Skin issue help!

[aksteimer]

Hello! We bought my French Bulldog from a breeder in December. After having her for a few weeks we noticed she was covered in red bumps, scratching uncontrollably, and lost almost all of her hair. We took her to the vet to find out she was born with Demodex (I think that is how it is spelled, sorry) The vet gave her a shot and had us give her 2 pills of cephalexin daily. This slowly brought her hair back and reduced the bumps, I think she had a total of 5 shots. The vet had us stop the treatments bc he said she should be al better. Shortly after we stopped the scratching and red bumps returned, this time he said it was allergies. We look at pet dermatologists and realized we did not have that type of money ( So very expensive!) We did some research online on how to help. We changed her food, our laundry detergent, her shampoo, etc but she still scratches especially behind her ears and on the sides of her mouth and she always likes her paws. Often times her face an behind her ears bleed. All of this is going on while we still have her on cephalexin bc it prevents her from losing hair it seems but the moment we stop giving it to her she gets the red bumps and is very itchy again. Has this happened to anyone, or do you know of anything that might help? We just feel so bad for her and we want her at ease! Thank you so much

 

[Tgirl]

What food were you giving her and what food are you giving her now? How long has she been on the new food, and does she get anything else? Treats, etc?

 

[aksteimer]

She is currently being fed Fromme brand food, the vet suggested it bc it is grain free, she was previously eating Blue Buffalo I believe. The treats are also a grain free brand which I don't know at the moment. She has been on the new for for 2 months now.

 

[Kris Thomas LaBounty]

We see a dermatologist so I know all about the expense. Other things you can do is give a Benedryl a couple times a day. I also give my dog Apoquel. Your regular vet maybe able to get Apoquel for you. It's always on back order and they only release limited supplies to a vet based upon who he's treated but ask if they can get it. It's kind of expensive too but helps. I use Vetericyn VF (veterinary formula) for the hot spots. The vet will try and give you stuff with steroids in it and it will thin the skin over a period of time, the Vetericyn won't hurt the dog at all and works well. You can order regular Vetericyn yourself but the VF (veterinary formula) is best and needs to be ordered by a vet. I think I pay about $50 for a big spray bottle but it is so worth it, a miracle spray. My dog gets a weekly bath in a shampoo I get from the vet it's Chlorhexidine based. We leave it on for 10 mins before rinsing. That also helps.It kills bacteria ans soothes the skin. Remember, no fabric softener either and make sure everything is scent free. I feel for ya!

 

[2bullymama]

She is currently being fed Fromme brand food, the vet suggested it bc it is grain free, she was previously eating Blue Buffalo I believe. The treats are also a grain free brand which I don't know at the moment. She has been on the new for for 2 months now.

Which Fromm? She might be allergic to the protein source.... My girl is allergic to chicken, so I feed Pork and Peas