My young GSD has been incredibly itchy, and has very sore armpits ( I think due to his scratching ), and the elbow calluses that the bigger dogs get, looks sore to, rather than just a tough area of skin. My older GSD also has had sore spots .

Have treated two months in a row with stronghold, just given second dose, hoping it's either mange or a flea allergy. Vet can't really specify what it is as dermatological problems are so varied. Just wondered has anyone else had a dog with these symptoms, and what did it turn out to be? Also if so, what treatment cured it. I did wonder if it is a flea allergy, as generally speaking I don't treat for fleas, unless it seems necessary. I think I will Stronghold them next summer as a matter of course and see if this stops the problem from happening.

Thanks
Kat

More likely it's an allergy? Are you giving him any dairy products or unusal diets etc. I don't know a lot about allergies myself, although there are plenty on here that do and I'm sure they'll be along soon.

I had a Husky with what sounds to be very like this (was found to be a contact allergy..detergents etc)
Anyway... cant say what it could be for yours...but
Masleb shampoo was brilliant!! cleared up outbreak within days :) dab it on leave for 5 mins or so then wash off.
(pm me if you want details)
HTH

Thanks for your replies.
On the food front, no changes at all. With regard to a contact allergy, I can't think of anything that has been done differently. However I will try the Malaseb, can't do any harm. Can you buy it off the shelf or do I have to go through the vet?

Many thanks for your help

Kat

Malaseb's prescription only, so you have to go through the vet.

my gsd boy had this we took him to the vet and after a lot of tests foud out it was an allergy to dust mites and pollen.at first the vet tested for e/d being a gsd with sore elbows.

Thanks all
Been to the vet, who has prescribed fuciderm. He said Malaseb was more for dry and flaky conditions. It seems to be clearing it up nicely. Also he recommended Aloe Vera to supplement as it is a natural product that will help both skin and coat. Anyone used Aloe Vera, and what do you think of it?

Bek - how do you cope with an allergy to dustmites and pollen???

Kat

for the pollen i dont do anything as the pollen he reacts to has such a short life span there is not time to do any thing.
for the dust mites my dogs sleep on a single duvet so i have brought a anti dust mite duvet i also have to keep any areas he is in as dust free as i can so i hover 3 times a day but with 3 gsds and all wood flooring it isnt easy. when he does have a reaction i have to bath him in epi-sooth shampoo all it really does is keep him comftable.i also keep all food in airtight containers

Wow