Expert: Jannie Balliett - 6/24/2009

Question
I have a 2 yr old male boxer who started scratching excessively,way more than usual.He scratches to the point of bleeding.He has what looks like open wounds on the base of his ears and a rash under his neck.could look like insect bites too,but he does not have fleas.he is up to date on all his vaccines. What can I give him to stop the itching. tried cortisone spray,oatmeal shampoo,benadryl,his energy level has also decreased,doesnt want to eat like he used too.I did change his food can this be causing his allergies. I feed him "natural recipe" without corn. dont know what else to do. any help is greatly appreciated - thank you

Answer
Andy,

This is a case that the owner has done everything right and nothing works.

It is time to take him to the vet.

If it's insect bites, there are medicines that will counteract and meds that will help him heal, as well as cortisones for the itch and any swelling.

If the vet says that it is insect bites, then be sure to check your yard for what kind it is: ants, etc. and be sure to treat the area and rid yourself of the initial problem so it doesn't keep happening.

Let me know what your vet says.