Red Skin Around Mouth?

Looks like the fur is really thin around her mouth and it's very red. I plan on taking her to a vet sometime next week to have it checked out but just wondering if anyone has had anything like this on their pups before. She also has been having gross eye boogers. :-/ Not matted closed or anything but just gooey yellowish eye gunk.
I'm thinking allergies??

Any similar problems/suggestions to try in the meantime until we can get her to a vet?

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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on October 28, 2012 at 7:58am

Hi Leah, I'm going to guess mange since there is no photo. You are right, your area is on the extreme scale for allergies this week, vacuum the house, change your central filter, turn on your humidifier at home, keep a wet towel next to the door, wipe down your pup before you come in each time. good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Cheryl Nickel on October 28, 2012 at 9:06am

Good morning Leah!

My English Setter, Chelsea exhibited the same symptoms a couple of weeks ago. A trip to the vet resulted in a diagnosis of allergies. She prescribed prednisone & hydroxyzine, and Chelsea was much better within just a few days. We are watching her closely now, since she has finished the prescribed medicines. Good luck & keep us posted!

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Permalink Reply by Appa and Iroh on October 28, 2012 at 12:11pm

thanks you guys, I think i'm going to try to take her to the vet this week for sure. I'll update when I find out what's up. And I'll try to post some photos later so you can see what i'm talking about.

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Permalink Reply by Appa and Iroh on October 29, 2012 at 4:45pm

UPDATE: Took Appa to the vet today and Sam, you were right--it's "Red Mange" aka "Demodicosis". Apparently it's not too uncommon in puppies and is caused by a type of mite. The vet suggested changing her heart worm preventative from hartgard to Advantage Multi and she gets it once every two weeks instead of the regular once a month heart worm preventative.
The vet said she expected this will clear it all up and Appa shouldn't need to see her about it again unless it doesn't clear up.

These mites/type of mange is not transferable to people or other dogs. And the vet assured me that all dogs have certain mites (including these) and they live in equilibrium with them most of the time. Sometimes the mites just gain the upper hand--some upset to the equilibrium has occurred but can usually be corrected. So yeah--just some info for anyone who might have the same issues going on.

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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on October 29, 2012 at 6:42pm

excellent, get well soon Appa!

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Permalink Reply by Cheryl Nickel on October 30, 2012 at 9:49am

I am so glad you provided us with this information. If I have to take Chelsea back to the vet because her inflammation has returned, I will ask about this. If it wouldn't be too much trouble, would you be able to post a picture?

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Permalink Reply by Appa and Iroh on October 30, 2012 at 11:03am

Sure thing, Cheryl--no problem. Appa's is kind of bald looking, a little scabby and red. The vet said in cases where it's localized (not all over the body) it's usually around the mouth or eyes:

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Permalink Reply by Appa and Iroh on October 30, 2012 at 11:05am

you can look up pictures of "localized demodicosis" and probably get a clearer picture offline, I don't have the best camera on hand.

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Permalink Reply by Cheryl Nickel on October 31, 2012 at 9:30am

Leah, I can't thank you enough!! Chelsea's was all around her mouth from corner to corner, between her nose & her upper lip & below her lower lip. As I was taking her to the vet in the car (she's very polite in the car and lays down in the passenger seat), I noticed some inflammation around one of her eyes as well. I will definitely mention this to my vet when we go back, as I am sure we will.....I looked at Chelsea again this morning & she is indeed starting to inflame again. Thank you, thank you, thank you!