15 month old doodle (75% poodle, 25% golden) itching!

[Ollie's Mom]

Hi, Ollie is an all black doodle and is 15 months old. I feed him Canidae and usually sprinkle a little bit of organic apple cider vinegar on his food in the morning. I try to only bathe home 1x/month with baby shampoo and human conditioner. He eats some table food and peanut butter too. I feel like he scratches himself a lot. First I thought he's just cleaning himself but it seems a bit excessive. Is this normal?  I don't see any fleas on him (I give him the 1x/month flea liquid on the back of his neck when I give him his heartworm chewy). I'm not TOO worried but wondering if there's anything I can try to ease his itchiness. I don't see dandruff (if dogs even get such a thing) or notice any sores that he's itching at directly. I welcome fellow doodle lover's thoughts! Thanks!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You really don't want to use human shampoo and conditioners on dogs; the pH of their skin is different from ours. And in fact, you should never use any kind of leave-in conditioner on a dog who is itchy. (I personally wouldn't use it on any dog.) 

Although many people immediately think about food when there is itching or a suspicion of allergies, food is in fact not to blame in 90% of cases. You can try switching the protein source of his food if you think that may be the problem, possibly to a fish-based food for the Omega 3 fatty acids. Here is some good information about food allergies in dogs: http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/thefoodgroup/forum/topics/facts-a...

There's also no reason on earth to sprinkle apple cider vinegar, or any other kind of vinegar, on his food. There is no benefit whatsoever, despite the ridiculous claims that you read about ACV on-line, and in fact it can be harmful when taken internally due to the high acidity.

Here are some tips on keeping itchy dogs comfortable: 

Give Omega 3 fatty acid supplements. You want the Omega 3 fatty acids DHA & EPA, which are only found in fish. You can also give GLA in the form of evening primrose oil supplements. In both cases, use human softgel supplements. 

If you feed dry dog food, check the Omega 6:3 ratio. You want a ratio of 5:1 or less, the lower the better, and the Omega 3 content should come from fish.

Give antihistamines. Different antihistamines are more effective for different dogs. Typically, you want second generation antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness, like Claritin, Zyrtec, Atarax, etc. rather than Benadryl.

Use OTC anti-itch sprays on the affected areas. These are available at most pet supply stores.

Wipe the dog down every time he comes in from outside, paying particular attention to the feet. Brush the dog daily.

Keep the indoor areas where the dog spends the most time as clean and dust free as possible. Wash bedding weekly, wash food & water bowls daily. Vacuum as often as possible.

Keep dry foods in air-tight storage containers and don;t buy more than you can use in a month unless you can freeze it. 

If the feet are affected, you can soak them in tepid water with epsom salts. Be sure to dry thoroughly afterwards.

Bathe the dog often, weekly if possible, with a shampoo formulated for allergic dogs. (I like Douxo Calm). Do NOT use leave-in conditioners or other grooming products. Use a cool dryer setting or air-dry. 

As much as I hate doing it, keeping windows closed really helps with pollen allergies. Run the A/C in warm weather especially, the allergy symptoms are exacerbated by humidity. Use a furnace filter with a high allergen rating and change it monthly. 

Read more here: http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/some-basic-facts-about?gro...

[leslie Hamilton]

I give my doodle coconut oil. She is also 2/3 poodle and 1/3 golden. She has itchy skin as well. I am new to the group.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There is no evidence at all that coconut oil is of any benefit to dogs when taken internally, and in fact it may actually contribute to inflammation and make the itching worse. It does not contain the types of fatty acids that dogs can convert and utilize. Please try fish oil instead. Here's some information: http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topi...

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Hi Ollie's Mom ~ I would go with Karen's recommendations below. I have one doodle who does have allergies and the Duoxo Calm is what I use at home and I also take it to the groomer when he goes for major grooming..  As Karen says, human shampoos and conditions are a definite no no.  Good luck.