Expert: Delores Beck - 6/28/2011

Question
We have had our dog, Murphy, for about 5 months. He is approximately 8 - 10yrs. old. He has terrible scratching all over.  On his rear hip area he has a bald spot that is black.  He has a lot of what looks like  is very heavy cradle cap. around the area.

Answer
I'd get your vet to run a thyroid test.  No big deal - just a blood draw but cockers are very prone to thyroid problems and it can cause skin issues.  If he is hypothyroid the medication (very inexpensive) daily will fix it all up.

I need more info about his skin.  What flea product do you use?  Are you bathing him?  How often?
Have you tried an antihistimine?  Other than the rear hip area, what does his skin look like?
Is his coat dry/flaky?  Does it have an odor?

What will give some relief is to give him an oatmeal soak.  Buy some Aveeno (comes in a box with packets of pure colloidal oatmeal).  Mix one packet in a full tub of warmish water and soak him for 10 minutes.  Do not rinse off.

I'd bath him first - then do the soak.  Use only warm water and finish with a cool rinse.
Rinse extremely well then rinse more!