Just went through the same
8/5/2019 at 10:35 AM
My bichon does have food allergies, lists of them. Only foods that work for her are PC nutritionists first dog foods, and crave (available at Superstore). No soy, corn, or gluten.
Treats are vital life treats (Walmart) and a beef jerky dog treat made with molasses from Superstore (can't remember the name, red and clear bag, all natural ingredients).
As for the raw itching, we actually had to get a cone for her. (Pet Valu) On the open wounds, and my bichon had several, I would wash wound with 1.5 cup warm water with 1/4 tsp sodium bicarbonate, 1/4 tsp salt, and a squirt of Dawn original dish soap (blue, used on wildlife after oil spill disasters). I would spray with Bactine after cleaning and air drying. Let air dry after Bactine, and then apply a thick layer of plain old Vasaline or fresh aloe vera plant (cut leaf lengthwise in thin layers, place sticky side down and bind leaf to injury. Walmart has some nice aloe vera plants for 7.98). Cover with gauze padding and gauze binding. Use Coban tape to close, it sticks to itself and my dog never had luck chewing through it. NextCare brand is available at Superstore. Or go to Home Health Care Pharmacy (by Dollar Tree).
Change twice a day. Wash with sodium bicarbonate solution. Any scabbing will come off with the Vasaline. Either Vasaline or Aloe Vera will keep the area from becoming overly itchy.
My Bichon's wounds were nasty smelling for the first 3 days. But by day 6 were closed enough to leave unbound and no cone. Still applied Vasaline and bathed with Sodium Bicarbonate solution once a day for about another 4 days. If skinny looks dry or scaly, apply a thin coat of vasaline or heavy moisturizing skin lotion.
Been 2 weeks since the wounds have closed, and my bichon's fur is starting to grow back. Rashes and wounds are all healed. No signs or any new ones.
Yes, you will have to bathe your dog a fair bit, Vasaline in sticky. I recommend using the Dawn blue dish soap for bathing your dog. Yes, the Coban tape is pricey and you will use a lot (cut it off with sissors). Yes, it does take time. No, Soduim bicarbonate solution does not sting. Yes, Bactine does sting. Yes, you will probably need to get a dog cone. Yes, the woulds will not look appealing. Yes, your dog may try to bite you, get over it or get a muzzle. Wounds hurt. By day 3 it will hurt a lot less a sd the dog will realize what you are doing is helping.
YES, people will say you are being mean. But if nothing else has worked, and you have tried the vet route, then this is what worked for my dog. Feel free to ask questions if you have any questions I haven't covered.
AND give your dog more attention. Walks, cuddle time, games.
Edited by AndreaD., 2019-08-05 10:37:34