My dog scratches all of the time. It drives me crazy. The doctor says it is a allergy. I cannot afford to take him in every month. I just do not know what to do. Please help.
I have a mostly white terrier mix who starts scratching incessantly every summer. This summer I couldn't afford a vet trip so went online for help. Someone suggested it might be an airborne allergy problem (esp. since it's seasonal) and said that you can give Benadryl to dogs. The dose was 1 mg/lb of body weight. I first used the liquid dye-free children's Benadryl which really helped. When that ran out I bought the tablets, put one 25 mg tablet in a bit of peanut butter (he's 30 lbs) and gave it to him every 4-6 hrs. Completely saved our poor puppy from his itching, the sores healed and his hair grew back. Hope this helps others with the same problem.
Witch hazel also works pretty good, put a sprayer on the witch hazel bottle and spray the area and rub it in.
There is also a product called "Bitter Apple" but that doesn't treat the problem, just leaves a bitter taste on the fur so they won't chew on themselves.
Also, check to see what the dog is laying/sitting on most of the time.
Sometimes after carpeting is cleaned there is a chemical residue left behind and many animals/babies are allergic to it; the only solution I know of is to steam clean your carpets yourself just using plain hot water...a rug Doctor is best since you can suck up the chemicals and leave only water behind.
Also try not to bathe the dog too often, it can dry out the skin and make them itch. You can try Aveno body wash which has an oatmeal base and is very gentle on the skin.
I give my dog some pills that are sold at WalMart in pet dept. It is brewer's yeast for healthy coats and skin. It works well and give one daily. Good luck
I heard on this site one time about a homemade itch reliever. In a spray bottle put one part listerine (original flavor, I used Walmart brand)one part baby oil and one part water. Always shake it up before spraying on the dog. I spray every time I see her really getting a good scratch in. It seems to work. At first it doesn't work as well but keep on trying it. It doesn't smell too bad either.
I have a staffy who is 9 years old, after spending heaps at the vet. I came across this tip and it works great take 3 green tea bags. Soak in a litre of hot water, add fresh or dried mint. Add enough cold water to make it warm, pour over your dog, let dry naturally. The green tea stops the itch and the mint repels the fleas
Most vets use a combo of hydrocortisone and steroid shots to treat dogs with dry and itchy skin. A natural and far less expensive alternative is to mix about a tbsp. of Omega-3 fish oil into the dog's food once a day. (Fish Oil capsules can be purchased at Walmart for around $5 - $6. Use a large safety-pin to puncture the capsule and squeeze oil into measure spoon. Use enough capsules to equal one tbsp.) It's probably one of the most beneficial things you can do because it treats the problem from the inside out and boosts immunity.
Another quick fix is a warm bath with oatmeal. Take 1-2 cups of plain oatmeal and place them in blender. Blend until you have a fine powder. Sprinkle into a lukewarm bath, making sure no clumps form and the oatmeal is evenly dissolved. Let your dog sit in the water for 10-15 minutes. Scoop the water up and massage into dogs fur so that the oatmeal water can reach and coat the skin. Obviously you can adjust the water/oatmeal ratio depending on dog's size.
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Request: Dog with Itchy Skin
Archived on 07/22/2009
My dog has allergy problems on it's skin from pollen. Any ideas what to use to stop the itch?
Syber from Iowa
Feedback:
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
I used some stuff called Dermapaw on my dog, the vet said he had allergies, but we could never figure out what he was allergic to. Anyway it's like dog Carmex for their feet. I don't know if it was the balm or the socks that came with it, but it worked. The socks have elastic that goes around their back and hold them on. He didn't mind the socks and didn't itch when he had the Dermapaw and socks on. It took a few months, but eventually he grew his hair back. (11/18/2008)
By Karen M.
RE: Dog with Itchy Skin
Check out this website that offers a variety of products targeted at allergies and itchy dogs. The best part is that they guarantee that their products works and they are made from organic natural ingredients.
<a href="http://www.dermagic.com/</a> (02/17/2009)
By Dustin
RE: Dog with Itchy Skin
(submitted via email)
For John with the itchy Akita,
Use only a laundry detergent that is free of dyes and chemicals like Arm and Hammer Free. Do not use dryer sheets. It sounds to me like your dog has a contact allergy, that means some thing it is in contact with is causing the itching. Don't use any chemicals on things your dog touches, you may have to eliminate things, then when your dog is better, start trying things again and see if she gets itchy.
Good Luck.
I have a Shih Tzu and have noticed that her skin is itchy and red sometimes. I bought oatmeal and give her a bath on a weekly basis, but it is still happening. What are some things I can do for her itchy skin?
Nancy from Parma, OH
Answers:
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
First thing would be to take her to the vet. The itchy skin could be due to inhalant allergies, food allergies, flea allergies, dry skin (possibly from frequent bathing), mange, etc., your vet can help determine the cause.
Once the cause has been targeted, it will be much easier to come up with an appropriate plan of attack that will solve your Shih Tzu's itchiness.
