Doctor,
I took my dog down the dump road after reading Tom Plattenberger's essay lately. My husband and I were lucky enough not to get chiggers. But my 14-pound 13-year-old dachshund did! She's been washed in soapy hot water but not until one day later when I noticed her scratching. We ourselves have also washed our clothes and linens and still no signs of chiggers on us.
Is there something I can ask for at a Vet's down here to treat/kill the chiggers and/or relieve her itching?
Regards,
Mary in San Pancho
Mary,
1) Shortly after exposure - wash the doggie with anti-flea and tick soap
thoroughly, to try to remove chiggers.
2) if scratching starts, treat with oral antihistamines (dose based on
animal weight) to reduce scratching.
3) if scratching continues, oral cortisone (Prednisone) tablets (dose based
on animal weight) to reduce scratching more.
4) If hot spots (moist red dermatitis caused by staph or staphylococcus
bacteria) develops due to irritation and scratching, then trim the hair well
away from the hot spot. This is necessary to prevent the hair from wicking
the bacteria back into the irritated area. Then wash the affected area
thoroughly 2 times daily with medicated skin soap or medicated shampoo to
remove the bacteria. Oral cortisone (Prednisone) can be given if
necessary, or oral antibiotics (dose based on animal weight) if the hot
spots are severe or cannot be cleared up in a reasonable time frame.
This advice on hot spots applies to any hot spots, not just those provoked
by Chiggers.
Doc J, DVM
