A collar may prevent scratching but does not remove the sensation causing him to scratch.
Treatment has to address the reason as well as the behavior.
Even Bedding Becomes Part of Medical Care
For another shelter dog, bedding may simply need to be clean and comfortable.
For Pip, its texture matters.
Its temperature matters.
Moisture matters.
How much friction it creates matters.
How easily it wrinkles beneath him matters.
A soft surface is not automatically comfortable if it presses against inflamed tissue.
Staff can try appropriate resting materials while watching Pip's response.
The best surface is the one that lets him actually stay down.
One Setup Seems Better
A smoother padded surface is prepared.
Pip approaches it.
He sniffs.
Turns once.
Then begins lowering himself.
His front legs fold.
His chest touches first.
Pip pauses.
Nothing happens.
He lowers himself another inch.
His abdomen reaches the surface.
His body stiffens.
For a few seconds, he remains there.
Then Pip rises.
It was not enough.
But he stayed down slightly longer.
For Pip, seconds can become a measure of progress.
His Skin Cannot Be Scrubbed Back to Health
Pip's appearance may create an instinct to clean everything aggressively.
That could make matters worse.
Diseased skin requires appropriate veterinary care.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment might involve carefully selected topical therapies, parasite treatment, antimicrobial medication, itch control, management of underlying disease, or other measures.
Bathing may be useful in some dermatologic conditions.
In others, frequency and products need careful consideration.
Pip's raw skin is not simply dirty skin.
Treatment Can Be Uncomfortable Before It Becomes Helpful
Even necessary handling can be difficult when large areas hurt.
Pip may tense when his skin is examined.
He may react when a damaged area is cleaned or treated.
That means gentle handling matters.
Everything should have a purpose.
There is no reason to repeatedly touch an irritated area simply to see whether it still hurts.
Pip's reactions already provide enough evidence that comfort needs attention.
His Trembling Deserves Attention Too
The shaking in Pip's legs may partly reflect fatigue from sitting upright.
But trembling can have other causes.
Pain.
Cold.
Stress.
Weakness.
Medical illness.
With extensive hair loss, temperature regulation may also become more challenging.
Pip needs to be evaluated as a whole dog.
The skin is the most visible problem.