A tingling terrier and a hacking hound

Dear Dr. Forsythe: Our two-year-old terrier mix Reggie has a bad skin problem and I was hoping you could recommend a shampoo that would help clear things up.  His skin is all red and broken out around his back end and he chews it constantly.  We gave him a bath two times using baby shampoo because it is supposed to be mild, but the bath turned into a disaster.  The shampoo must have hurt his skin because he jumped out of the tub before I could rinse the suds off all the way and he went crazy after that.  I finally got most of it off, but since then he looks even worse.

I don’t know if this was an allergy or the problem started from fleas.  I don’t put flea medicine on him because I don’t like chemicals or toxins on my pets (But I would consider something now that his skin is so red and raw looking).  Do you think this is my fault because I didn’t rinse the shampoo off completely?  Or could something else be causing the problem? Your advice will be really appreciated.

– Marilyn, Temelec

Dear Marilyn: It sounds like Reggie came into contact with something that didn’t agree with him, be it fleas or a shampoo that bothered his skin.  I’m betting that since his skin was upset before you left the suds on him, fleas are probably to blame.  If I were you, I’d rethink this notion about being wary of harmful toxins on your pet – because in my opinion products used today such as Frontline are much safer and healthier for your pet than allowing them to suffer from anemia or flea bite dermatitis.  Regarding Reggies’ bath, he may be one of those dogs that just doesn’t enjoy getting wet and wild.  Maybe he would do better with a professional grooming and a dog appropriate shampoo such as Allergroom, Episoothe, Etiderm, or other hyposensitive soap-free product. The pH of a dog’s skin is slightly different than yours, so while your intentions were good, the baby shampoo may have contributed to the irritation on Reggies’ skin.  You could check with your veterinarian about the best combination therapy to help alleviate all of Reggie’s symptoms: a safe appropriate shampoo, a soothing leave-in conditioner, and a monthly flea preventative to eliminate ecto-parisites.  I’m sure Reggie will feel better if you take these steps to keep his skin healthy and less prickly. – Dr. F.

Dear Dr. Forsythe: My son has recently gotten strep throat.  Our dog also has a cough.  Is there any chance the dog gave the strep to our son?  Should I also have our dog tested?

– Shelly, Sonoma

Dear Shelly: Humans do not contract strep throat from house pets.  You do not have to worry that your son contracted this germ from the family dog.  Hopefully with the appropriate culture, your child’s pediatrician was able to provide suitable antibiotics and your son is getting better.  I would hope that the pediatrician would also be able to curtail any fears you might have about possible zoonoses from your pet.  It is rare for animals to transmit bacterial infections to humans, especially upper respiratory infections.  I would recommend that you have your dog checked out by the family veterinarian though, for the cough.  Many things can cause a cough in a dog, including heart disease, heartworm disease, and a myriad of lung infections as well as cancer.  Getting your dog checked out would be a wise idea.

– Dr. F