my westie mix (14 yrs old) lick,scratch,itch ,bite (I tried everything natural-Any other suggestions?)?

Has he ever had skin problems before? Will he have skin infections or hot spots despite being free of fleas?

Rule out the following, in order:

1. Fleas. On him and in the environment. Frontline Plus, K9 Advantix, and Vectra 3D are all effective, safe topicals that last 28 days if he does have fleas. The oral med Capstar will kill all adults quickly, for 36 hours, while a topical is taking effect. Comfortis, an oral adulticide, lasts 30 days and is the best treatment combined with a topical listed above.

2. Secondary infection. Flea allergy dermatitis, or FAD, initially caused by allergic reaction to the flea's bite, is a bacterial infection, causing severe itchiness, inflammation, and it compromises the skin, leading to normal bacteria over-multiplying below the skin surface. Antibiotics, usually cephalexin or Simplicef, are effective for these.

3. Atopy. Allergy to environmental stimuli expressed through the skin. Pyoderma, dermatitis, sebhorrea, and fungal infection are all symptoms of atopy. This is a long term problem, that is managed and treated the lifetime of the dog. Daily oral cyclosporine, Atopica, is effective means, and less expensive than all the steroids, antibiotics, antifungals, and prescribed food used to attempt to control symptoms.

First, control his symptoms by treating the itching and any abnormal skin that may be infected. Only a veterinarian can determine which systemic treatment he needs, such as antibiotics and corticosteroids, vs topical (as in shampoo, ointments, gels). Then treat the cause, by administering allergy medication, flea treatment in the environment, or other appropriate isolation of the cause.

Westies are a common atopy affected breed. This possibility must be considered by his doctor.

Westies are notorious for having skin problems. Most likely the Westie in him is part of this. It is possible to over-do bathing which will make things worse. At his age, I'd get him looked at by your vet - the skin is the biggest organ, and what's going on could well be a symptom of any number of other things - all of which need veterinary attention, for a proper diagnosis.

Have you changed foods, any new cleaning products?

First I would have the vet check for things like thyroid conditions and just a general vet check. It could be a yeast or bacterial infection.

Quit trying the home remedies until you are sure what it is, many times they will mask the problem and make things worse.

Only use a natural oatmeal shampoo or a tea tree mellaluca oil shampoo from your pet store when you bathe and do not bathe very often, spend more time brushing

my husband is a Veterinarian, and my discussions with other Vets, and Vet techs that i respect all think using dexametasone, or something similar stops the itching. I have seen hundreds of animals on (yes) steriods ) they help more than they hurt. I personally hate it when a Vet says something like, well that is not good for your animal. Is itching to death better. Many of the animals we have treated for years on steriods have lived well past 15 some even 19 years old.

If your vet does not believe in it, get one that does.

I would try putting some non-harmful substance on there (maybe some of the ones that the others were suggesting) just to see if it works, but then I wouldn't worry about it. Obviously there are dental concerns and you don't want him to be teased, but sometimes kids just need to learn things on their own and grow out of things without being coached to much. Other kids are going to say things about it, and that will very likely be what it takes to make him realize that sucking his thumb doesn't really fit in with societal expectations. It seems like every child has something odd that they do, and that just happens to be his thing. He definitely will not be sucking his thumb in high school, don't worry!

As dogs (and people) get older their immune systems falter. I would take your beloved dog to the veterinarian. We should all be so nurtured in our old age.

This is Westchester county dog trainer Sarah Hodgson, author of Puppies For Dummies and several other fun and informative training books, signing off with a wag and a wave. To learn more about my dog training books, products and services,www.WhenDogsTalk.com …where dogs are treated like family, not just members of the pack!

Sounds like your dog has fleas. Do you vacuum in your house? Probably just have a flea infestation from poor housekeeping practices.

take him to the vet, he probably has fleas. they will probably give you a solution to get rid of it

It hard to say what is causing the skin issues or allergies. Have you tried taking him to the Vet..