[skyscrapers]

Hi guys, long time follower on the boards, first time poster. I had a question about my dog. So my GSD is three months old, and she's an absolutely amazing dog. I noticed a few weeks ago that she had been itching herself. As time progressed, i noticed her itching and gnawing on herself more and more. I've checked her several times thoroughly and have seen no evidence of fleas, or flea dirt, or blood, or scabbing. I then thought of allergies and tried reading up on allergies and dogs and I read to try benadryl. I've given her benadryl (childrens because target apparently was out of regular)) for the past 3 days, and havent really noticed a change in her scratching. Are there any other suggestions as for as allergy medications go? I dont know if this goes hand-in-hand with the scratching, but also the inside of her ears are red and kind of inflamed, but i havent noticed her scratching her ears or anything at all. any help would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[onyx'girl]

What are you feeding? Do you supplement with salmon oil? Vitamin C is also an anti-histamine, start with 500mg(human grade) and up it over a weeks time to 1000mg split between meals.
Depending on where you live the air can be very dry, so humidity helps with the skin and coat.
Pup is probably going thru a coat change which can cause itchy's. Because the ear is inflamed, it could be the food, get a swab done and have the vet treat accordingly. If she starts chewing her paws, then an allergy is very possible.

 

[KZoppa]

theres any number of things she could be allergic to. The food you feed her, does it have corn or chicken in it? Those are common allergies. I've also found on GSDs its hard to find fleas or flea dirt on them without running them very thoroughly with a flea comb. its possible a vet visit may be in order if her ears or inflammed as well. The vet could also give you some other ideas as to what could be going on. With her ears being red and inflamed she could have an ear infection. She could also be allergic to something in the yard. its not unheard of for a dog to have environmental allergies. good luck in figuring it all out!

 

[skyscrapers]

thanks for the super fast reply! the weirdest part about the dog is that her coat is actually beautiful. super soft, super shiny, no weird patches missing or anything. And I just started feeding her nutro natural choice.

 

[onyx'girl]

There are many better foods to feed, several threads on the subject as well.

 

[skyscrapers]

There are many better foods to feed, several threads on the subject as well.

I know this, i've read those. but where i was when i bought the food didnt have anything better.

 

[skyscrapers]

also, i'm sorry to re-post, but i checked her out again, and her left ear is a little pink, and the other ear is fine. but I'll definitely try some vitamin C as well with her meals.

 

[onyx'girl]

Just go slow introducing it, she is young and it may cause her to have funny looking stools. Be sure to give it with food(yogurt or something mixed in w/ the kibble). You can also supplement with raw eggs, and canned jack mackarel, that will help with the coat.

 

[DoggieLover]

I agree with everyone else- likely some form of allergy, it could be a really mild one. You're taking a good first step in targeting the food as it's a really common source of allergies. Have you planted any new vegitation in your yard that might be causing the allergy? Here's a good website for some help http://www.mycanineallergies.com

 

[ZAYDA]

I know this, i've read those. but where i was when i bought the food didnt have anything better.

I don't really understand this statement.Feeding a quality food good have alleviated this entire issue and knowing what food to feed and where you are going to get it from should have been planned before you even get your dog.