Scratching

by Danny Seymore
(Heber Springs,Arkansas)

First of all my dog has no fleas or ticks,I use frontline monthly,and check him daily.I only bathe him every 2 to 3 months,unless he rolls in something.He is a one year old jack russell terrier.He keeps himself clean most of the time and does not smell bad.He has been on Wellness just for puppy food most of his life.He takes spells where he scratches himself till he bleeds and leaves scabs.I hate to see him so miserable but dont know what to do.Do you have any suggestions?

My Comment:

Skin diseases can be difficult to diagnose. Very often different causes show up with the same symptoms.

I always explain my clients; "that diagnostic work might take some time as it is step by step approach"

Your dog is scratching him self. Where is he doing this?

Is he "only" scratching or is he biting himself as well?

Allergy is always something vets and owners are concerned about. Typical this alignment can be one of the last possibilities to consider in a diagnostic plan.

Typically allergy itching is around the face, ears and none. Biting or licking the paws, irritated and read around the anus and the ears easily becomes either irritated or inflamed.

Always! Dogs have itching as well. On a scale from 1-10 they can be more the 5 for a longer period.

Things to consider before the allergy diagnose is made:

Scabies-Itching a lot, biting the legs and often changes in the hair coat.

Malasezia Canis Infections-Fungi and often you see changes in the skin colour.Also quite intense itching. Diagnose in the microscope.

Lice and Fleas- As you are not having (but lice and fleas can be very hard to find!) And frankly I always look after this especially if the owner do say "Its not fleas".
Typically fleas shows by sudden turn around and biting near the root of the tail. Lice can sometimes be seen in the fur coat as small "things" on the hair or just as a general increased tendency to itch.

Walking Dandruff-Can be a challenge as well. Look like dandruff. Microscope as well.

Skin Infections-Read skin and positive reaction on antibiotic treatment. Have to mention "Hot Spot" and this is a infection coming suddenly and looks very wet and get bigger hours. Easy to recognize.

Food Allergy-One of the last to consider.

It is difficult for me to say exact the reasons behind your dogs symptoms. But her you got some idears what to be aware of.

All the best Danny

Per Schonbeck