Itchy Dog.

[aggiela]

Could someone please help. My Lab/Collie cross has been biting and scratching herself since she was a few months old (she just turned a year old in jan.) She's been to the vets loads of times and has had two lots of scrapings taken to test for mange and other mites.All her tests showed up nothing and she was given a steroid injection. Her fur has grown back but she has started to scratch the inside of her ears which makes them bleed. She gets a row for scratching them in front of us and now has taken to hiding in the other room so she can scratch.My new vet has told me she just nuerotic, but shes hurting herself, can anyone help? Thank you very much in advance.

[BOGGIT]

my old dog used to bite his paws till he yelped in pain we saught pro help. and the pro said that it was a comforter for the dog this may be the case here. also instead of disaplining her when she scratches distract her from it play with her more it may be a good idea to get her nals clipped relativly short too

good luck

[lankeela]

What is she fed on, it could be an allergy to wheat or gluten, or even beef.

It could also be a flea allergy, but it is unlikely the vet would not have noticed this.

Burns dog food is good for allergies.

[Lollyhoney]

Lankeela has said exactly what I was going to say. Our ols GSD had a really bad allergy to cereals, and was fed pedigree chicken and rice, and pure tripe. She was also very sensetive to household cleaning products so we had to be very careful. She had a daily dose of piriton antihisthamine to ease the symptons"

[lankeela]

What Lollyhoney said about cleaning materials reminded me that shake 'n vac can affect dogs if they lay on carpets that have been sprinkled with it.

[aggiela]

Thanks guys, i think boggit has hit the nail on the head, altho if we see her scratching we either direct her away by petting her or saying nonono, thats why my vet thinks shes doing it for attention. I didn't think dogs could be manipulative, i am really worried about her so i'm greatful for all your advice.

[aggiela]

oh i should also say that she is never left alone her nails are clipped regularly and she gets played with 24/7, if she isn't sleeping, there are a 4 year old and a 3 year old make sure of that.

[drgnrdr]

One thing I need to add, if she is allergic to one of the grains, corn or wheat, don't forget to check her treats or chews also, they can't have wheat or corn either. If she's scratching at her ear it might need to be looked at, allergy prone dogs have their ears get messed up all the time, change her food then see if that helps, my dog gets Benydril allergy pill twice a day, beside her food, treats and chews were changed. She is now on Innova EVO food, no grains at all. Doing much better.

[rider1]

Hi - severe itching is known as Pruritis - the skin is the body's largest organ so plenty of places for trouble to start! Severeitching can be a sign that an animals overall health is not 100%. You can cool the skin by giving the herb calendual (also known as marigold flowers) - this willsoothe hot irritated areas of skin. Chickweek is also good - you cam buy both herbs as a lotion. Itching can also be diet related - raw bones (ONLY RAW BONES) can be given, chickenand turkey necks are full of nutrients to boos the immune system. Extra zinc will help, as will vitamins A, C & E - Vit A helps with sore skin heal. Look at giving a natural diet instead of tinned dog food - often not filled with good stuff as they say on the tin. Fresh vegetables, raw or cooked whatever your friend will eat best - help to heal from the inside out - raw meat is also good but it must be fresh - change over a diet slowly to get the body used to the change. there are lots of natural diets out there - pre-packed that are better - hope this helps - there are lots of books out there that provide info. on a more natural way of feeding and caring for your 4 legged friend - I've found them brilliant - my lab x is now 13 and a half and doing quite well for her age - lots of tlc and natural goodies!!! Good luck