Severe Itching

[ashlee73]

My dog has recently started itching. It is bothering her very badly. I feel a little helpless because I don't know what to do for her.

Initially she had a small red rash on the inside of her back legs and I thought that could be causing it, but the rash has gone away now and she is still very irritated. The worst spots are on her back and hind area. There is no irritated skin, but she won't let anyone even touch it unless they will scratch the area. She has started gnawing at her paws constantly and rolls around on the floor while whimpering.

I have given her two oatmeal baths over the last four days and children's benedryl at night time. The baths seem to be doing nothing but soothing her while she is actually in the water and the benedryl just puts her to sleep. I thought after the initial rash went away the itching would stop too, but it seems to be getting worse. I don't know what to do. At first I thought it might be a grass or plant allergy considering the rash, but I'm starting to think it might be something in the air.

If anyone has any suggestions or have dealt with this before with their own dogs I would appreciate some feedback.

Thanks

I also don't know it this is a factor or not, but she seems to be shedding much more than usual since this has started and her diet hasn't changed at all.