Call your vet and schedule an appointment. (02/22/2008)
We just started using "The Missing Link" product. (Got it from 1 800 pet meds). It works wonders! I have a Bichon who was going crazy with itching, and this is the only thing that stopped it. Her hair is growing back, her coat is much silkier and healthier. It isn't very expensive at all, and is worth a try! (02/22/2008)
I have the same problem with 2 of my 3 dogs. I tried lots of things, but found that using the oatmeal shampoo and then rinsing them in Apple Cider Vinegar is the best. I take an empty water jug and fill with water and 1 cup ACV. (1 gal. water with 1 cup avc) let them drip dry is best, but letting it sit for a while and then towel dry is okay. I only bathe them every 4-6 weeks. (02/22/2008)
By Jessica
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
I would not give any more baths, they tend to dry out skin and make the itch worse. I had this problem with 2 dogs and was told to give the dogs a cheap allergy pill. It worked great. They both healed within days. (02/22/2008)
By velcro
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
I agree with earlier posters. The vet is who should be helping you with this. There are sooo many reasons for itchy skin that you could spend loads of time and money and still not find an answer. Meanwhile, the dog suffers. (02/22/2008)
I have Boston terriers who have dry, flaky, itchy skin as well. I bought some emu oil off of smokymountainminerals.com and poured it on their food and it made a world of difference. They shed less and scratch less and love the taste of the stuff! Give it a try! (02/24/2008)
It would, of course, depend really on what is causing the itching. My aunt used to have 14 dogs at one time years ago and most of them were house dogs. She would use this stuff from the drug store called SULFODENE. You can get it at different places actually, like a feed and seed. It tells you how to use it and why you might need to. If it doesn't work, I would take the dog to a good veterinarian who believes in holistic veterinarianism. (02/24/2008)
By Alice Blevins
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
Shih Tzus skin will rot! It is very common for that breed, and they end up ripping their fur out :( I would really recommend trimming her fur and adding fish oil to her diet, which helps with the skin if it is dry. You will be able to tell by the roughness of their paws.
Shih Tzus also need special food, because most common dog food will cause allergies in them and can end up being toxic to them. So, that could be what is causing her problem.
Good luck! I hope the little critter feels better. :) (02/24/2008)
I have a 9 month old Boston Terrier, with a severe flea allergy. Her vet gave her a cortisone shot, antibiotics, and a topical flea txt. The hair loss, scratching, biting, and swelling has all stopped. So far she is much better! The vet said it only takes one flea bite to cause a major problem because of her hypersensitivity to the flea saliva. (05/19/2008)
My dog has a very dry, itchy skin problem. I bathe him with oatmeal shampoo and give him one fish oil tablet a day but how do I get rid of it? The poor thing is scratching like no tomorrow.
Dayle from Central Coast, NSW
Answers:
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
I read that milk of magnesia does wonders for human skin, I wonder if it would help your dog?
I. (02/04/2008)
By irene
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
Your dog could have a flea allergy but it's not just due to fleas. 'Chiggers' and other little biting bugs can cause an allergy, too. My sister's little dog has this problem and she tried everything under the sun. The only thing that worked was a 'flea shot' at the vet. (02/04/2008)
By Kalar
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
Check your dog food before medicating your dog! We were buying our pug a name brand dog food and he had horrible skin problems. The vet recommended the Benadryl, when that didn't work he wanted to give him steroids. The poor things hair was falling out and he scratch continually. I did some research into dog food and found an all natural high quality food for him. Within 3 weeks he had stopped scratching and his hair had started to grow back. granted the food is a little more expensive and i have to go to the pet store to get it but it beats the cost of the medication and is a lot better for our dog. (02/05/2008)
By leslilli
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
Try using a product called Missing Link. It is a wonderful product that helps with the condition of your pet's skin and also makes their coat healthy and shiny. (02/05/2008)
By Jana
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
Where can I buy Missing Link? Thank You, Cecile (02/05/2008)
By Cecile
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
If this is an outside dog, make sure he does not come in contact with a certain plant called wandering jew, makes any animal itch. If it's in your garden, get rid of it. There's possibly other plants as well that he may be allergic to but this is definitely one of the worst. Good luck, sincerely Kay from country NSW OZ (02/05/2008)
By Kay
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
Switch dog food to lamb and rice. It makes a world of difference for our dog. (02/05/2008)
By jlouisensam
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
Try switching his food as he may be having food allergies.
Also, try using "missing link", this product is a miracle worker when it comes to skin and joint problems. I purchase online from 1-800 PETMEDS. (02/06/2008)
By Theresa
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
Hello. I do animal rescue volunteer work, and when I see an itchy dog, I immediately suspect mange (mites in the skin or hair folicle).
Two types of mange are common to us- one resides in the dog's hair follicle (Demodex), and one that chews through skin (Sarcoptic). They eventually lose hair with Demodex mange, and get wild with itch with Sarcoptic mange. (Dog will eventually tear holes in itself to try to stem the itch.)
