Accepted Answer

Hi XXXXXXXX,

A rash around their mouths might be an allergic reaction to a food change or even change in bowl from metal to plastic. Usually sores like you are describing around the mouth or on the chin are due to a condition called folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles). This is generally seen in dogs that are susceptible to staph infections, have mites, or are allergic to plastic or other feeding bowls that the chin comes into contact with. Your Vet will need to do a skin scrapping and examine it to determine if it is due to mites or a bacterial organism.   Depending on the results your Vet will prescribe medication and/or recommend switching to stainless steel feeding bowls.

You can read about this here:
http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/health/pyoderma.htm
http://devinefarm.net/rp/rpskin.htm

I would definitely switch them back to their original food if you suspect a food allergy, though it can take 5 weeks or more to see improvement after a food switch. You will want to keep the area clean and dry. Benzoyl Peroxide wipes are also effective for cleaning and to keep bacteria in the area down. You should apply miconazole cream to help clear the dermatitis if it is a yeast type dermatitis. Once the rash itself is cleared, keeping the area dry and free of bacteria with the wipes should help keep it cleared. You can read about dermatitis here:
http://www.recoverysa.com/dermatitis_pro.htm
http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/health/pyoderma.htm

Bathing dogs too much can cause drying of the coat and stripping of the natural oils from the skin and coat. Bathing should be limited to once a month. I used baby wipes to clean any soiled areas between baths. Baby shampoo is not formulated for dogs. You should use a puppy shampoo or mild dawn dishwashing liquid.

Chihuahuas are a tiny breed so you do want to be sure and monitor them closely and have them seen if there is a loss of appetite, vomiting or severe diarrhea. I hope this information is helpful to you.

Expert:	Jane Lefler
Pos. Feedback:	99.7 %
Accepts:
Answered:	8/25/2009

Breeder Behaviorist, See Qual.

Rottweiler Breeder 15+ years Dog trainer / behaviorist, Former Vol.Vet Asst.