My german shepard will not stop scratching. I cheeked for fleas and found none. I also put a flea collar on him and the flea drops down his back. It has been at least 2 weeks. He went to the groomers about a month ago and they didnt say anything about fleas. I do have a few cats that have fleas and they have recieved baths and they seem ok. Any help as I cant stant him having to scrtaching and not being able to relax???? Thank you, Vicki

Take him to your vet. Not only will the vet be able to determine why your dog is itching (which is impossible to do over the internet), but he/she can prescribe medications that will make your dog much more comfortable, as well as treating what's wrong.

Scratching is not always caused by fleas... there are any other reasons I dog may scratch. Occasional scratching and itching is completely normal however if your dog is always itching and is unable to settle down there are a few things you can do.
The MOST common cause of itching is poor diet and/or food allergies. I have a countless number of clients (I have been a groomer for 12 years) who's dog were scratching, chewing, shedding, suffering form hot spots, etc. and for 95% of them al those problems were eliminated with a simple diet change. MOST dogs are allergic to corn, wheat and soy... cheep, unhealthy fillers dog food companies use to cut costs. What do you feed?? I think this is the first place to start.

You can also try a medicated shampoo but that will only but a band-aid on the problem. Has your dog seen a vet? Scratching can also be caused by mange, other allergies, stress and thyroid issues.

Originally Posted by orangedog

MOST dogs are allergic to corn, wheat and soy... cheep, unhealthy fillers dog food companies use to cut costs. What do you feed?? I think this is the first place to start.

While I agree food allergy may be at the bottom of a lot of itching, it's a myth that "MOST dogs are allergic to corn, wheat and soy..." or that these ingredients are unhealthy fillers.

The major cause of food allergies is the protein source. Beef, chicken, horse meat, lamb. Some dogs are not able to digest corn, some dogs can't tolerate wheat gluten, and soy will give many dogs gas. But contrary to what all those folks who are trying to sell you a special diet will swear to, corn, wheat and soy are NOT major allergens, and they are not unhealthy, so long as the individual dog is able to tolerate them. And most dogs handle them quite well.

I formulate this opinion based in part on the results of many allergy tests we've conducted on dogs over the last 30 years. The first (highest reaction) allergen is ALWAYS the meat. Always.

[reeskujo]

I went through the same thing with my Akita....Turned out he's allergic to corn and wheat....I put him on a holistic food that had neither as well as no preservatives(sp) and lots of oils and in about 4-6 weeks the scratching and itching stopped....

If you don't mind me asking what dog food are you feeding?

It must be an allergy or something... you should really take your dog to a vet..

I have seen first hand with many, many clients dogs that simply removing the corn, wheat and/or soy from their diet eliminates the itching, excessive shedding, ear infections and hot spots! Yes, it is also very true that dogs can and many are allergic to various proteins but show me how cheep filler grains are good for dogs!!?

it is so frustrating watching the poor dog constantly scratching,just imagine how they feel ? we had a similar problem.we took ours to the vet.they recommended the diet change and gave anti biotics etc.this went on for around 18 months.we eventually found something that gave us a result - johnsons vita-cool tablets...of course,your dog may have a different cause,so a trip to the vets has to be the first port of call. hope you sort it soon.good luck.

don't worry the same story happend to me,exept I have a golden retriver. and yes only the vet can help.:-D

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well you can remove the things that your dog can scratch