Nibbling around the tail area, WHY???

[Kirsy & Jasper]

After 2 months of peace (no nibbling, itching, chewing on paws etc.), Jasper just started nibbling around his tail, mainly at night, driving us crazy...

It is not the anal gland. He doesn't drag his bum, has hard poohs, that would empty them. Also last time Vet checked, it was nearly empty.

I have run out of his daily dosage of Fish oil tabs a week ago and also stopped the Evening Primrose Oil, as apparently this can trigger seizures (he is Epileptic too). Could this make him itchy again? He also started the under chin itching again, but ONLY at night time.

Anybody with this problem?

Kirsy

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Chewing at the base of the tail is a major allergy symptom; this is Jack's worst time of year for ragweed & chenopod pollen, and he's flaring suddenly, as he does every year at this time. He's been perfect since last fall, no scratching or chewing at all; come August, boom!
The lack of fish oil could definitely be exacerbating the problem for Jasper, too.
Check www.pollen.com for your area and see how high the weed pollen levels are; that may help you determine if that's what's causing Jasper's itching.
I'd get more fish oil, and also try bathing him weekly- Jack's specialist recommends that to help us get through this time of year. Cool dryer or air dry only. Hope Jasper feels better soon!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

:( How can I be so clueless? Spud is doing this too but allergies never crossed my mind. Disturbing

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

This happens to Peri this time of year. We ran out of fish oil and she starts up. As soon as we put the fish oil back on, she stopped.

[Nugget's Family]

Baths definitely help Nugget. I also find that keeping the hair short down there in the "nether regions" seems to help to cut down on the itching there.

Nugget has been itchier than normal, too. But we expected this since her diagnosis last spring....atopic dermatitis and seasonal allergies (inhalant).

Good luck!

[Denise U]

How much fish oil do you give your dogs? My doodle has this problem too and her saliva has turned the area around her butt... pink. Sheesh.

[Kirsy & Jasper]

I give one 1000mg Fish oil capsule per day into his food.