Itchy scratchy dog with sore patches on stomach. How to ease her suffering?

[carrieNchild]

Recently rehomed a very lovely GSD. All was fine but recently she has started scratching A LOT. I've noticed some sore places, like excema, on her belly. I think it's probably stress related due to the move to a new house/owner.

I was wondering if there was a product I could buy off the shelf to help her? I feel so sorry for her, I know most dogs like having their belly rubbed, but for help it seems almost like she needs it scratched.

If there is no product, I'll book the vets appointment on Monday

All advice gratefully recieved

TBH I would take her to the vets, there are so many things that could be causing it, and stuff you can buy is usually pretty crap and ineffective.

Do take her to the vets as it could indeed be one of many problems including stress, eczema, a flea allergy, mange or indicative of a more complicated problem.

Once you have a diagnosis you might like to ask the vet if he/she is okay with you using a tea tree spray on your new pal (Bob Martins or Johnsons do one). I used one with a stress-related baldness on a SBT I fostered and it did seem to help. Don't laugh but I use it on myself occasionally as when I get out of the shower I sometimes get the most awfully itchy upper arms. It brings almost instant relief to me.

I hope you and your GSD have many happy years together. I'm very biased but they are a wonderful breed.

PS when it comes to needing flea treatment I have found that Petmeds online are cheaper than the vet for Frontline and deliver very quickly. You need a vet's prescription for the spray but not for the on-the-scruff pipettes. Some vets charge for the prescription but last I heard Companion Care vet group don't.

HTH

Our dog had something very similar - I thought it was 'nerves' as she is a bit delicate but it was flea allergy dermatitis. Sorted with steroids and anti inflammatories from the vet plus thorough flea treatment.

We are big softies so she sleeps in our bed - if you get steroids don't cosleep as they made our dog temporarily incontinent (due to them causing huge thirst basically)

Get her to the vet to get a diagnosis.
Should it turn out to be a dry skin/ hot patches then you might try Viridian Beauty Oil. It's for meant for humans and it's sold in health food shops, I give my dog some whenever he gets hot spots and it really helps.
I should probably get some for myself as well!

Ok I'll get her to the vets asap.

Does anyone know roughly how much I should expect to pay?

I just paid close to £60 for an anti inflamotary injection and a special shampoo for my rehomed dog. He has dermatitus. If you don't already have it, sort your insurance NOW. Don't tell them you suspect that the dog might have excema or has sores. Just that as he is new, you are taking him for a routine check.

Excema and dermatitus can cost thousands in the long run, according to my vet.