Daisy has the itches n scratches...

[GaryThomlinson]

Aye there's no redness now and we're at semi normal scratching levels.

It seems she's allergic to fresh air most days.

[Nika C]

I might be totally off base here, but do you think any of it could be an OCD type behaviour linked with her past? Obviously not the case with the front line reaction but the continuing scratching with no apparent irritant?

[GaryThomlinson]

It really could be anything at this stage. The only information I have is that the prior owner gave her (via vets) steroids to control it. I really don't want to do this, as while its easier for me, the side effects to such an old dog might not be good. So I persist in less harmful but time intensive options presently. She does seem to attract a lot of insect bites, far more than Penny. Just one tiny bite is enough to set Daisy into a scratching session every 20 minutes for days. We have special soaps, cleansers, fabric wash, food and more and little has helped so far. Its awful to watch.

As I accidentally stood on her back foot while out walking yesterday (she ran under/across my path) I suspect I'll be at the vets to discuss scratching and more quite soon. Poor mite, she gave Andy my OH a full on growl this morning when he tried to dry that foot after a walk. Never heard her growl before. As if she hasn't got enough on I go and stand on her foot.

[zeta1454]

So sorry to hear about poor Daisy and the troubles you have been through with her trying to sort out her skin problems. I have no direct experience of this kind of problem but regarding trying to keep biting insects at bay garlic is regarded as a good supplement to make the dog's blood repellent to them. Dorwest Herbs that specialise in herbal remedies for animals do have a number of supplements and external treatments for skin issues which you could check out if you have not already seen these.

http://www.dorwest.com/Category/Skin-and-Coat" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There is also an interesting article here about allergies in dogs which has a general look at the issues that can be involved and the differing approaches that can be taken to heal a suffering dog. Hopefully there might be something useful here too:
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues ... 640-1.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I do hope that you can find something to help her soon - it is so upsetting when you want to help a dog and cannot find the solution.

[GaryThomlinson]

Daisy has been particularly bad this weekend. I note that I've forgotten the golden paste addition to her meal so I'm going to put her back on that to see if it helps.

If it doesn't has anyone heard of this before: http://www.vetuk.co.uk/dog-supplements- ... oil-p-5895" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Janer]

I have got Meg on the Yumega Plus oil as she has very dry, scurfy skin that she scratches, although not to the extent of scratching herself raw like poor Daisy. Our vet recommended it, other supplements she mentioned were Efavet and Viacutin, though I have not tried those. I think the Yumega helps to alleviate it a little but not as much as I had hoped, it is certainly not the magic cure that the Amazon reviews claim. Might need to try the other products.

Meg was spayed last month which is also not helping as the dryness has got worse which I assume is down to hormones changing.

[Champ629]

Jake has occasional allergy problems, we used to give him the Efavet capsules, but to be honest I don't think they had much effect, so we have stopped using them. We have stopped using 'conventional' flea treatments now and for the last few weeks have started using Billy No Mates, which is a more natural approach to flea, tick, mite prevention, hoping it will be successful after the 5-6 week introductory period.

[Mike Jackson]

This lot were on Steve Wright this afternoon and talked of using kefir to ease itching in dogs.

https://www.chucklinggoat.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[beverlyxx]

Have you looked at the natural medicine man on facebook? They do hair analysis tests to see what allergies they have. I was very sceptical but I recently had Jax tested, I knew he was allergic to beef but couldn't figure out why he was still itching. The results came back with numerous allergies and polyester was one of them, gave him a cotton towel to lie on and the itching has stopped. Best of all it also came back that he was allergic to beef

[GaryThomlinson]

Have you looked at the natural medicine man on facebook? They do hair analysis tests to see what allergies they have. I was very sceptical but I recently had Jax tested, I knew he was allergic to beef but couldn't figure out why he was still itching. The results came back with numerous allergies and polyester was one of them, gave him a cotton towel to lie on and the itching has stopped. Best of all it also came back that he was allergic to beef

This sounds interesting. The page seems to be a person and not entirely intuitive. How did you contact them, just a message?

[Parents of Roxy]

Could raw coconut oil help? I know it can treat psoriasis on the scalp of humans. It is antibacterial, anti fungal and non toxic if she licks it.
Sue

[beverlyxx]

The Natural Medicine Man has a closed group on facebook which gives all details of how to send the hair test. I think it costs £35. He also has a website which is http://www.holisticremediesuk.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[amandah]

HI All,

Not very scientific but have you considered your washing powder and fabric conditioner? My husband gets vey itchy if I buy the wrong stuff so may be the same if you wash her bedding in something which irritates her - the more you wash it I guess the worse she may be. just a thought, does she get better then worse after her bedding has been washed?

Both of my dogs (firstly a cairn terrier and then later Heidi our beloved miniature schnauzer) developed areas of greasy, itchy, flaky patches on their bodies as they got older. After spending a fortune at the vets I discovered that a bath with good old Vosene (medicated shampoo) once a week sorted it out and kept it at bay. Once it was under control I could use any mild shampoo so long as it was a weekly bath. I expect that my dogs' problems were not nearly as bad as yours but sometimes it is the simple things which can make a difference.

I hope you find a solution soon, it is horrible to see them so uncomfortable.

[zjg3]

I haven't tried this but the before and after pics look good if they are true

http://www.aromesse.com/skin-problem/pe ... anine.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I hope Daisy is feeling better. I can't use biological washing powder as we all come out in a rash!

[Champ629]

I haven't tried this but the before and after pics look good if they are true

http://www.aromesse.com/skin-problem/pe ... anine.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I hope Daisy is feeling better. I can't use biological washing powder as we all come out in a rash!

We used the Dermacton shampoo bar on Jenny when we first adopted her as she had very dry flaky skin and some thin patches on her jacket, we had great results from using it. We use it on all our dogs now for their regular bathing as it keeps their jackets looking really nice and healthy.