Help with my pup!

I need some help with my little man, Lt. Dan. He's a little over 4 months old. When we first got him, it appeared as if he had really bad dandruff, but after a good warm bath, we didn't see any more signs of it. We've had him for a little over a month now and in the past week he has started scratching like a madman. He has scratched himself raw on the very top of his head and the base of his tail. I'm 99.9% sure it's not fleas, but what else could it be? I read somewhere that Corgis are prone to skin allergies from the types of dog food they eat. Is that true? I started washing him with puppy dandruff shampoo to see if that helps as well. Any suggestions? If I need to change up his diet, do you have any recommendations as to what kind of dog food I should get him? I feel so bad for him. I can tell he's been really uncomfortable, and if I can't figure out what's wrong with him I'm hoping to take him to the vet this week. Any help anyone can pass along to me would be greatly appreciated!!!

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Permalink Reply by Melissa and Franklin! on April 8, 2012 at 11:41pm

Its very possible it is demodex. This is a non-contagious (to humans) form of mange that puppies get from their mothers. When their immune system is stressed it starts to take over and make them really itchy. Since he is around teething age, teething could be enough of a stressor to put him over the edge. Demodex usually shows up around the face and rump. I'd take him to the vet to have him checked out just to be safe because it can be REALLY hard to get rid of if you don't catch it early.

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Permalink Reply by Chantelle Mills on April 8, 2012 at 11:54pm

Oh wow! Thank you. I'll get him into the vet this week. Is demodex something that could reoccur? Or with treatment, he won't ever get it again? Thanks for the info! I feel bad for the little guy. He scratched himself so much, his forehead started to bleed a little, and my three year old about had a fit. He panicked because "Loo has ouchie! Loo has ouchie!" We call him Loo for short, since my two little ones can't really say Lieutenant Dan. Lol

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Permalink Reply by Chris, Kadi & Brodie on April 10, 2012 at 2:55pm

My first thought was just like Melissa's--sounds like demodex. Better get him checked. I've seen dogs really suffer for a long time over this because the owner didn't treat it quick enough correctly.

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Permalink Reply by Ellen Andersen on April 10, 2012 at 6:50pm

Another possibility might be a flea allergy dermatitis....One of mine gets it, though it's on her belly. Even with the flea meds, fleas can still get on the pup and bite...they don't stay on, though. But the bite can cause an allergic reaction. Easier to deal with than demodex but you will be catching it early so that's great! Good luck at the vet and keep us posted! Smooches to Lt. Dan!