Infected Armpit

So Bane has managed to scratch and lick his armpit raw again. We are cleaning it each day and using some spray from the vets to help it heal. It just won't scab over, it is always wet and so isn't healing.

Is there some kind of talcum powder for dogs? Or something that would help it dry?

He has his hoody on all day and a cone to stop him from making it worse as he just won't leave it alone!

I've always used neosporian and a bandage for mine. It helps healing speed healing which will help a scab develop.

Thanks JStaff...it doesn't look like I can get it in the UK though.
I will have to have a go with some bandages, as it would probably keep it cleaner than his hoody!

I've had this problem with Zeus many times so I know what you're going through. I would personally take the hoody off so it gets some air in order for it to dry, but leave the cone on.

I also found that putting sudocrem on it dried it in order for it to heal, but don't keep putting it on, just put it on once/twice and let it be.

Ultimately, Zeus's armpit got so bad at one point that the vets prescribed us with Fuciderm steroid cream, I literally put it on once or twice and it sorted the whole issue out. Its obviously a steroid and I've also tried to stay away from them but had no choice.

Have a look at one of my previous posts - https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t25994-sore-armpit-due-to-harness?highlight=armpit

It's horrible isn't it! You'd think after the first time they would learn to leave it alone

Thanks for the link, it looks similar, Bane's is just in a right state at the moment. Did you find his skin went red and bumpy around the area too?

We were also prescribed a topical steroid treatment, I hate using it because it looks as if it hurts him, and it's obviously not great if the vet says I can only use it for a few days at a time.

My Vinny's has the same problem and it gets really itchy and weepy in the heat and sometimes bumpy too - sudocream has done the trick for us - we put it on about twice and it dries it right up

Ouch, poor Bane. I would try sudocream too   

Thanks guys! I guess I might aswell get a big jar of it ready for next time it happens!

Looks a bit better today although not fully scabbed...I think he managed to get some sneaky scratching in!  

Glad it's looking a little better

So peed off this morning! I left him asleep without his hoody on for 5 minutes! He has scratched off all of the scabs that had finally formed and it is all red and sore again! I am really losing my patience with him he is such a pain! I just don't know what to do with him anymore, raaawr!!   

Aww poor guy Have you tried an antihistamine to ease the itchiness?

We've tried piriton and hayfever tablets but didn't think they really made a difference! Everything just keeps coming back with a vengeance!

Aww no poor bane and poor mum too how about trying anthisan it's an antihistamine cream so may take away the itch xx

Hayley has a point, anthisan is fantastic too.

Just a thought: are you wiping his paws down whenever he comes indoors? Just so that pollens etc don't get scratched into his armpit and carry on the vicious cycle?

Vinny originally had a cortisone shot that helped, but now we religiously wipe his paws and armpits, use sudocream when it flares up and also antihistamines when necessary.

Thanks Hayley, we haven't used that but will add it to the list of creams for Bane! I think he has more medicine supplies than us!

Lisa we just assumed that as his feet have never been affected that we wouldn't need to wipe them down but didn't think of things getting into his armpit that way! Will start doing it to see if it will help! I'm going to let his armpit settle a little and then try to clean it up with some salt water. He looks so sorry for himself!

Big hugs to Bane, hope every little tip helps

Thanks! Me too! I hate seeing him in pain and it is so worrying for us as we haven't had to deal with anything like this before with other pets. We just want him to be better already >.>

Poor Bane it is awful seeing them doing it. I hope he starts to heal soon xxx

Try dabbing a little sudocream on the area this will dry it out and aid the healing process.

I'd slather with coconut oil and cover lightly

U tried putting some sort of boot on him? That way even if he tries scratching, he won't get the area too hard? Didn't work with Zeus but may for you..

We tried to tape socks onto his back feet...I'm sure if we left him alone he would have chewed his leg off! He was not impressed! Maybe we will have to try again with an actual doggy boot! Can you train them to accept wearing these? Or is it just some dogs are ok with it some aren't?

Poor bane, hope you manage to help him soon.

Rocky was OK while wearing his little doggy boot when he cut open his foot pad last year, just needs plenty of distractions and things to do while it is on.

Thanks Kathy might have to have a go again then He seems better today! His armpit is finally dry so hopefully he will heal up now!

Glad to hear he is on the mend   

Fingers Crossed