Itchy, scratchy...

by Kevin Panting Sr
(Springfield IL)

My hero dog Buddy, the 7 y/o male, seems to be very uncomfortable the last several weeks. We have had him recently groomed (shorn down). And he has had flea baths and Frontline. He has been what I'll call "weenie rubbin" on the carpet a lot. He scratches a lot and has even started kind of wimpering. He is eating, sleeping, drinking and pooping normal like. I don't think it's an anal gland issue. I know he has sensitive skin, but I have not seen him like this in a long time. We got him in October last year, and he was very itchy and scratchy then too. He had a yeast infection then. We gave him the plain yogurt for several weeks and he doesn't seem any more comfortable. Maddie, my 4 y/0 female, is starting to itch now too. I was told by the groomers that the fleas are extra bad this year. I feel kind of helpless because I can see that he is uncomfortable. Any thoughts or suggestions. And please don't judge and just say "take him to the vet". I want to hear from actual Schnauzer owners and see what they have been through, etc. Thank you.

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Sep 26, 2014
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Itchy and scratchy
by: Roberta

Hi, I have 3 mini schnauzers, 2 that are salt and pepper and 1 white. My male salt and pepper one is scratching himself to death or biting at his paws. I know it is some type of allergy but not sure what. He doesn't have any fleas. I put them on a grain free diet. I have been using 4 Health, Whitefish and Potato. His fur is turning red all over. I have bought special shampoos but nothing is helping. My white one scratches some but not as much and the female salt and pepper(the mom) she doesn't itch or scratch at all. I am at my wits end. My husband recently lost his job so I really don't have much income.

NOTE FROM LINDA AND MAX: Some people say that a raw diet helps. Also Omega oil in their feeds helps skin, but probably won't stop them scratching. If he goes out on grass, wash his paws and under his belly in water (no shampoo) this removed allergens and reduces scratching if it is a contact or environment allergy.
You can also try a pet-sized dose of Piriton - or similar hay fever tablet for humans - they also make them for dogs and are not expensive, but you probably have to see your vet to get them, another expense.

Sep 10, 2014
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Food, food, food...
by: Kevin Panting Sr

The food that we feed them is Pure Balance Lamb and Brown Rice sensitive skin and stomach formula. I have researched the list of ingredients and it seems that this food is Schnauzer friendly. It has very high ratings on the internet. No mystery meats or by-products. I pay real money for it. It is about twice as expensive as the comparable grain-based stuff. We even give them all protein snacks. The only thing that I am uncertain of is the sweet potato and duck treats we give them.

Sep 07, 2014
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Frontline
by: Michele

Kevin,I can see that you've tried everything.My boys had a problem when I was using Frontline. I asked my Vet and apparently Frontline doesn't work now for fleas and ticks. I now use Frontline Combo every 6 weeks which works for both fleas and ticks and have had no problem. Fleas have been bad here in the UK too. Advocate I use in the winter because Frontline Combo doesn't stop Lungworm. My boys don't eat snails nor slugs. Nor do they drink from dirty water. Hope this helps. If you are thinking of using Advocate.. It does not prevent ticks but Frontline Combo does.

NOTE FROM LINDA AND MAX:
DON'T USE TRIFEXIS - too much anecdotal ecidence of serious side effects and even death of dogs.

Sep 07, 2014
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Schnauzer Food
by: Phil Medway

You have not said what food you are giving to him. Schnauzers are prevalent to skin problems many of them have a bad reaction to the preservatives put in dried foods and some canned foods. Have you tried feeding cooked minced meat plus green vegetables, brown rice and biscuit? We live in Singapore where it is hot and humid every day yet this diet keeps our Schnauzers scratch free.

Sep 07, 2014
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Itchy Schnauzers redux...
by: Kevin Panting Sr

It doesn't look like the Malaseb is available here locally. Now that I know the active ingredients, i'll know what to look for. Another quick question. Do flea collars actually work? I just don't know.

Sep 07, 2014
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itchy schnauzers
by: Linda and Max

Hi Kevin, sounds like Buddy may have allergies or a skin sensitivity. Definitely sounds like he is uncomfortable.
It could be that the pollen is particularly high in your area or that it is very hot.
If he's itching all over, a good idea would be to give him a bath in a medicated shampoo like Malaseb - leave it on for the recommended time.
See if that alleviates it a bit. When Max is really itchy, it helps.

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