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Ask the Veterinarian/My Doberman
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Question
I have a 7 year old Doberman. I read online that they do not live very long. I will be taking my dog to the Vet soon but I figured if I knew something to do for him now, it would help. He does not have flees or anything but he keeps biting at his fur. He somehow managed to mess with it so much, he tore some of the skin off and has a big red mark on his side. He bites at it and makes it bleed, so I put neosporn on it and taped it but he got it off. Now, he is biting some other places to, like his leg. Do you know what could possibly be wrong, or what I could do for him? I dont want him to be in pain but it dont seem like he is, if he was Id take him to the Vet right away. I just really dont know whats wrong with him. Thank you.
I would say he is in pain and intensely itching which is very uncomfortable. Any time a dog rips off his own skin he is in distress of some sort.
He probably has a flea allergy and can also be allergic to other things in the air which will make him itch and chew and dig at himself.
He needs to see a vet right away or he is going to get some secondary infections in his skin from chewing and from flies.
Some dobermans have lived to be 13-14 yrs old. That is the average age of a dog under 55 lbs but some breeds that are larger make it longer.
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Answers by Expert:
Jana Connell RVT, CVT
Expertise
PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!
Experience
I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.
Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).
Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.
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