scratching
Question:
For the past couple of months my dog (a 3 yr old Aussie) has been scratching more than usual. She doesn’t appear to have fleas (I have her on the Program) and its pretty recent behavior. Could it be her diet? Or is it the weather? I’ve had her on Eukebana Lamb & Rice formula. But before that I had her on Avoderm but quit because she didn’t seem as fond of it (although she did not seem to scratch as much). On the other hand it IS summer… Any suggestions?
Response:
For the past two years, our dog has had similar problems with scratching and chewing her paws. It only happens during the latter part of the summer. We checked with her vet who put her on meds for allergies and she had relief within days.
Response:
Our Springer went through this last summer and after all sorts of treatment by our local vet (Prednisone etc.) and a switch to lamb and rice, I took her to the dermatologist at Angell memorial in Boston. Because her scratching focused on her elbow he quickly concluded it was scabies (sarcopic mange) and cured it very easily with 3 doses of Ivermectin at 10day intervals. Scabies can often be confirmed with skin scrapings but in our case the mites did not show up but he said that can be the case and since the treatment worked he knew what the problem was.
Response:
>It could be that your dog is just itchy. My sister’s dog suffers every >summer with the same kind of thing. She’s 13 yo and it only started a few >years ago.
Dogs can be itchy for many reasons. Usually finding the cause (which is always important) is a matter of ruling-out the things that can cause the itching. First consideration is usually flea allergies. Oftne putting the dog on a good preventive like Frontline or Advantage will either end the itching or…not. Even if you don’t see fleas on the dog, the itching can come from mites or fleas you just don’t see. If the itching dog is already on a flea preventative, then food allergy, inhalant allergies might be considered. If the itching is seasonal only then I’d say it would appear that the environment is the culprit. When you have an older dog you should always get periodic (every six months) urine and blood testing done. This is a good idea anyway and Cushings, Addisons or Throid can be diseases that if spotted early can be easily treated.
Response:
It could be that your dog is just itchy. My sister’s dog suffers every summer with the same kind of thing. She’s 13 yo and it only started a few years ago. Her vet puts her on a course of prednisone and it does the trick. Lori/Ont.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Several weeks ago my dog started scratching. He has no fleas and is given a > bath on a regular basis. He seems to scratch all the time. I wake up during > the night and hear him scratching. We have been using a spray for itching, > but that only helps for an hour or so. He is 14 -15 years old. > — > Jerry & Jamie Wilson
Response:
Take a look at http://www.championpets.co.uk/itchy_dogs.htm for some useful advice. Dave. — Dave Cunningham Champion Pet Supplies Catalogue & Information: http://www.championpets.com Online Store: http://www.championpetsonline.com
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Several weeks ago my dog started scratching. He has no fleas and is given a > bath on a regular basis. He seems to scratch all the time. I wake up during > the night and hear him scratching. We have been using a spray for itching, > but that only helps for an hour or so. He is 14 -15 years old. > — > Jerry & Jamie Wilson
Response:
>Several weeks ago my dog started scratching. He has no fleas and is given a >bath on a regular basi
Could be many things. Given his age what I would do is start with a urinalysis and blood panel. Catch the first urine of the morning and take that in for a test. Now is the time to start watching for things like Cushings, Addison’s or diabetes. You can get a good idea how his kidneys are functioning by having those simple blood and urine tests done. Include a thyroid test too. If they look normal, cut back on the bathes. It can dry out the skin. Also, does he lick his butt excessively? That ‘can’ causing itching or even loss of hair or hair luster. So..get the urine and blood (and thyroid) tests run (that is a good thing to do at least once a year from now on or even every six months). It will give you an edge on keeping him healthy as he gets older. Good luck
Response:
>Several weeks ago my dog started scratching. He has no fleas and is given a >bath on a regular basis.
