Scratching

[trishS]

I have a 16 week old Maltese. I have had him for two weeks now. He hasn't stopped scratching since we got him
home from the breeders. I asked the vet and the breeder and neither one had any ideas what to do. My breeder did tell me not to dry his bed and towels with a fabric softner which I did. He came home from his first trip to the groomers today and he is scratching more than ever!
He has no fleas. Can anyone please help on what to do with all the scratching. I feel so bad for him.
Thanks everyone
Trish

[I Found Nemo]

He may be allergic to something that is around your house or directly near him
Usually if its an allergy with food they bite their paws (is he?) but this sounds like something is irritating him. Look around,start to take things away it could even be a toy..
Good Luck
ANDREA~

[trishS]

Andrea,
He does bite his paws but he bites everwhere else on his body too. I give him Iams and Natural Balance dog food.
He goes to vet again on Monday and I am hoping he can help me. He didn't think it was anything the first time I took him to see the vet. He just about flips his body sometimes to get to the scratching.
Thanks
Trish

[maltesemum]

Sounds like an alergy!!

Did he do this when you first brought him home?

[I Found Nemo]

Andrea,
He does bite his paws but he bites everwhere else on his body too. I give him Iams and Natural Balance dog food.
He goes to vet again on Monday and I am hoping he can help me. He didn't think it was anything the first time I took him to see the vet. He just about flips his body sometimes to get to the scratching.
Thanks
Trish
I would stop the Iams and NB. NB is a great food , but it may be to rich for him. You might want to try Wellness. It may also be the shampoo that could do it, it happned to me with Nemo he was itching like a bandit:(
What shampoo do you use? I would buy a shamppo with Oatmeal in it and give him a bath and see if that works. Oatmeal is soothing to the skin. I wish I could help more:(
ANDREA~

[trishS]

Boci was scratching a little when we picked him up at the breeders but I just thought it was a little itch. The breeder was feeding him Iams so I did the same. Then I read on this site that alot of people liked Natural Balance so I have been mixing that in his food.
I am taking away the Iams and lets see if this makes a difference. Do you think this is a good idea?
Thanks everyone!! I am willing to try anything.
We have tried a shampoo and then today at the groomers they tried a sensitive shampoo and I think he is scratching even more.
Trish

[I Found Nemo]

Boci was scratching a little when we picked him up at the breeders but I just thought it was a little itch. The breeder was feeding him Iams so I did the same. Then I read on this site that alot of people liked Natural Balance so I have been mixing that in his food.
I am taking away the Iams and lets see if this makes a difference. Do you think this is a good idea?
Thanks everyone!! I am willing to try anything.
We have tried a shampoo and then today at the groomers they tried a sensitive shampoo and I think he is scratching even more.
Trish
Yes take him off the Iams.Go buy the oatmeal shampoo and try it, it is for sensitive skin.Bring him back to the vet, something is not right..
Good Luck

[M101]

How does his skin look? Pink or? Is he getting enough water? Type of water? If his skin looks healthy, then it sounds like it's an allergy internally? Oatmeal based shampoos are excellent. Are you grooming him w/ leave on conditioner? If so, what brand?

Be sure and keep the area around him clean--floors washed w/ hot water only; vacuum frequently. Also, yes take away a toy at a time; etc.

You might get an air purifier also.

Good Luck

[trishS]

His skin is pink. I took him to the vet and he didn't say much. (I think I need another vet). Does your vet play or hold your baby when you take him. Mine barely touch him.
He gave me Atarax pills to give to him. Has anyone done this?? I give him filtered water. Any suggestions
Thank you
Trish

[I Found Nemo]

His skin is pink. I took him to the vet and he didn't say much. (I think I need another vet). Does your vet play or hold your baby when you take him. Mine barely touch him.
He gave me Atarax pills to give to him. Has anyone done this?? I give him filtered water. Any suggestions
Thank you
Trish
:confused: I think you need a new vet also:confused: My vet doesn't play with him, but he holds and looks over him pretty well, I'm sorry I have no experience with Atarax:confused: maybe someone else does?
I give Nemo spring water..

Good Luck,
ANDREA~

[Kanga]

What I do is worth a try...... At bathtime I give a final rinse with diluted Pure Apple Cider Vineger just to make sure all the shampoo is rinsed from his coat. If the shampoo isn't rinsed out totally or they are standing in the suds and they haven't been rinsed away it can cause them to itch.

Scrappy has never chewed his paws since I started doing this .:)

[bek74]

It sounds to me like an allergy also. I agree with Andrea and I would use an oatmeal shampoo and change his diet.
You have to get blood work done ( I think you can get a shin scrapping also) that maybe able to help you.

All the best

[lilybellesmom]

Before you read further, Kira is a German Shepard/Lab mix so her body chemistry may be totally different than a Maltese's.

Kira has this itching issue. My vet told me to switch her to dog food made with lamb and rice and that it was okay to give her Benadryl.

I was also given some Prednisone to give her when she has intense itching where she would just whimper. That I don't give her unless absolutely neccessary since it can cause internal organ damage.

I have medicated and oatmeal shampoos and I bathe her every 3 weeks so I don't dry her skin.

You may want to try vitamins with fatty oils in them, I was told this by my vet in Dallas because Kira had dry skin. It has worked for her.

