Chihuahua Itch

[punkybunge]

I have 2 Chihuahuas that have both started itching all the time. They do not have fleas, ticks, or dry skin. They both get bathed once every other week. I am hoping somebody might know a solution to this problem without having to take them to the Veterinarian, that cost so much. They started itching about a month and a half back. If anyone knows anything, please help my little dogs.

[Whizzy]

Itching is usually the result of allergies. And dogs can be allergic to just about anything, including things they were never allergic to in the past.

But for starters, have you changed anything in your house recently? New cleaning/laundry products, new air fresheners, new furniture, carpet or draperies? Have you changed their food? Does anyone in the house smoke?

Another problem might be the frequent baths. What shampoo are you using? Do you also use a conditioner, and if so, what conditioner? Are you absolutely sure you're rinsing all the shampoo off? Shampoo residue will cause itching, and it doesn't take much.

I'd suggest that you use a hypoallergenic shampoo made for dogs. Rinse well, then use a vinegar/water rinse (1 cup apple cider vinegar in a gallon of warm water). The vinegar is soothing, and it will strip any shampoo residue from the skin. Follow with a hypoallergenic conditioner and rinse again.

But I'd also suggest you have your Veterinarian take a look at them. There are microscopic pests that can cause intense itching. And sometimes dogs have flea bite allergies, and all it takes is one bite every three weeks to keep them itching. If you dog's encounter the occasional flea, get bit, and catch the flea and eat it, you'll never know it was a flea, but they'll itch like crazy.

All that itching of course leads to scratching. Scratching eventually damages the skin and it gets infected. Infected skin will require a trip to the Veterinarian, and it will be more expensive then than it will be if you take care of the problem before it gets that far.

[SENIOR]

Try Putting A Little Cottage Cheese In Their Food. Also A Little Corn Oil, Flax Seed Oil--just A Squirt, Also Safflower Oil Small Amt For Little Dog. 2 Drops Of Vit. E , 1/8 Tblsp Brewer Yeast. Not All At Once. For My Yorky I Did The Cottage Cheese, Flax Seed Oil & Brewers Yeast One Time & Then Mixed Other Things In His Food The Next Time. He Stopped Itching & His Coat Got Real Silky. A Little Garlic Powder Is Good Too.