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Expert: - 3/15/2011


Question
My Maltese is 7 years old.  We used to live in California and currently residing in Bulgaria for the past two years.  She never had any problems in California.  Every time I give her a bath, she starts itching like crazy, her skin gets really red and she begins breathing very heavy.  It usually last for several days and she develops skin irritations and scabs.  I have tried changing shampoos but haven't seen any changes even with the expensive sensitive skin shampoos.  We were told by vets that it is her anal glands, diet, change in climates etc.  I was thinking it was the shampoo residue but have tried rinsing her really well.  I am so desperate to help my sweet doggy.

Answer
It sounds like there is something in the water that isn't agreeing with her skin. Could be a mineral in it that is irritating her skin. If it isn't the shampoos etc then I would suspect something in the water.

I would cut back on bathes to no more than two a month and use only bottled water and see how she reacts to that.

I have no clue why a vet would think that her anal glands would make her break out in a rash or irritate her skin like that.

The change in climate etc could cause changes but not if you have been there two years already.

You can try to give her a Benadryl before you bather her as well and see if that helps any.

That is about all I can think of. Sounds like an allergic reaction to something for sure.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

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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!

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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.

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Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

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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!).

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Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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