Itchy dog!

murphanzo

This is my first post here and I've lurked a bit to see if I could find the answer first.  Every summer, from about June to Sept., my Aussie cattle dog gets so itchy. He gives himself hotspots on his front and back legs, and will scratch himself raw in a spot on his back.  We've tried bitter-yuck to try to stop him, and we've even shaved him where he itches most in the past, nothing works. We have his sister, too.  She doesn't have this problem.  We feed them Taste of the Wild, and do some raw foods (turkey/chicken necks, chicken backs, carrots, etc.) to keep them in good health.

 TIA!!

 Any suggestions?  

spalko

If the itchiness only happens in the summer months, then I would say that the dog has seasonal allergies. You can give your dog benadryl (every 8 hours) to help but I would suggest going to the vet to get some stronger medications to help relieve the itching. Some would suggest changing the food but if you only see the hot spots and itching during the warmer months, then changing the food probably won't do much. Probably allergic to trees/grasses so wipe off his paws and belly (hypo-allergic baby wipes work well) when he comes in from outside to reduce the allergens on his skin.

murphanzo

good ideas!  Baby benadryl or regular?  he weighs about 50lbs.

jeno111

Our bully constantly itches.  Our vet has him on a spray and that has really helped.  She also has told us to give him an adult benadryl, up to 6 a day, to combat some of the itchiness.  I only give him 2-3 since it seems like alot to me!  Dogs aren't affected like we are to benadryl but 6 still seems excessive.  He is also about 50 lbs.

GL!

spalko

You can give him adult benadryl, I would do 2 every 8 hours. Just make sure that the benadryl doesn't contain aspirin or anything else for pain. You can also get the generic brand, the drug is called Diphenhydramine so look for just that on the label and you should be OK.

murphanzo

thank you so much!  I stopped at Target on my way home and we're going to try the wipes and Benadryl tonight.

meganashleigh

It sounds like seasonal allergies, I would call or see your vet for medication suggestions.  

twalters1181

Our dog has this same problem, he would get so itchy he would throw himself around on the carpet and rub his face on the couch. Vet said it was allergies. I give him one allergy pill 3x a week and he gets a shot in the beginning of the season. He also is on Taste of the Wild Smoked Salmon because he has a food allergy to wheat!!