My dog wont stop scratching!!!!!

**Loukes** · 20-11-2006, 02:57pm

He hasnt got fleas and hasnt got ticks........ He has got dandruff which I am trying to control and it did seem to be working.....

He scratches in same place with his back leg. He thumps against the floor while scratching so you can hear him in middle of night and in early morning etc.....

I have started to shampoo him every 3 weeks with a special shampoo and try brush him every other day or so.

Any other ideas anyone???? cos its driving us all mad!!!

I think I'll end up taking him to vets and i know it sounds bad but want to avoid it if i can cos it costs sooooooo much.

**Puddser** · 20-11-2006, 03:01pm

A friend of mine's dog used to do something similar this but instead of scratching he was continuously licking his paw so much so he was making it red raw and it was getting infected. Turned out it was because he was bored and when dogs are bored this is what they do. Could he perhaps be bored without you realising? If he doesn't have fleas or ticks I can't think what else it could be

Unless its a skin conditions that you can't see..

Try www.thepetcenter.com. They might have some advice for you....

**Loukes** · 20-11-2006, 03:18pm

He has got a patch on his back leg which he has pulled all the hair from by biting it and he does lick his paws alot too for no reason............

Oh no! Am I neglecting him??? - Is he bored??? - He gets walked twice a day, then we all fuss over him when we get home from work.............

I'll have to start playing more and see what happens.......

Thanks Juppie.

**BigB** · 20-11-2006, 03:21pm

There's a condition I'm trying desperately to think the name of which leads to lots of scratching and bald patches. I'll try and remember it and get back to you!

**BigB** · 20-11-2006, 03:23pm

Got it! Could it be mange? I think they're little mites which get in the skin. You can get lotion from the vets.

**Em29** · 20-11-2006, 03:25pm

They can sometimes get something called a lick granuloma which is where they pull all the hair out and then lick it till it's sore. Then because it's sore, they lick and you have a vicious circle. They usually appear for no reason and can be treated with steroids to stop the itch (and break the cycle) and AB's idf it gets infected.

There are a million and one things that can cause itching and the only way you are really going to get to the bottom of it is to go to the vets, sorry, I know how expensive they are.

The dandruff thing could be because his skin is dry and TBH shampooing strips the natural oils so can make it worse sometimes.

**Em29** · 20-11-2006, 03:26pm

Mange usually is around the muzzle and eyes but can be found elsewhere on the body.

**Puddser** · 20-11-2006, 03:31pm

Originally Posted by Loukes

He has got a patch on his back leg which he has pulled all the hair from by biting it and he does lick his paws alot too for no reason............

Oh no! Am I neglecting him??? - Is he bored??? - He gets walked twice a day, then we all fuss over him when we get home from work.............

I'll have to start playing more and see what happens.......

Thanks Juppie.

Sorry Loukes, I didn't mean to worry you or make you feel guilty!! I'm sure you don't neglect your dog at all

and your a wonder dog mummy.

My friend doesn't neglect hers either, he is always walked and had loads of toys and a huge back garden as well as another dog and he is still bored. There is no pleasing some dogs is there

It just popped into my head as soon as I read your post but I'm no vet and it could be something else. I'm the same with the vet. I have two cats and know how expensive it can be but it may be worth it for peace of mind. Sorry I couldn't help more.

**Loukes** · 20-11-2006, 03:32pm

I think I will have to go to the vet.

I used a dandruff shampoo that my next door neighbours were given by the vet for one of their dogs. It has helped tbh........

I think its more annoying for us than the dog!!!! Sometimes his foot doesnt even connect with his body to scratch and all we hear is the thumping!

Like you said Em - with the patch on his leg he kept licking and licking and it looked sore. I bought some No Itch wipes and that has stopped him licking it / biting it and the hair is starting to grow back now. Use these on his paws now too so its just the scratching to go!!!

Will have to pay the vets fees and hope its just the appointment fee I have to pay! (£25 for 10 mins work!)