Have you changed his shampoo? What kind of dog is he? You might want to try oatmeal baths. Also make sure there are no sores on him that are causing the itch cause that might be a staph infection. Debbie
Response:
Hi, J and J. Do you live in flea country? Where I live, (Seattle, WA, USA) fleas flourish and all dogs that show up as suddenly itchy are considered flea-allergic until proven otherwise. That means even one bite, picked up outside, can set them off. If you have had this dog for a long time, and this is the first time this has happened, flea allergy is less likely. An allergy or sensitivity to what he is being fed can make him itchy. Humans have allergic reactions that usually result in sniffling, congestion and runny eyes. Dogs’ allergic reactions usually take the form of itching. Have you changed his food recently? Has the manufacturer changed the formulation of his food? Have you started feeding him some kind of cookie he hasn’t had before? Do some mental detective work about his diet, and see if you can’t identify a change in what he is being given. Then change back. Or tell the kids to stop feeding him pizza. jdoee and Stacey Dog – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Several weeks ago my dog started scratching. He has no fleas and is given a > bath on a regular basis. He seems to scratch all the time. I wake up during > the night and hear him scratching. We have been using a spray for itching, > but that only helps for an hour or so. He is 14 -15 years old. > — > Jerry & Jamie Wilson
Response:
Several weeks ago my dog started scratching. He has no fleas and is given a bath on a regular basis. He seems to scratch all the time. I wake up during the night and hear him scratching. We have been using a spray for itching, but that only helps for an hour or so. He is 14 -15 years old. — Jerry & Jamie Wilson
Response:
Are you possibly bathing too frequently and causing dry skin? — Lori in Peoria, IL – Happy Hound Bakery at Happy Hound Hollow ~ Ask me about hound-sitting while you vacation! ~ Family stuff: http://www.geocities.com/reynoldsfamily_2000/ Happy Hound Hollow Sighthound Rescue ***and now Dobermans, too!: http://www.geocities.com/happyhoundhollow
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Several weeks ago my dog started scratching. He has no fleas and is given a > bath on a regular basis. He seems to scratch all the time. I wake up during > the night and hear him scratching. We have been using a spray for itching, > but that only helps for an hour or so. He is 14 -15 years old. > — > Jerry & Jamie Wilson
Response:
: Just found this newsgroup tonight. Have enjoyed reading recent postings, :but found nothing much on PUVA & psoralens. My 50 yr old husband had :complete clearing of lesions, after maybe three months of psoralen by :mouth & PUVA light treatments, for increasing lengths of time (up to about :25 mins), but has been on "maintenance" treatments (every 3 wks) for about :2 yrs. He sometimes experiences widespread itchy red rash following :treatment. Psoriasis has gradually returned, but is not nearly as :widespread as before treatment. I’m concerned about adverse reaction to :long term use of psoralens. Anyone been on them this long?? Thanks. Hi, Shari! Try searching the Skin Archive at http://www.pinch.com/skin/ This is Ed Andersons home page, he is the host of the archive of this and the other skin newsgroups. There has been a lot of postings about this earlier on. You can also read about PUVA on my homepage, in the Psoriasis Treatment article. There you can also read about the late breaking news on PUVA. Good luck! Best regards, Visit my home page at: Med vennlig hilsen, http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ *****TO E-MAIL ME, PLEASE REMOVE ‘NOSPAM’ IN THE HEADER*****
Response:
It itches, you scratch it, what could be more normal? Unfortunately with psoriasis it usually doesn’t stop until the area is raw and bleeding. I think just about anyone here not blessed with iron self control can understand exactly what you are feeling. You are not alone, believe me. I recommend that you see a dermatologist. My doctor can have me back to normal within a week when I have these flareups (every one or two years depending on how lucky I am.). Modern medicine can do wonderous things. Topical Corticosteroids knock it right out in my case (do an AltaVista search on Psorcon for more scientific drek than you ever want to see, including pictures that make me almost sorry for troubling with my petty problems.) Good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi, I,m new to the group. I’ve had P for nearly 30 years. I had it worst of >all when I lived in Cyprus so sun isn’t the palliative it is supposed to be. >I have it in and around my ears and several lesions on the scalp. I,ve been >using Alphosyl for several years with little effect and tea tree shampoo for >the scalp. My problem is that I just can’t leave it alone. I pick at the >scales all the time til I get down to raw skin. Does anyone else do this? >How can I stop? I know it’s an awful habit but I just can’t help myself.
