I have a chihuahua puppy, less than 3 months old. He can't seem to get comfortable while sleeping, and he rubs his nose a lot, along with chewing on his paws. But the biggest thing is he's dug a sore open tonight and it's oozing clear liquid out, and he yelps and cries any time he scratches or i try to get a look at his skin. I've been giving him baths daily. And I made him a shirt out of a sock (Because it's cold outside for him) and I'm using that sock to keep him from scratching it now.
But I'm wondering, is there anything i can do for him to ease his pain or itching here at home? (It's the weekend and no vet within possible distance is open right now, or tomorrow).
Paw chewing and skin irritations can indicate a food allergy. I would try another food that doesn't have common allergens such as corn, wheat, soy, and chicken. duck and sweet potato is a good one to try. If that doesn't alleviate the problem it could be environmental, such as the carpeting. If it does you can try an elimination diet or go to the vet for testing to see just what he is allergic to. As for his sore, you will have to address it. i would wash it and cover with non stick sterile gauze till he can be seen. This will hopefully help keep it clean and infection free.
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** Edit to ad, sorry, i missed the flea allergy. It could be food if the flea allergy was resolved. If you have a known flea allergy you could call a vet service (I understand you said its too far to drive) and ask if they could give you a dosing for benedryl and if it is safe for a puppy that young. Could help him get through the weekend.
You could take him to an emergency center for pets (had to go there on Wednesday) . It sounds like this situation needs immediate attention, so that may be the best thing to do.
Stop the daily baths. His skin has probably been dried out and he now needs a really good conditioner to get some moisture back into it . If it is cold where you live and you have the heat turned on already, that will add to drying his skin out. Keeping a sock on him so he can't do further damage by scratching is a good idea. Refurbish is a good remoisturizer but I don't know if it is sold in pet stores or just to groomers. Buddy Wash has a nice conditioner but that, too, may not be available. If they are not available, just try anything your pet store has and be sure to leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes and keep your dog wrapped in a towel so it doesn't get cold. Don't over rinse it either. Bathing once a week shouldn't be a problem if you are using a gentle shampoo and by that I don't mean a baby shampoo. They are not that gentle. A shampoo with a condition in it would be best.
First stop bathing him everyday you will not be helping but probably making it worse.. If he has caused sores he must be in terrible irration and pain. He needs to see a vet you can't wait till monday. most vets do 24 hour emerency service. Eevn if you have to travel to a vet you need to do it . Bathing dogs does get rid of fleas you need to get something from your vet especailly as he is only a 3 month old chihuahau so want be very big so you need to be careful not to overdose him. And as he now has opens sores a product that will be safe. So find a vet now.
