The last couple of weeks Fagan has started constantly scratching and biting himself, mostly round his privates (we joke that he is looking for his lost ball :D :D ) he also bites his tail.  It must be really annoying him because even whilst playing with other dogs he will all of a sudden stop and start biting himself.  He has a bad ear which I am treating with drops which if it doesnt clear up by next week I will be taking him to the vets as he is constantly worrying this too.  I have ruled out fleas as he and both of the cats are frontlined monthly and I have never found a flea on any of them.  Someone at training said it could be some sort of mange mite caught from foxes (we often see foxes when we are out walking) and told me to get some stronghold from the vets.  Ive ruled out his food because he has been on raw and I thought the food that makes dogs scratch is cereals - or is this wrong ? Im bothered about taking him to the vets though because im worried they will want to do loads of skin scrapings which rarely come up with anything, but of course I will take him to the vets if necessary.

I know this is a bit hit and miss but does anyone have any suggestions ?

Claire :)

HI blondebird i am having very much the same as you. My Bassest pup is doing the same. Took he rto the vets for her first jabs and she thought it was some sort of mite and prescribed stronghold but that was 5 days ago and ive seen no improvement as of yet. Mind you ive posted a query on whether it takes time to kick in. Im very worried about skin scrapes/tests etc myself. i feed my pup on Eukanuba and the vet ( at this stage) does not want tme to change it. Am going baack in 2 weeks for next jabs but am really hoping it will have improved.
Deb

Obviously you're following your vets advice, and you need to control what you withdraw so you know what works ...... but have to say Eukanuba would be the first thing I'd change if there's no evidence of 'livestock', my dogs never stop itching on it. ;)

Marina

I agree I would change eukanuba, ive heard that it can cause itchy skin (amongst other things).  Food or some sort of allergy was the first thing I thought of with Fagan but im sure it cant be his food so I really dont know   I just feel so sorry for him it must be really irritating him :(

Dogs can be allergic to anything not just cereals!

You need to make a  list of exactly what he eats and maybe stick to one source of protein.  Or he could be having too many sugary fruits and veg will can trigger a yeast overgrowth if he has gunky ears.

Could have a type of mange or could have a pollen allergy etc etc etc

There are numerous sources.

If you changed your food to Eukanuba what would be the logic of that?

You could just have a blood sample taken and sent to Yorktest and not bother with skin scrapings at all.

I was recommending the other poster changed from eukanuba to something else - not me

Fagan doesnt actually have much fruit and veg so it cant be that.  I think ill pop him to the vets and ask for a blood sample to be done - do I ask for it to be sent to Yorktest ? 

yep

Aanother possibility is blocked anal glands, or a fungal/bacterial infection in the are, perhaps related to the ear trouble.  Something that is unlikley to do any harm is Hibiscrub diluted in 10 parts warm water and used to wash the area and then rinse with clean water and dry.  thsi will kill any fungus or bacteria.  This is the wash that Vets and doctors use to srub with bto be sterile before operating.

You can get it at the vets or chemist, may have to order it, butit is inexpensive.  I use it to clean any minor wounds, skin abrasians hot spots etc.

Have you been in touch with the puppy's breeder to see if any other pup in the litter has had any problems.