Sores behind ears and on back

[jamiesonyx]

I recently took my 6 month old rotty to PetCo and used the "Self Service" doggy bath. They provided the shampoo, conditioner, etc. I used only the shampoo though that day (which is in an unmarked bottle) but I was told it was normal flea shampoo.
By Saturday, my dog started scratching and biting herself. Now she has sores behind her ears and on her back (close to her tail). I know they hurt her now because when I pet her back, she whines a little.
I am very worried and I will call our vet tomorrow. I just wanted to know if there was something I could pick up at the store tonight to help her before we can get in.
Any help is greatly appreciated.

[jamiesonyx]

Also, she is losing a great amount of hair since I have noticed the bumps. Could this be related to stress.

[StephanieandToby]

Sometimes if shampoo isn't rinsed off REALLy well...the residue can be irritating and cause scratching. to start, I would get your dog completely and thoroughly rinsed.

I also heard that hot spots can be caused by a changed in the PH of your dog's skin...this could be caused by too strong of a shampoo or another factor.

If you think it's an actual oozing hot spot, you need to keep the area as dry as possible...even to the point of clipping away some fur to allow the air to reach it. Your Vet can give you a spray to stop it from spreading.

You can try spraying on some vinegar/water solution or a water/hydrogen peroxide solution and then patting it dry...but both of these sting...so a better bet is to get the proper spray from your vet.

[frontierrots]

re wash her in a soothing oatmeal type shampoo and rinse super well. Many dogs have reactions to some shampoos, especially flea shampoos. Also as Stephanie said, if the dog is not super duper well rinsed any residue can cause a skin problem as well

[groupieindenial]

I don't think it would hurt to supplement with something to aid her from the inside, ester c, fish oil, vitamin e. Traumeel in her water will help bring down the pain from the sores, its a natural anti-inflammatory.

Poor girl.

[brunie's mom]

Is it possible that your dog got fleas while at Petco??
Dogs itchy around the ears and above the tail often have fleas.

Is your pup on any flea medication?? As well as giving a soothing oatmeal bath, I would be looking for fleas. If fleas are a possiblity then get some Advantage or other flea preventative from your vet.

Gina