Itchy dog? It's probably not what you think...

Sheba battles the itchies

Licking, chewing, scratching, shedding.  It's a vicious cycle for our pooch. Sheba (the foxy mutt) has suffered from seasonal allergies, food allergies, and also suffers from flea allergies, so she gets 'the itchies' quite a bit.  Her current bout of itchies is off-season, and more persistent than usual so decided to brush up my research on dogs and itchy skin.  I learned a few things that surprised me, and might help you gain insight into your dog's itchies.

1. When we humans have allergic reactions, our histamines are usually released in our nasal passages, so our primary symptoms are stuffy or runny noses and the results of the excess mucus (coughing, sneezing, etc.).  However when our pups have allergic reactions, their histamines are released in their skin!  So your dog's itchy skin is her version of a runny nose.
2. The most common cause of itchy skin in dogs other than fleas is...not food allergies, not mange, not staph...but INHALANT allergies!  It's hard as a human to make the connection between inhaling an allergen and itchy skin.  I had always assumed it was food allergies or contact allergies of the skin.  Not so!
3. According to one of the most respected veterinary schools in that nation, UCDavis, dogs whose allergies require antihistamines can now count once daily Zyrtec (Cetirizine) among their options!  This is a huge breakthrough for those of us who have been using Benedryl- Benedryl requires dosing 3 times per day, and Zyrtec takes only one dose, making compliance much easier and more likely.  If your dog suffers from allergies, consult with your vet about Cetirizine and bring along this statement from UCDavis (just in case your vet is not up to date).

I hope this has helped give you a lead on possible causes of the itchies in your pooch, and some new options for treatment.

Does your pet suffer from 'the itchies'?  Have you identified the cause?  How do you help ease their suffering?

Your training is as effective as your treat is yummy!

Embarking on the all positive training path requires that you have lots of treats, in tiny bits, at all times.  Moreover, it requires that the treat you are using is yummy enough to catch your dog's attention even in the company of other dogs, strangers, or even the passing squirrel!  (Now that's a test...)

When we first brought our pooch Sheba to agility training, I raised my hand the first day and asked,"Well, what if your dog isn't really very food motivated?  Sheba just isn't that into food..".  The trainer laughed and said,"Then you have the wrong treats."  As a pet professional I was a little offended- I thought my little dried chicken strips were the best thing around.  I have however learned that Sheba is incredibly food motivated for the right treat.

The best training treats ever, hands down, are the Natural Balance rolls.  The drawback is that you have to chop them up into tiny 1/2 in or smaller cubes, plus once opened, the bits and rolls must be refrigerated.  I must say it's usually worth the hassle as in my experience dogs being trained with Natural Balance rolls actually train faster than with other treats.  The other drawback is...the treats are so yummy that even the gentlest dogs start biting your fingers hard- making is very challenging to stay 'positive' and not yell "Ouch!" when the dog has just done what you asked.

Another option is Easy Cheese- although I'm reluctant based on the nutritional properties of Easy Cheese, I have it on good authority from Christine Hibbard at Companion Animal Solutions and our staff member Brenda that Easy Cheese is highly effective- and of course no finger munching there!

What do you think?  What is your go-to treat?  Have you tried those above?  We'd love to hear about your experience.