Response:
Hi Chris, I have Darier’s disease which is another member of the Koebner family of hereditary skin disorders along with Psoriasis. I am also a charter member of Itchers and Scratchers Anonymous ( the only requirement for membership is the desire to refrain from scratching one itch at a time). I find the moisturizer dermal therapy’s extra strength skin body lotion 10% urea is helpful. 1-399-6668-8000. Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride 25 mgs has helped. Anti fungal shampoos have helped nystin rings a bell. Darier’s Disease share with psoriasis upon irritation (Koebner effect) a shift from regular skin to scaly skin and in my case thick hide and brown crusts. Darier’s Diseased are much more triggered by solar radiation. I stay out of the sun or use 100% sun block clothing. Big larger brim hats are my trade mark. Not letting fungus and bacteria to built up by mild showers in hot sticky areas of the world and body helps. 1 teaspoon vinegar to 32 ounces of water to rinse has been helpful for me and my dad. Cetyphil cleanser has helped for me. Good luck, Paul S. (Darier’s Disease)
Response:
Hi, I,m new to the group. I’ve had P for nearly 30 years. I had it worst of all when I lived in Cyprus so sun isn’t the palliative it is supposed to be. I have it in and around my ears and several lesions on the scalp. I,ve been using Alphosyl for several years with little effect and tea tree shampoo for the scalp. My problem is that I just can’t leave it alone. I pick at the scales all the time til I get down to raw skin. Does anyone else do this? How can I stop? I know it’s an awful habit but I just can’t help myself. — Chris Flood
Response:
> Hi, I,m new to the group. I’ve had P for nearly 30 years. I had it worst of > all when I lived in Cyprus so sun isn’t the palliative it is supposed to be. > I have it in and around my ears and several lesions on the scalp. I,ve been > using Alphosyl for several years with little effect and tea tree shampoo for > the scalp. My problem is that I just can’t leave it alone. I pick at the > scales all the time til I get down to raw skin. Does anyone else do this? > How can I stop? I know it’s an awful habit but I just can’t help myself.
Hi, Chris! Why don`t you take a look at the psoriasis treatment document on my homepage? Treating your P. more successfully could help on the itching… Read the pre-treatment part of the document carefully. Getting rid of the scales and keeping the scalp moistured could relieve the itching a lot. BTW, I got an allergic reaction to tea tree shampoo. Have you tried using another shampoo? E.g. a tar based one??? — Best regards, Visit my home page at: Med vennlig hilsen, http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ *****TO E-MAIL ME, PLEASE REMOVE ‘NOSPAM’ IN THE HEADER*****
Response:
>It could be that your dog is just itchy. My sister’s dog suffers every >summer with the same kind of thing. She’s 13 yo and it only started a few >years ago.
Dogs can be itchy for many reasons. Usually finding the cause (which is always important) is a matter of ruling-out the things that can cause the itching. First consideration is usually flea allergies. Oftne putting the dog on a good preventive like Frontline or Advantage will either end the itching or…not. Even if you don’t see fleas on the dog, the itching can come from mites or fleas you just don’t see. If the itching dog is already on a flea preventative, then food allergy, inhalant allergies might be considered. If the itching is seasonal only then I’d say it would appear that the environment is the culprit. When you have an older dog you should always get periodic (every six months) urine and blood testing done. This is a good idea anyway and Cushings, Addisons or Throid can be diseases that if spotted early can be easily treated.