Good luck to you!

[M101]

His skin is pink. I took him to the vet and he didn't say much. (I think I need another vet). Does your vet play or hold your baby when you take him. Mine barely touch him.
He gave me Atarax pills to give to him. Has anyone done this?? I give him filtered water. Any suggestions
Thank you
Trish


Atarax is an antihistamine used for anxiety and tension...also, allergic reactions. Did you Google "Atarax"--if you haven't pls do.

Vets--Just like humans go to pleasant doctors; pets need a Vet that is at least pleasant. No he's not going to play w/him; but should be pleasant, and explain why he is giving your puppy medication. And be pleasant to you.

I know everyone will yell at me, but I'm not in favor of pets taking medication if there is a natural way to treat the condition. Of course, many pets DO REQUIRE Rxs for conditions just like humans--So Forum Members Don't Scream at Me!!!

Questions: In your house or apt. where is your puppy--near carpeting; wood floors; vinyl; etc. If near carpet, has your carpet been cleaned recently? Are you using any cleaning products near him or his bedding? You mentioned you laundered his bedding and used fabric softener...I suggest you purchase "Dreft"--laundry liquid (for infants) and re-laundered his toys (if washable) and his bedding again several times using the Dreft--also, if your washing machine has a setting for a second rinse, use that. Did you launder his bedding in your own washer or laundermat???? Are you using an allergen filter in your vacuum? Do you vacuum frequently? Look around where you have him and think what might be causing the problem. Do you have live plants near him? Do you work in an environment where you could be bringing home an irritant to him when you greet him? If using the Wee Pads could those be bothering him? Try newspaper. Do you have extermination services? Has he been outside?

Are you wearing Perfume?

I'm now giving Babe Distilled water...I think the vinegar was making him burp. He loves his water. By the way, what type of feeding/watering dishes are you using? Stainless Steel I hope. (Just my opinion).

I would buy an inexpensive air purifier, and place it near where he sleeps.

Are you brushing him daily to distribute the natural oils in his coat? I know he's very young, but this is important to do everyday.

I'm knew to Maltese'. I'm Nanny sitting a 9 mo. old male for a family member that is ill. (He really is a puppy being rescued from his owner because she did not provide him the care required).

He's adjusting very well. Squirms during grooming, but we do finish. I've bathed him; changed his diet; etc. and he has not had any issues of itching or allergies.

Just think of his surroundings...really look around. Does your water before filtering contain a lot of iron. If so, purchase bottled water that is sealed from the market--not from a vending type fill up. You must be careful what your puppy ingests--water should be appropriate; food; dishes washed frequently; flooring cleaned often.

Lastly, speak to the breeder for suggestions...any problems w/ the parents.

Good Luck :)

Change Vets!

[M101]

How is your puppy doing? Curious? Also, when you brought him home in the car was he itching?

Pls post update.

[trishS]

My puppy is still scratching like crazy. I haven't given him the Atarax because I hate giving him medication. I am trying to hold off. I am going to launder his toys and try the oatmeal shampoo. I brush him everyday and he does go outside on the weekends for walks. He didn't scratch in the car when we brought him home. Someone suggested Nutro Ultra holistic food. Anyone tried it? He drinks filtered water. I want to thank everyone for the suggestions! I am going to try them all.
You guys are wonderful!
Trish

[Kanga]

I haven't tried that brand. Scrappy gets Eagle Pack Holistic dry kibble.

Try the APC or even use white vinegar as it is used to clear Mange (acne) in dogs and it soothed and calmed Scrappy's skin.

[M101]

Did you read my previous suggestions?

I'm glad you didn't give the Atatrax. You have a puppy and they are (to me) fragile.

I'm washing Babe's bedding and washable toys every other day.

I would suggest the "distilled water" over the filtered water. Only from the market and not a vending machine. Cost per week about $2-$3.00.

Wash his grooming brushes and combs also--perhaps after every use.

You now mention weekend walks--he could be bringing in heavens knows what from that alone.

Are you working in an environment where you are exposed to irritants?

Change the filters to your heater if you have forced air heating.

I still suggest an air purifier--cost $50.00. But you want a quiet one only.

Keep removing items around him--plants;etc. He may have to go to an allergist.

Does he scratch when you take him out for the walks?

Good Luck

[M101]

Check for mold in your house.

The last 2 weeks I've been experiencing a rash on my upper arms. I googled dander, and it mentioned "mold" not dander as cause for allergic reaction.

Also, bathing the pet in an allergy shampoo. Site www.allergybegone.com.

This site might help you, and you can e-mail questions to: info@allergybegone.com.

Hope this helps.

[mia's mom]

Hi, I myself take atarax daily I suffer from allergies as well as my bull terrier Snoopy. Atarax is good for the itching I take one every night or a break out in hives. I would be careful since your baby is small. I try not to give Snoopy any prescribed medication unless all else fails. (He took benadryl once for an ant bite) I give Snoopy oatmeal baths and my vet suggested a tablespoon full of olive oil in his food (he weighs 60 lbs). He LOVES:tongue3: the olive oil and he is doing much better (you may want to try 1/2 of a teaspoon). It gives him the natural oils (internally) his dry skin is missing. He is an outside dog :( and all white too. I would stay away from prednisone since it effects dog's adrenal glands....hope this helps.:)