The vet can do a simple skin scraping to tell if your dog has it, and prescribe a medication that kills it. Sarcoptic in particular is very easily gotten rid of. Good luck (02/06/2008)
By Janet
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
I've had good luck with a shampoo called "Malaseb" by DVM Pharmacueticals. I got it from the vet's office, but I see if you do an internet search you can find it at a variety of places. Kind of pricey, but it's really reduced the amount of scratching and licking my shih-tzu does. My vet also recommended that I wash her once a week with the stuff. Good luck! (02/07/2008)
Don't bathe him too often - it can dry out his skin and make him more itchy. I have 2 Poms and they get bathed every 3 months, at their groomings, unless they get really dirty - and even then I try not to give a complete bath if it's not needed. They get brushed thoroughly every week, and stay pretty clean. (02/08/2008)
I have an 11 year old Boston Terrier named Daisy Huckleberry. She is a sweetheart. Her problem is itchy skin. I bathe her in flea shampoo and oatmeal shampoo. This helps but only temporally. Any suggestions on a home remedy to help her get some relief?
Thanks,
Mayverne from North Carolina
Answers:
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
Give your dog some Benadryl. Even if it's a 1/2 tablet per day. It relieves the itching just as it would for us. I asked my vet about it and he said it's okay to give to the dog (which I have). (10/05/2005)
Have you tried giving up the flea shampoo for a while and see if that helps? A lot of those flea shampoos are made up of really toxic ingredients and maybe she's allergic to them. Plus, there's the question of whether you want to expose yourself to the toxic ingredients in flea soaps.
It is more expensive, but it is so easy and safe, to use a drug like Frontline. If you're only worried about fleas, it will last for three months with one treatment. (For ticks, you have to treat once a month). Frontline is currently the "least toxic" method of controlling fleas on pets.
Another thing you could try is giving her some lipids in her diet. We occasionally feed our dog the egg yolks when we have a recipe that calls for whites only. I cook them in the microwave and she loves them. (10/05/2005)
By Kathy K.
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
I don't know if you have it there, but Lanicane Talcum Powder (For humans) is very good. Stops the 'itch, scratch, itch' cycle, and numbs the skin. If you don't have Lanicane, I'm sure the pharmacist will have something similar which will do the trick. (10/05/2005)
By veronica
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
I found vitamin E oil from a drug store soothes iches and is safe if licked from skin.....hope this helps (10/06/2005)
By Donna
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
You can also try too put some olive oil on the food. It got too the point that the dog would not eat his food without it. My daughter had too do this for her dog. It did work. (10/06/2005)
I have an 8 year old rat terrier who has severe allergies to a lot of stuff. On her rear her skin is really red. I usually just take her to the vet for an allergy shot and that's good for about 30 days, but if I don't have the money to go to the vet I give her a bath in dawn dishwashing liquid, and give her a small dose of liquid benadryl. This really gives her some relief for a few days at a time. I've also used some stuff I found at Wal-Mart for Hot Spots that helps a little. (10/06/2005)
I give my Schiperkee 2 pills a day of Brewers Yeast. And a multivitamin and have to be careful not to give her any foods outside of her regular diet. This always inflames her. (10/06/2005)
By
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
My dog had the same problem, he'd bite and scratch until he bleed, after awhile he had a permanent bald spot on his back. I tried all the things on the replies. I finally have a dog with fur, we changed his dog food to lamb an rice and it worked for us. (10/06/2005)
By ellen
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
Brew up some strong Lipton tea (use about 7-8 bags). Let cool, and transfer to a spray bottle .. this will greatly relieve the itching, and allow the skin to heal. (This is also very good for human itching also!) (10/21/2005)
By Lucy
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
Thank you very much for the advice. I am off to the vet today. Wish me luck! (05/23/2006)
By Gloria
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin -TOXIC
I noticed some feedback that includes over the counter human meds. Many of these are TOXIC to pets (most we know are toxic/deadly like: ibuprofin, motrin etc). Also toxic: Lanicane, hydrogen peroxide, etc - -please visit the following site to learn others to stay away from: http://www.shakervet.com/household_medications.html
(b)(/b) (04/06/2007)
By Katie
RE: Dog With Itchy Skin
I have a rat terrier mix breed dog with bad skin allergies. We participated in a new treatment at North Carolina State University Vet Hospital. It is a medication called Cyclosporine. It is WONDERFUL!! He does not scratch, bite or chew if he gets his medicine. I give him 25 mg in a pill every day. It is a prescription from your vet. It is now approved for use in dogs for skin allergies. So contact your vet and try it. It is kinda expensive But well worth the money! By the way this is the same medicine used in people to prevent organ rejection after a transplant. (04/20/2007)
My pug has been on Benadryl for a couple of years. I tried elimination diets, cooking for her, etc. Finally, I asked my vet to give her the allergen blood panel screening. It was $225.00, but it was priceless. She turned out to be allergic to a number of things, including: rice, eggs, turkey, various grasses, trees, regional inhalants (weeds), wool, jute and others. Also, she was border line allergic to wheat, pork, cow's milk and barley. All the things in the expensive holistic foods! Now I cook for her, using chicken, oatmeal, beef and fresh vegetables. She is taking a monthly shot (which I give myself). This runs about $20.00 per month. What a difference it has made in her life! (12/28/2007)
