Itchy Doodle

[Michele MacPhee]

Hi everyone...Does anyone know what to do for itchy doodles?  Django is driving himself crazy stratching and biting himself all over.  He uses Frontline, so it isn't fleas although I guess they can still get bitten by fleas and mosquitoes anyhow. He doesn't have hot spots.  I think it is some kind of allergy.  He can't take steroids or Benedryl b/c they upset his stomach.  I feel so sorry for him!  We clipped his hair short and I do brush him, but summer is just unkind to him...Any ideas?  

[Linda Hanson]

I know exactly how you feel. Our dog Hokie went through a terrible phase. I ended up taking him to the dog dermatologist because he got so bad. One thing that she recommended was to switch to Revolution, which controlled fleas, ticks, heartworm and mites. It made a huge difference. I do have to give him allergy shots but he had a slew of environmental allergies.I also got a special shampoo from them in the beginning which also helped. He is good as new no scratching. Good luck.

[Michele MacPhee]

Thanks so much for the information, Linda. Where would I find a dog dermatologist? Is there someone you recommend?

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

Connor gets the summer itchies. Advantage and Frontline both make him itch worse than any flea could - think it's just the chemicals. It did the same thing to my newfie. Evening Primrose Shampoo from Isle of Dogs is great to calm the skin. Connor is also allergic to a weed in our yard called ground ivy. It has roundish leaves and smells like mint when you step on it. His feet itch if he steps on it and his fanny itches if he sits down. The stuff is like kudzu in that it is almost impossible to get rid of. I also have all my dogs on a grain free diet. They eat Taste of the Wild, Pacific Stream which seems to help everyone.

Benadryl is not the only antihistimine dogs can take. I believe Chlortrimeton and Claritin are two OTC ones and Atarax is a relatively inexpensive prescription one. Check with your vet to see if any of these might be appropriate for Django

Here's a link to Isle of Dogs - they have these new packs with Shampoo/Conditioner/grooming spray that target certain things - like itches, mats/detangling, etc. They are about $20 for the pack and are smaller than regular size, but it gives you the opportunity to see if it works before you buy a big bottle of something. :-)
www.iodogs.com

Hope some of these things might help. Of course, a good dermatologist can do wonders...:-)

[Michele MacPhee]

Thanks so much Deborah...I will try the shampoo etc and I'll ask the vet about switching from Frontline and about trying the other antihistimines. I so appreciate your help!

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

If you go to Isle of Dogs site, on the left click on Rehab Kits - this is the dry itchy skin one. I've used the shampoo and conditioner on Connor and it is very very soothing and left his coat feeling fabulous. The 3-pc kit is $23 + shipping
https://www.iodogs.com/p-316-rehab-kit-for-dry-skin.aspx

[Linda Hanson]

Michele, just in case you need a Veterinary Dermatologist, her name is Nicola Williamson of Veterinary Dermatology of Richmond. www.vetderm.com

[Michele MacPhee]

Thanks Linda. This is very helpful. We switched him to Revolution and he's doing better already!