Hi, my brother has a 20 week old Jack Russell puppy. Over the past 5 days she has been scratching herself. Some of the fur has come out on top of her head, legs, neck and back. Today she had scratched so hard that her ears were bleeding. The puppy is back at the vets this Friday supposdly to have her 2nd vaccination. Should my brother take her back before then to have her looked at or wait until Friday??? Is this a common problem with Jack Russells. Any info will be gratefully appreciated.
TIA
Em x x

hi em,
check for fleas, mites etc, are there any sore or red patches, could be the diet what are you feeding it on, would take it to the vet monday to get it checked out, regards tina

Hi, thanx for oyur reply. We have checked for fleas and mites and she is clear of them. My brother is giving her Pedigree puppy food and some Science biscuits that he was given by the vet. Could heat have any effect on the puppy. My brothers house is very warm even at this time of year without the heating on.

Thanx again
Em x x x

Try checking for any kind of lumps, rashes, sores, red skin, bald spots, worms under the skin, dry skin, and/or anything out of the norm. They sell special leave-in conditioners at most pet shops that help relieve itching. Give it a try before you take him to the vet's for an expensive visit. But I would advise that you keep the open cuts clean and disinfect (you can ask an associate at the pet shop for the right products to use) them regularly because a dog's mouth is full of harmful bacteria. When applying the leave-in conditioner make sure you read all the information on the back. Try not to get any of it on any of the cuts either, especially if they are open. This is all the advice i can think of at the moment. Good luck!

Rob

hi em,
although you may not find any fleas, a bite from one can cause a allergic reaction,
"flea allergic dermatitis" which will cause the dog to scratch more than he would if it had a flea infestation, this can cause hair loss, it is always wise to consult veterinary advice when dealing with hair loss as any medication obtained through a pet shop without a definate diagnosis could cause the condition to last longer and cause the dog more suffering, if the dog has hair loss i would get the vet to check, i know the expense of vets but personaly i would not want my animal to be uncomfotable or in pain, heating i would not think would cause hair loss, hope the little fella is o.k and hope you can get it sorted regards tina

Also you would not be able to see mites with the naked eye as they are microscopic and often actually inside the skin. I would ask for "Stronghold" drop on from the vet if he doesn't suggest it - as it kills fleas AND mites. Other drop ons dont kill mites. It also treats for roundworm so you dont have to buy worming tablets. Although it may not be many legged visitors making your puppy scratch, it probably is. If you have a cat, give it a Stronghold drop on too, as they can pass their visitors between each other. Please dont be offended, it happens to the best of us - fleas and stuff, you just have to get rid regularly!! :-) I have read on another thread that you can give Piriton to dogs who are uncomfortably itchy. I am not sure of the dose or any minimum age - Leigh knows, hopefully she'll read this and post about it.