Response:
It could be that your dog is just itchy. My sister’s dog suffers every summer with the same kind of thing. She’s 13 yo and it only started a few years ago. Her vet puts her on a course of prednisone and it does the trick. Lori/Ont.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Several weeks ago my dog started scratching. He has no fleas and is given a > bath on a regular basis. He seems to scratch all the time. I wake up during > the night and hear him scratching. We have been using a spray for itching, > but that only helps for an hour or so. He is 14 -15 years old. > — > Jerry & Jamie Wilson
Response:
Take a look at http://www.championpets.co.uk/itchy_dogs.htm for some useful advice. Dave. — Dave Cunningham Champion Pet Supplies Catalogue & Information: http://www.championpets.com Online Store: http://www.championpetsonline.com
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Several weeks ago my dog started scratching. He has no fleas and is given a > bath on a regular basis. He seems to scratch all the time. I wake up during > the night and hear him scratching. We have been using a spray for itching, > but that only helps for an hour or so. He is 14 -15 years old. > — > Jerry & Jamie Wilson
Response:
>Several weeks ago my dog started scratching. He has no fleas and is given a >bath on a regular basi
Could be many things. Given his age what I would do is start with a urinalysis and blood panel. Catch the first urine of the morning and take that in for a test. Now is the time to start watching for things like Cushings, Addison’s or diabetes. You can get a good idea how his kidneys are functioning by having those simple blood and urine tests done. Include a thyroid test too. If they look normal, cut back on the bathes. It can dry out the skin. Also, does he lick his butt excessively? That ‘can’ causing itching or even loss of hair or hair luster. So..get the urine and blood (and thyroid) tests run (that is a good thing to do at least once a year from now on or even every six months). It will give you an edge on keeping him healthy as he gets older. Good luck
Response:
>Several weeks ago my dog started scratching. He has no fleas and is given a >bath on a regular basis.
Have you changed his shampoo? What kind of dog is he? You might want to try oatmeal baths. Also make sure there are no sores on him that are causing the itch cause that might be a staph infection. Debbie
Response:
Hi, J and J. Do you live in flea country? Where I live, (Seattle, WA, USA) fleas flourish and all dogs that show up as suddenly itchy are considered flea-allergic until proven otherwise. That means even one bite, picked up outside, can set them off. If you have had this dog for a long time, and this is the first time this has happened, flea allergy is less likely. An allergy or sensitivity to what he is being fed can make him itchy. Humans have allergic reactions that usually result in sniffling, congestion and runny eyes. Dogs’ allergic reactions usually take the form of itching. Have you changed his food recently? Has the manufacturer changed the formulation of his food? Have you started feeding him some kind of cookie he hasn’t had before? Do some mental detective work about his diet, and see if you can’t identify a change in what he is being given. Then change back. Or tell the kids to stop feeding him pizza. jdoee and Stacey Dog – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Several weeks ago my dog started scratching. He has no fleas and is given a > bath on a regular basis. He seems to scratch all the time. I wake up during > the night and hear him scratching. We have been using a spray for itching, > but that only helps for an hour or so. He is 14 -15 years old. > — > Jerry & Jamie Wilson
Response:
Several weeks ago my dog started scratching. He has no fleas and is given a bath on a regular basis. He seems to scratch all the time. I wake up during the night and hear him scratching. We have been using a spray for itching, but that only helps for an hour or so. He is 14 -15 years old. — Jerry & Jamie Wilson
Response:
Are you possibly bathing too frequently and causing dry skin? — Lori in Peoria, IL – Happy Hound Bakery at Happy Hound Hollow ~ Ask me about hound-sitting while you vacation! ~ Family stuff: http://www.geocities.com/reynoldsfamily_2000/ Happy Hound Hollow Sighthound Rescue ***and now Dobermans, too!: http://www.geocities.com/happyhoundhollow
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Several weeks ago my dog started scratching. He has no fleas and is given a > bath on a regular basis. He seems to scratch all the time. I wake up during > the night and hear him scratching. We have been using a spray for itching, > but that only helps for an hour or so. He is 14 -15 years old. > — > Jerry & Jamie Wilson
Response:
