itchy skin

[sandvand]

My foster Cylde came from Lousianna and the humidity here must be very different b/c he keeps scratching. I checked for fleas and didn't see any, but I treated with Advantage anyway. He was on crappy food, Alpo and Iams before. I have him on good food now, but are there supplements that would help him, like fish oils or something? Or any other tips. Poor baby keeps scratching!

[Moo]

Is it in one area or all over? Is there any hair loss? Is the skin red/flaky?

Fish oils can be added to the diet- especially good for retriever breeds. Labs, Goldens, and Flat Coats need all three linoleic acids in their diet to maintain healthy coat. Fish oil or linseed oil is a good additive, but may not solve your problem.

What food are you feeding him now? And how many days has it been since you switched him? Was he scratching on Alpo? It could be a food allergy, but could also be environmental, and he's allergic to whatever you laundry detergent you use. That is unlikely though, unless he is displaying eye/sinus irritation as well.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

Fish oils ( like Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil) are good for the skin and heart. However, if it's a chronic allergy of sorts, you need to find the root cause. Baths and ointments may temporarily help sooth the skin, but if it's chronic, you need to find out what's causing it. Poor baby!

There are tests for food and environmental allergies, but they're not cheap.

Is it worse once the dog comes in after spending time outdoors? That MAY point to an environmental allergy. My dog Miko is allergic to cut grass. I use a holistic vet for this and she gave me a homeopathic product to try.

If it's a food allergy, you could try eliminating grains from the diet since grains and/or cheap fillers are often the culprit (well, actually wheat, corn, any form of gluten, caisen soy, barley). Innova EVO is a great, grainless food.

Some dogs have a bad reaction to flea bites (flea allergies).

It's a tough process of elimination, unless you spring for the tests.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[fairlight]

How about an oatmeal bath.

[sandvand]

Thanks guys!
I don't see any red spots or even really any flaky skin. His coat is really dry and brittle. He scratches all over, not in one spot. He seems to be gettting better though. I actually might have found a mommy for him but I'll post that later