I give my 12kg terrier x 2 tablets every 8 hours on really bad days (he has a grass allergy). Sometimes this really knocks him for six so I tend to reduce it then to one. These are the Piriton tablets that have 4mg chlorphenamine maleate (this has a few different names but all based around the chlorphen- prefix). This was the amount and type prescribed by my vet. They basically said if it makes him really drowsy lower the dose if it doesn't don't go any higher than 2 every 8 hours.

I have just been out and brought some Sudocrem for Ernie and the lady at work has really told me off and said that if I put that on him it will burn and he will lick it off and be really sick - now I am really confused!!!

Dermacton is good at relieving itchy skin......it didn't stop the problem with Dougs skin but it did soothe the skin and allow it to heal.
http://www.aromesse.com/skin-problem...og-canine.html

Episoothe shampoo is good too. I found it more effective than the malaseb(sp?) shampoo that's vets usually prescribe.
http://www.vetuk.co.uk/dog-shampoos-...l-bottle-p-170

You can use chlorphenamine tablets(4mg) instead of Piriton.....they're much cheaper than the brand name. Local chemist or buy online.

Hibiscrub just cleans the area he is scratching at to help combat secondary infections.
The real aim is to find out what causes it. Have you changed his food, treats or routine? Have you acquired a cat? It is possible to have allergy tests done but these are expensive so play detective first?

From what you describe it does sound like a contact (environmental) allergy as opposed to a food related allergy.

My dog has a dust and stoage mite allergy and when his symptoms started 5 years ago, it affected his stomach and under his arms.

I use dermacton on Coles and I used to use episooth shampoo. Both of them work really well to help sooth the skin. Coles used to also take steroids for his allergy until I had the allergy testing done. I'm not saying get your dog on steroids as it may not be necessary for your dog.

I would take him back to the vets and see what the vet says. It does sound like an allergy.

Keep us updated and I hope his skin starts to get better.

Even thought it might not be food related, I would change to a better quality wet food that doesn't contain any wheat/gluten/cereals, and some meat, rather than a very low percentage of meat derivatives - just to eliminate any chances of it being this.

I feed my Chihuahuas Natures Harvest, but other good foods to consider are Arden Grange Partners, Natures Menu.....and Im sure other people can suggest some other good ones

agree with this. The more you can boost his general health, the more his immune system will improve.

Either ring your vet or go and see him and ask the correct dosage of Piriton

If it is a grass allergy - when your dog comes in from a walk or run on grass, sponge him or her down with a mild solution of allergy shampoo - someone suggested Episoothe which is good, taking care to sponge affected areas. Pat dry gently with clean tissue If it is grass related, this can help

The correct dosage of Piriton 4mg is one tablet twice a day for 2 weeks.

I used to give these to my Australian Terrier when he had heat spots. Try not giving him any chews etc with Animal Derivatives. Might you also consider switching him to a raw diet, which I am doing with my Toby. Good luck.

Sorry about poor little Ernie - it must be driving him mad

One of my two (nearly 18mths) was scratching almost non stop last summer and the vet seemed to think it was a grass allergy OR food allergy. This year he hasn't scratched at all so it was definitely food related. It turns out he is intolerant to beef and grain, and chicken to a certain extent (well he isn't but his insides are ) I changed his food to a grain free fish food and he has never looked back.

I asked this forum about soothing shampoos and I have been using Quistel which has been fab. I was told last year that it could have been a grass allergy as well as food and I waited with baited breath for him to start scratching this year .... he never did thank goodness. Last year he even had little scabs all over him, but mainly his tummy but all due to food intolerance.

His brother (who I also have) can eat anything and appears to have no allergies at all

Good luck and keep us informed.