Accepted Answer

Not really specific to her breed but with the odor it sounds almost like a combination of a skin infection and allergies both. Most all of her symptoms are definately caused by allergies and you can give her a dose of Benadryl at a rate of 1mg per pound of body weight. For a mini dachsund it will be about one half of a pill every 12 hours since they are 25mg pills unless she is on the heavier side. Just by her weigh and see if this seems to help with the sneezing, scratching, and hair loss. But the odor she is excreting almost sounds like there is an infection present as well. It would be best to have her seen for a skin scraping to determine if this is also infection as that would be best treated with antibiotics. If the Benadryl seems to help this will allow you to know it is allergy related but if it helps but not stop the symptoms entirely it may be that a stronger medication is needed such as Prednisone, but if the Benadryl is helpful it ha less side effects then Prednisone. And although side effects can occur it is not that the Prednisone is not good it is just not something you want to use on a regular basis unless needed. But due to to odor it sounds as though you have an issue with both allergies and possible infection so having her seen for a skin test is highly recommended. When you can monitor her to no allow her to lick the areas you can also apply some antibiotic cream or ointment, but watch her to not allow for licking as not only is it not good for her stomach, although not toxic, the licking can cause more infection to occur as well so try to discourage any licking. Alot think that due to old school comments that a dog's licking can heal but that is not true and can actually cause more harm then good so you want to discourage this and make sure that if the Benadryl does not stop all of her symptoms you discuss other medication alternatives with your veterinarian.

Expert:	Cheryl K.
Pos. Feedback:	99.7 %
Accepts:
Answered:	3/13/2007

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