: Just found this newsgroup tonight. Have enjoyed reading recent postings, :but found nothing much on PUVA & psoralens. My 50 yr old husband had :complete clearing of lesions, after maybe three months of psoralen by :mouth & PUVA light treatments, for increasing lengths of time (up to about :25 mins), but has been on "maintenance" treatments (every 3 wks) for about :2 yrs. He sometimes experiences widespread itchy red rash following :treatment. Psoriasis has gradually returned, but is not nearly as :widespread as before treatment. I’m concerned about adverse reaction to :long term use of psoralens. Anyone been on them this long?? Thanks. Hi, Shari! Try searching the Skin Archive at http://www.pinch.com/skin/ This is Ed Andersons home page, he is the host of the archive of this and the other skin newsgroups. There has been a lot of postings about this earlier on. You can also read about PUVA on my homepage, in the Psoriasis Treatment article. There you can also read about the late breaking news on PUVA. Good luck! Best regards, Visit my home page at: Med vennlig hilsen, http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ *****TO E-MAIL ME, PLEASE REMOVE ‘NOSPAM’ IN THE HEADER*****
Response:
It itches, you scratch it, what could be more normal? Unfortunately with psoriasis it usually doesn’t stop until the area is raw and bleeding. I think just about anyone here not blessed with iron self control can understand exactly what you are feeling. You are not alone, believe me. I recommend that you see a dermatologist. My doctor can have me back to normal within a week when I have these flareups (every one or two years depending on how lucky I am.). Modern medicine can do wonderous things. Topical Corticosteroids knock it right out in my case (do an AltaVista search on Psorcon for more scientific drek than you ever want to see, including pictures that make me almost sorry for troubling with my petty problems.) Good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi, I,m new to the group. I’ve had P for nearly 30 years. I had it worst of >all when I lived in Cyprus so sun isn’t the palliative it is supposed to be. >I have it in and around my ears and several lesions on the scalp. I,ve been >using Alphosyl for several years with little effect and tea tree shampoo for >the scalp. My problem is that I just can’t leave it alone. I pick at the >scales all the time til I get down to raw skin. Does anyone else do this? >How can I stop? I know it’s an awful habit but I just can’t help myself.
Response:
Hi Chris, I have Darier’s disease which is another member of the Koebner family of hereditary skin disorders along with Psoriasis. I am also a charter member of Itchers and Scratchers Anonymous ( the only requirement for membership is the desire to refrain from scratching one itch at a time). I find the moisturizer dermal therapy’s extra strength skin body lotion 10% urea is helpful. 1-399-6668-8000. Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride 25 mgs has helped. Anti fungal shampoos have helped nystin rings a bell. Darier’s Disease share with psoriasis upon irritation (Koebner effect) a shift from regular skin to scaly skin and in my case thick hide and brown crusts. Darier’s Diseased are much more triggered by solar radiation. I stay out of the sun or use 100% sun block clothing. Big larger brim hats are my trade mark. Not letting fungus and bacteria to built up by mild showers in hot sticky areas of the world and body helps. 1 teaspoon vinegar to 32 ounces of water to rinse has been helpful for me and my dad. Cetyphil cleanser has helped for me. Good luck, Paul S. (Darier’s Disease)
Response:
Hi, I,m new to the group. I’ve had P for nearly 30 years. I had it worst of all when I lived in Cyprus so sun isn’t the palliative it is supposed to be. I have it in and around my ears and several lesions on the scalp. I,ve been using Alphosyl for several years with little effect and tea tree shampoo for the scalp. My problem is that I just can’t leave it alone. I pick at the scales all the time til I get down to raw skin. Does anyone else do this? How can I stop? I know it’s an awful habit but I just can’t help myself. — Chris Flood
Response:
> Hi, I,m new to the group. I’ve had P for nearly 30 years. I had it worst of > all when I lived in Cyprus so sun isn’t the palliative it is supposed to be. > I have it in and around my ears and several lesions on the scalp. I,ve been > using Alphosyl for several years with little effect and tea tree shampoo for > the scalp. My problem is that I just can’t leave it alone. I pick at the > scales all the time til I get down to raw skin. Does anyone else do this? > How can I stop? I know it’s an awful habit but I just can’t help myself.
Hi, Chris! Why don`t you take a look at the psoriasis treatment document on my homepage? Treating your P. more successfully could help on the itching… Read the pre-treatment part of the document carefully. Getting rid of the scales and keeping the scalp moistured could relieve the itching a lot. BTW, I got an allergic reaction to tea tree shampoo. Have you tried using another shampoo? E.g. a tar based one??? — Best regards, Visit my home page at: Med vennlig hilsen, http://home.newmedia.no/flaker/ *****TO E-MAIL ME, PLEASE REMOVE ‘NOSPAM’ IN THE HEADER*****
Response:
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