puppy scratching
puppy scratching
Ex has a new pup husky mix the rescue center he got her from says they gave pup all but one of her set of shots and rabies is due this month also gave her advantage on the 26. She is scratching not bad enough to pull out fur but often enough to wonder and we can't see any sign of fleas what might be causing her to scratch like this?
Re: puppy scratching
Look extra carefully for fleas - including the 'flea dirt' (flea feces) that are little reddish black flecks (they contain dried blood, if you wet them, they are dark red). If you still can't find any fleas, or any sign of them, my best guess would be dry skin and/or an allergy of some type. Since this is a rescue, is her history known? This may just be a sign that she hasn't been properly fed, and is suffering from malnutrition to some extent. If it were me, I'd start with trying a lipid supplement (flax seed oil, fish oil, - something like that) to see if that makes a difference, along with feeding a good quality food. If that didn't help (give it a month unless the condition worsens), I'd suspect a food allergy, and it would be best to let your vet guide you toward determining the best course of action if it looks like that's the problem.
Another thought - was she recently bathed? Long-haired dogs can be difficult to rinse thoroughly. If the shampoo wasn't completely washed out, it can cause her to itch big time! You may want to try bathing with a very mild shampoo (oatmeal shampoo is usually a good choice, but your vet may have a better choice) and rinse, rinse, rinse. When you think your done, rinse again just for good measure using your fingers to get down to the skin and make sure all the suds are gone. (I have three VERY furry Shelties, and I unfortunately know this from experience!)
Do you know what she was fed before you got her? What are you feeding now?
Another thought - was she recently bathed? Long-haired dogs can be difficult to rinse thoroughly. If the shampoo wasn't completely washed out, it can cause her to itch big time! You may want to try bathing with a very mild shampoo (oatmeal shampoo is usually a good choice, but your vet may have a better choice) and rinse, rinse, rinse. When you think your done, rinse again just for good measure using your fingers to get down to the skin and make sure all the suds are gone. (I have three VERY furry Shelties, and I unfortunately know this from experience!)
Do you know what she was fed before you got her? What are you feeding now?
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.