HELP-Our Dog is Tearing out all of his hair!

[AimeeA]

We have a 12 year old German Shepard with no major health problems. He used to be a K9 for our local police force. He is a great dog but has recently decided to tear out ALL of the hair he can reach on his body. Resulting in large sores. His vet originally thought it was from a cheap bad flea medicine (Vectra 3D) but after several baths with a vet recommended soap we have no clues as to why he keeps ripping out his hair! We would love to avoid putting him down but he is miserable.

[Barkingdog]

Is something causing your dog to be stressful ? An oatmeal bath may help if his skin is the itchy.

[AimeeA]

Nothing that we could pin point. Right now we think it may be a skin allergy to some treats but he will rip his hair out until his skin is raw. Even if we put a cone on him. I will try an oatmeal bath. Thank you.

[Barkingdog]

I would try not to feed your dog any treats that come in all kinds of colors, the dyes are not good for pets.

[Winston]

have you changed your food recently? some dogs have allergies to chicken products? any new cleaning products?

[Longblades]

Have you been back to the Vet to say the dog is still ripping out hair? Try the oatmeal bath (vinegar and water helps my dog, but the effect is short lived) but I'm afraid for such a severe reaction you are going to find the oatmeal bath does little good. Your Vet needs to see your dog again. So many different things could be the cause; allergies, mange, hormonal imbalance. Personally, to have my dog itchy and physically restrain him from scratching is, IMO, a kind of torture. Yes, you may have to do that but couple it with trying to find out the cause and eliminate the cause too, if you can. Good luck. It's awful to see them in such torment. My boy does have seasonal allergies and is now on Atopica, which works for him.