why is my dog itching?

I see a few possible causes for the itching. Either she has an allergic reaction (to flea bites, the treats or the food you give her, or the grooming products you are using), a fungal or bacterial skin infection, or mites.

ALLERGIES

Check for fleas. Many dogs are allergic to flea bites. You may not be able to see the fleas directly because they like to hide but you can always see the debris they leave behind that looks like finely ground coffee. If you see these and put them in water, they will turn red.

You can get rid of the fleas on your pet with natural methods so that she is not exposed to the harmful chemicals of Frontline, Advantage and other popular flea medications which will harm her sooner or later. Check this link for recommendations http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Fleas-Naturally

Also, you can get rid of fleas in your yard where she roams by dusting it with inexpensive diatomaceous earth. See this link for more info on its use to control fleas http://www.fleacontrolbook.com/naturalfleacontrol/...

Check the ingredients of the food and treats you give her. Dogs digestive system is not designed to handle grains well. Do not give her anything with wheat or corn. If the treats contain grains such as wheat or corn stop them immediately. If you have recently changed the food you give her, discontinue it and get food that has no grains and that lists real whole meat on the bag as a primary ingredient – chicken, lamb, salmon, etc.

If you just introduced a new grooming product, discontinue it immediately.

SKIN INFECTION

For any skin infection (bacterial or fungal) such as the ones commonly caused by the use of steroids like Prednisone, cortisone or the so called “allergy shot” or any secondary infections caused by flea bite allergy or mites, as well as cuts, scrapes, etc. I recommend a powder called 'Flowers of Sulfur' (also known as 'brimstone' or 'sublime sulfur').

This substance has been used for thousands of years to cure all kinds of skin ailments and if there is itching, it will stop it very quickly. Among many other uses, it has been effectively used as a remedy for bacterial and fungal infections. Google it to learn more about its healing properties.

Even vets have forgotten about this wonderful and inexpensive remedy but fortunately you can still purchase it at your local pharmacy for very little money. You can also buy it online at http://www.pennherb.com/search?mp=s&se=Flowers+of+...

Flowers of sulfur is safe to apply to your pet's skin but take care not to inhale sulfur powder.

You can dust this powder on your dog's skin OR mix it with an oil to rub on the skin. I prefer the latter.

The dusting can easily be accomplished if you use a powdered sugar duster or an empty talcum powder bottle. Separate the hair as you go around dusting to expose the skin until you have covered it.

Alternatively, mix 2 tablespoons of flower of sulfur with 1 cup of Jojoba oil and put it in a bottle. Always shake to mix well before applying to the skin as it tends to separate. You do not need to wear gloves as it is not toxic to humans either.

MITES

There are three types of mites that attack dogs most often: demodectic (not contagious and may itch or not), sarcoptic (very contagious and extremely itchy) and cheyletiella (contagious and mildly itchy). This condition is known as mange.

If the reason for the itching is mites, avoid the medications most often prescribed by vets that contain toxic chemicals that will harm your dog sooner or later. These are Ivermectin (also known as Ivomec) and Amitraz (also known as Mitaban). Instead, I recommend a natural, effective, easy to use, and inexpensive spray treatment that will kill the mites but is harmless to pets and humans. You can get it at http://www.florapetnaturals.com/online-store.html

Ok, there are a few things I would do:

1. Are you 100% sure she does not have fleas? Flea treatments do not always work. Place her on a white surface (tiles, paper) and comb her through with a fine flea comb, if there are any dark crumbs she has fleas

2. Filter her drinking water, chlorinated water is not good for dogs (or us)

3. Dry food can cause some allergies, have you ever considered feeding something different?

4. Most dogs that change from dry food to raw feeding (gradually) have no allergies any more. Many ingredients in processed food can cause allergies (such as corn, wheat, preservatives, etc.)

5. Your dog may be allergic to one of your cleaning agents, any chance of switching to something more natural such as vinegar?

6. When did it start and how long is it going?

7. For the time being, I would NOT feed chicken and see, if that changes anything.

8. It could be an environmental allergy, wiping her down with a damp cloth after her walk may be helpful

Dagmar

I do suggest consult a veterinarian to determine if your dog has any underlying health problems causing the itching. Don't mind but I want say that your dog needs regular bath. Alternate day bath with an oatmeal shampoo is good. If your Jack Russell is hairy, it's better to clip her hair as clipping allows air passage to the hidden itching areas which helps healing itching. Take extra care of your dog's food, please.

dogs skin can get very sesitive check out dog shampoo and ect. Chance there is some kinda bug that maybe bugging ur dog, something irrating his . I reccomend getting him checked out by a pro

Might have fleas or be allergic to the dog shampoo or dry skin.

Due 2 skin allergies, skin disease or reaction.

mine is allergice to cleaners, and perfumes, carpet and dust. he had red spots and coughing and once i stopped using cleaners and perfumes. and got rid of the carpet and with help with allergy meds he is fine.