scratching?

[tinksmama]

Tinkerbell is always scratching at herself... she's on Frontline,and I've given her a few flea baths with a natural oils flea shampoo,b/c she was all dirty from playing in the mud, but she's always scratching and itching it seems, I can't see flea evidence anywhere on her, no bugs or dirt, what else could this be? Her fur is lovely, she's eating chicken soup for puppies food, maybe a food issue? I assumed this food,being a health food wouldn't cause a problem- any ideas?

[Scotia]

Parasites and superficial infections are the two commonest causes of scratching in a young dog, in my experience. Demodex isn't uncommon, and while in itself often doesn't cause scratching, it can result in a secondary infection which does itch. A mild bacterial infection or fungal infection can also itch - any little pimply things, especially on her armpits, groin or tummy? Does she smell? She's possibly a little young for an allergy, it might be time to visit the vet just to check nothing major is going on. Hope this is of some help.

BTW, what a gorgeous pup she is!!

Scotia

[Zoom]

If it's a food allergy, it doesn't matter how good the food is, it will still cause itching. Take her to the vet to rule out any sort of skin infections or environmental allergies (I know dogs who are allergic to grass), then see if she maybe has a chicken allergy. It's a very common allergy.

[tinksmama]

Thanks... no funny smells, skin looks good-I don't even see dry looking skin,just the scratchys...maybe a trip to the vet would be in order, she needs to go soon for her final shots anyway- hmmm,chicken? I didn't even know dogs had allergies before I read stuff here!

[Pomp]

So, my little beagle Samantha, has been scratching alot lately. She's been scratching about every 20-25 minutes. She isn't cutting her skin or harming herself. It's about a 5 second scratch when it happens, mostly on the lower half of her body.

I took her to the vet. Vet said that her skin looked pristine. No signs of any infections. This is what she told me to do and I'd be curious to receive some feedback.

1. Give her a bath with an oatmeal-based shampoo 2-3 times a week for about 2 weeks.
2. Give her 25 mg of Benedryl when needed.

If that doesn't work, she told me to try switching up foods and see if I can isolate on a particular food allergy.

Thoughts?

[Debi]

I had a problem with Hammie scratching, and I found the culprit was Frontline. I bathed him a few times, and after 2 weeks he has been fine. I realized it was the Frontline because he started immediately after application. (he scratched at his neck area constantly even tho it was placed between his shoulder blades) I had used it before without problem but like people, dogs can suddenly develope an allergic reaction to a chemical. just a thought to consider.

[Pomp]

I had a problem with Hammie scratching, and I found the culprit was Frontline. I bathed him a few times, and after 2 weeks he has been fine. I realized it was the Frontline because he started immediately after application. (he scratched at his neck area constantly even tho it was placed between his shoulder blades) I had used it before without problem but like people, dogs can suddenly develope an allergic reaction to a chemical. just a thought to consider.

Very interesting. Thanks for the reply. I do use Frontline.

I will give her another bath tonight. This will be the second one in less than a week. Is this OK? I have read about how too many baths can dry out a dog's skin. I do use an oatmeal & aloe shampoo.

It seems like there are so many different things that a dog can be allergic to. How do you narrow it down?