Itchy Pup

Renegaade · 12-23-2007, 11:24 AM

My 10 week old Yellow Lab puppy has been itching like crazy since I brought him home. We live in a climate not suitable for fleas so I know that's not the cause. He scratches quite often and chewed a sore into one of his hind legs. I thought it might be his undercoat coming in or something, but that's just speculation. I'd be grateful for any help!

Renoman · 12-23-2007, 11:30 AM

What do you mean 'a climate not suitable for fleas'?

What are you feeding the puppy?

Renegaade · 12-23-2007, 11:58 AM

Well I live in Colorado and I was under the impression fleas weren't common in dry areas. That's probably naive but I don't know of any other dog owners in the area that have had flea problems. I'm weaning him off of his corn-based Pedigree that the breeder was feeding him to Eukanuba puppy chow (25/75, 50/50, 75/25, 100). And speaking of the food, he's eating half as much as he was the first week, but I have a feeling that's because the better food is more filling and sustaining.

Renoman · 12-23-2007, 12:13 PM

Taking him off Pedigree is a good move. There are better foods out there than Eukanuba though. Doesn't Eukanuba also have corn in it? If so that might be a large part of the itch problem.

Never heard about fleas not liking dry climate.... could be... I would be talking to my vet about flea control options I think. Maybe that's why the other dog owners aren't having problems

.

Has your pup been to the vet to make sure he doesn't have any bacterial skin issues going on? At the very least, your vet can give you something to stop the itch cycle and get your puppy some relief.

Renegaade · 12-23-2007, 12:26 PM

Eukuanuba isn't corn based although I've been reasearching better brands (Innova EVO, for example) and also considered making his food myself. I think he just has really dry skin, I don't think it's a food allergy or anything. I do need to get him to the vet for his first shots, so hopefully he'll have an idea. Your German's are gorgeous, by the way.

Is the Black one a Belgian? I'm a breed newbie

Renoman · 12-23-2007, 12:34 PM

Thanks. No, not Belgian, she was East German working lines. She was a big female and one tough cookie!

You might want to look at some other foods as well. Some that have limited protein sources; Wellness, Solid Gold Wolf Cub/Wolf King.

It might be that he just needs time to get the Pedigree out of his system. Watch that sore though - you don't want it getting infected. Ask your vet about trying Benadryl to relieve the itching.

There are things you can add to his food to help relieve dry skin from the inside out. My vet recommends 1 sardine a day - all the Omegas packed into one little fish - works great and the dogs love them. Makes a huge difference in their skin and coat.

Good luck -

Dana1384 · 12-23-2007, 12:59 PM

I lived in colorado for 18 years in woodland park, and never got a flea. The only place in colorado I ever heard of flea problems was in plubeo. You really don't have to worry about fleas there because it just doesn't get warm enough there, and when it does not long enough for fleas to thrive.
I would talk to your vet about the itchy skin. I give my Golden fish oil everyday to help because she has sensitive skin. I have heard a lot about a sardine, so I thinking about trying the sardine, it would be less expensive in the long run

Renegaade · 12-23-2007, 02:17 PM

Thanks to both, I'll definitely give the sardines a shot as well.

Renoman · 12-23-2007, 02:21 PM

Make sure you get the ones packed in water. If they have salt added - rinse them.

Renegaade · 12-23-2007, 02:40 PM

Ah, thanks.

So I just got back from the store and gave him a sardine. He sniffed it and walked away, and then the cat came in and ate it! Oh well, I'll make a fish fan of him yet.