds in medication. A year down the line the rash is still here. I have tried cutting out foods, but it still appears. It's got so bad, I have thought of given him a tiny drop of Pirton, just to stop the itching and to give him a chance for the wounds to heal.

[Schutzengel]

You should never give human medication to an animal. For instance 1 aspirin will kill a cat. Do you keep the dog's Frontline applications against flea and tick infestation at the regular 4 week intervals, up to date. If an animal is susceptible, it only takes 1 flea to set up the irritation and rash. It probably would be better to consult the vet again.

[carmalee]

It maybe is not even something he's eating - he may be allergic to a cleaning product or a material - I lived overseas for years and there was a well known condition amongst dogs known colloquially as 'parquet floor mouth' - the outer lips used to get inflammed and crusty - it was from lying on the cool wooden floors which had been polished with a commercial product. As soon as the dog went onto another surface for a while all was well. Allergies are a wretched thing to deal with but you just have to keep racking your brain I'm afraid. It's interesting that the dog was fine until last year though. Hope it works out.

[bunnybaby]

I buy a years supply of Frontline. There are six in a pack. I also buy a years supply of worming tablets. Should I be using Frontline every month instead of two, as instructed by the vets? Could he be allergic to the Frontline medication? Thank you for your advice. I will start using Frontline every month and keep my fingers x .

[bunnybaby]

I use flash cleaning products on our wooden floors, maybe this is causing him so much stress! I will try changing products. Thank you.

[Schutzengel]

Hi Bunny, I pleased you received some good suggestions. I use Frontline for my 3 cats, and used to for my dog who unfortunately now has gone the big kennel in the sky at 16 yrs old. I don't have the packet any longer for the dog Frontline, but on my packet for the cats it does say, every 4 weeks. I think perhaps you could check on the packet you have, and perhaps also have a word with your vet, about the recommended frequency of application. As for washing your wood flooring, you could try 'Stardrops' which is soap based (and very good), instead of the flash which has chemicals in it. I do hope you manage to solve the problem for your little dog, particularly as the itching must be so uncomfortable. Best wishes. Schutz.

[bunnybaby]

Schutz Hi, I haven't heard of 'Stardrops' before. But I will be searching on Google. I will telephone vets and ask about Frontline being used every 4 weeks. Thank you so much for your advice. Take care

[Jan1957]

My bichon had problems for years with skin problems. Unfortunately it is something the breed is prone to. A friend told me to try tea tree oil shampoo and lotion and this had an amazing difference! He was on prednisilone from the vet which was a steriod, but after trying the tea tree oil we were able to take him off the tablets. He still had the occasional flare up in the summer, as the heat seems to affect it, but overall the tea tree oil was brilliant.

[bunnybaby]

We have been using shampoo that the vets recommended, but to no avail! Vets informed us to bath him twice a week, then once a week. The vets also recommeded us to use eardrops once a week to wash the ears. I have 100% Tea Tree Oil that I use on my son's hair, to help prevent catching fleas. Would this be the same as the Tea Tree Oil that you recommended? I will go to my Local Health Shop and have a look at the shampoo products they have. Thank you for your kind advice.

[Jan1957]

You can buy a dog shampoo with tea tree oil in it but the other products we used were from The Body Shop. As long as they are pure tea tree oil and have no additives they should be fine.

Hope things improve. I lost my bichon 3 years ago but have recently been thinking of getting another. They really have a character all of their own.

[Clanad]

Kinda late to the discussion, but we have a Zuchon, which is a cross between a Shih-Tzu and the Bichon. The little dog (primarily Mrs. C's) is a lot more Bichon than Shih-Tzu or so it seems to me.
She's also experienced some skin rash, Just as Jan1957 says, it does seem to be part of the breed, especially the pink skinned ones. But, after visiting with our trusted vet (we're in the U.S., by the way) and doing due diligence I arrived at the solution being almost entirely diet related.
First, we got rid of the bagged, supposedly high quality dry dog food and replaced it with a raw diet. We use only raw beef, lamb or fish with occasional organ food (kidneys, heart or liver). We also use cooked bones (beef) as well as some semi-cooked vegetables.
Next, remembering my Dad's dogs and his health remedies for them, we used some Vitamin E, C, Brewer's yeast and Fish oils with Omega 3 and 6. fatty acids. Additionally probiotic, which can be purchsed at health food stores or simply feeding some yougurt each day, which she loves (unflavored is best).
Finally, on a hunch we also began giving bottled spring water...quite cheap at the grocery store, instead of tap water whcih in our home is softened.
I realize this seems work intensive, but it really isn't andthe results have been a complete elimination of any itching or rash. She's a much happier little dog. It even contributed to house training, which is difficlut with this breed.

At any rate, here's a good source for information:

http://www.bichonhealth.org/

Good luck!