Does anyone know why my Jack Russell keeps scratching himself?
He isn't causing any damage to his coat or skin and he hasn't got flees.
His incessant scratching is keeping me awake all night - any suggestions?
Many thanks.

Hi Nancy,

Is it just a particular part he's scratching or all over? Possibly habit if only one area?
Is it only at night he scratches? Possibly allergic to something in his bedding?
I don't know about Jack Russells but some dogs scratch if they have too much protein in their food. It'll say on the tins/packets what percentage protein's in it.
Sorry I'm not much help but I'm sure someone experienced will come along and answer.
Dot

He is scratching anywhere and everywhere and rolling on his back and wriggling on the carpet (which is funny to watch) and its not just at night.
I am wondering if it is a habit or he just likes it because he loves me scratching his back! What do you think?
He is mainly on Pedigree Complete for small dogs with ½ a tin of Cesar in the morning! Do you think this is too much protein?
Many thanks.

Are you sure he isn't just playing or doing a 'happy dance' ?
Samma does one every morning and every night, sometimes even holding a favored toy in her mouth while she wriggles very happily. I think it's a normal thing ;)
You haven't lived until you see a horse drop and roll in pleasure :) Just a big baby :D


oops, just read where you say he does this all night....so disregard the question, please :)

Could he be sleeping in a draught??

Fiona
x x x

No Fiona, its not just at bedtime, and, of course, he sleeps in the bedroom with me, so he's not in a draught - any more suggestions?
Thanks

could he have an allergy to whatever you wash his bedding in ? or something in the carpet ( shake and vac type stuff) ? Has he always done this or is it a recent thing ?have you always fed him the same ?-you say he hasn't got fleas ,but if he's been bitten sometimes it can give them a really bad irritation
sorry for the x questioning just trying to rule things out :)
Liz

He started it about two months ago.
I haven’t changed my washing powder (a non-bio one) for over a year, so his bedding should still the same.
I have always fed him the same thing, although he now gets half a can of meat instead of a full one (he got a little tubby!!)
I flea and worm him every three months.
Do you think he just likes a bit of a scratch?

have you turned the heating on ?-maybe he's abit hotter now and his skins drier/itchier ?
other than that--don't know ,you've just got a scratty dog :)and maybe earplugs are the next option !!!!!:D
Liz ;)

Nancy you could add garlic and evening primrose to his diet this is sometimes effective.

I would watch the protein content in his food. Brewers Yeast is another to avoid.

Spinach leaves or crushed spinach is also very good.

Pam

When was he last vaccinated Nancy?

Also can you see any pink patches under his skin at all?
What color are the insides of his ears? Light pink or dark pink?

Theresa

Unless you have done it recently I would spray with Frontline and give the dog antihistamin for about 3 or 4 days. If he stops scratching it was probable some sort of livestock, if he carries on then it is not. You could then ask your vet to take a skin scrape. Ja:)kie

fabreeze really irritates my friend's dog, she started to really scratch and be itchy - just a thought! julie:)

I am taking him to the vet tomorrow - I have found that the scratching is concentrated at the base of his tail and I have found some scabs!