itchy rash around my dogs shoulders

[lisavel]

My English Pointer has scratched until she was bloody, now having scabs.  I havent been home much, and noticed her hair was not smooth around her shoulders.  Now that I see that it has scabbed up, I do notice she is scratching.  I plan to bath her in Dove soap, then give her some Benadryl.  I am away from home more than usual this month, which doesnt help with keeping an eye on her. With that, I could take her to Grandma & Grandpas to watch her more.  Any suggestions, much appreciated!

[Soon_to_be_DVM]

She could have a skin infection which would need antibiotics.  Also you should be able to get a perscription shampoo from your vet to help.  I wouldn't use Dove if he already has skin issues.  You should get her to the vet to get it checked out! Good luck!

[ddeiman]

Is this a sudden itchiness? Could be scabies which is easily treated with Revolution applied in two week intervals for 3 total doses. If you let it go whether it be scabies or allergies etc you will just be running up your vet bill because you're allowing secondary infections to grow and in turn become harder to get rid of. Dove isn't going to help allergies. Get a shampoo like hexadene, chlorhexiderm etc. But 1st your pup needs some antibiotic to clear that infection and possibly get treated for scabies. Is your pup itchy if you scratch the tips of her ears? Elbows? These are all areas that usually will make a dog "thump" with itchiness if it's scabies. Either way get to a vet.