Hi has anyone had this problem.  Whenever I give Sophie a bath she starts to scratch and bite herself.  I dont mean a little scratch she doesn't seem able to move without scratching.  I have tried different shampoos and I know I am rinsing her well but the problem wont go away. My vet was next to useless and said that as there is nothing to show on her skin she doesn't have any idea whats wrong with her.  Anyone with any idea

CarolW

hi  you dont say if your using a human or a dog shampoo , if human shampoo the   ph can be to high for dogs and can cause itching , also always dilute the shampoo first with plenty of water  as  applying straight to skin can also cause  the itch sometimes baby shampoo is ok but again water it down first  hope this helps

Hi

No I always use dog shampoo and dilute it as much as 1-10.  As the days wear on after her bath she scratches less.  I have use soap free dog shampoo as well and this is no better.  Its almost as if she is allergic to water.  If they gave gold medals for scratching and biting Sophie would win hands down.  You only have to touch her and she shivers.

CarolW

Can't help with the dog's symptoms, but showers (not baths) always make me itch for some time afterwards. Perhaps you dog's the same.

After every shower or bath I have I itch so much. It last about 2 days and finally dies down. I sometimes think I am allergic to water but that is impossible so maybe it is just the hardness of the water. I live in london and the water is very hard. Maybe it is that that causes the itching?

isant baby shampoo the oposit and to alkaline? have you tryed shampoos such as lavender which are gentle on the skin?

Fiona

Hi Carol

What are you feeding her ???, have you tried quistel shampoo, does she have any supplements like evening primrose oil or a fish oil for her skin????

Jenny

PS, You could always phone Jane Lilley and ask if she has had any similar problems and the cure from her dog column...she helped with one of mine once.....!!!!!

Hi I have found this with both my scotties after bathing and grooming. Its not excessive but they seem to want to stop and scratch under their tums when trotting or running. It only lasts a day or too so whether their skin has just become irritated with too much scrubbing and brushing etc who knows! The older one has just one particular place on one side, she runs then stops for quick itch then off she goes.

Hi Jenny

Yep have tried quistel shampoo.  No different.  Was feeding her JWB but she is now on a food trial suggested by Jan Cobden.  No different.  Jane Lilley might be worth a try.  Didn't think of her.  At the dog show on Sunday someone suggested 'oilatum' has anyone heard of this?

CarolW

Yes, it is used by humans with skin problems but it is very greasy, it contains liquid paraffin so not sure that you could wash it out of a coat sufficiently.
Could you be using the water too warm?  Dogs will tolerate, or even prefer, the temperature very much cooler that we would.

I think my nephew uses that for his eczema, its a quite oily and very slippy cream if its the same thing.  Ive seen it in baby section in asda and in boots, they may do a shampoo but not sure.
Paula :)

I have used Oilatum in the past for my eczema.  They now do a whole range of products, including shampoo.

I have also had good results with my itchy dog using Epi-Soothe shampoo.  The vet gave us it to try but you as it's not prescription only you can buy it from several on-line stockists.  I but it from this site.