I’m being driven crazy by an agonizing itch all round the base of my tail, extending up my back. I can’t stop biting around the area so now it’s become very nasty to look at, and my owners are worried. (Winston, 5 years, Corgi/Kelpie cross, Narooma on the flat)

Dr Alan

Sounds to me like fleabite dermatitis. This is an allergic response to the saliva of fleas. The bite of just one flea can set off the allergic reaction! Where you live on the flat, fleas are very prevalent making flea control difficult. To control your problem your owners need to use a multi-pronged attack. This would include a focus on your bedding, areas throughout and around the house. Fleas particularly thrive under the house and in the sandy soil. Your skin is probably infected so you need to have a course of antibiotics and anti inflammatory drugs as soon as possible, followed by rigorously applied flea control products for you. There are numerous options including collars and topically applied products, etc. Experimentation in your environment to find the best combination of products that suit your needs will be required. Good luck Winston!!