My Jack Russell has an itching problem, What can I do???

by Stephanie Davis
(Canada)

Hello!

I have a 4 year old Jack Russell and she has a really bad itch to her skin. She is always runing under chairs and fliping upside down to itch herself... Is there anything I can do to make it stop. Or is there a special food she should go on to help with that itch. My mom thinks it's the wheat in her food... Anything that will help that would be helpful...

Thanks Stephanie

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Jul 30, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Treatment for itching continues...warning
by: Anonymous

Also, my vet tried to make me give him steroids and antibiotics for 30 days. I refused. I would not take that dosage for myself let alone my little dog. I gave him the antibiotics for 7 days. Extended use of antibiotics and steriods is not good for a dog or any creature. It tears away his natural immune system and the side effects of steriods is even more dangerous like blood clots, diabetes and pancreas cancer. Natural antibiotics such as honey or oil of oregano are better choices for prolonged use. Pharmacuetical antibiotics can be administered for 5-7 days max.
Jul 30, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Treatment for itching
by: Anonymous

My Jack Russell Terrier is allergic to the flea bites. The only way to stop an allergy like this is when you first notice slight itching is to give him the Benadryl immediately and keep dosing for a week. This has to be done at the beginning or it is useless. If not done at beginning, disinfect the flea bites with neosporine or peroxide and wrap sores in dressing, give him anti-biotics for at least 7 days, cone or muzzle him so he will calm down and sleep. This routine is very tedious but necessary. Wash his bed and anywhere he sleeps. Give him a dose of Comfortis with some heavy food like rice with mixed can food. Make sure just like another post mentioned that there is no corn, wheat or soy in the food. Watch for vomiting after the Comfortis. If this happens you need to redose him. Comfortis folks say the pill is beef-flavored and chewable but my JRT won't eat it so I need to administer like I would any other med by opening mouth and placing deep in throat. Three days after Comfortis admin and no vomiting, bathe him in a medicated shampoo. My vet recommends SkinGuard CP. I also spray him and his bedding with lavender. Fleas hate lavender. Keep an eye out on the bloody and scratching sores and change dressing when necessary but wounds should be open to the air as soon as possible. Best to cone him during this process as the healing of the wounds will itch and he will start to lick, chew thus reopening the wounds. My JRT, Cypy knows I am trying to help him and is comforted by soft talking and petting. As the wounds heal, apply bag balm or aloe to keep the skin supple and moist. I also give him garlic and fish oil pills to keep his skin moist not to mention the Omega 3. Good Luck
Aug 02, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Gluten free
by: Anonymous

We give our Jack and organic all natural meat-based diet. That has helped a lot with the itching and scratching. We also give an omega-3 supplement over the food. Cheap dog food can really harm your jack. The organic brands are expensive but in my opinion worth it. You can also make your own food but that does take some time.
Sep 14, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Fish oil
by: Anonymous

Have you tried fish oil or Omega 3? We break a capsule to put over our Milo's food. It took a few weeks but it really helped his coat. We also started making our own food - just chicken and brown rice mostly, with a little pumpkin and green beans thrown in occasionally. This also seemed to help. Our vet had recommended steroid which we didn't want to do and also some medicated shampoo. Luckily the other stuff worked and we didn't need it. One thing we do use when allergy season is upon us is Benadryl - kids version. Definitely check with your vet first with all of the above!!!!
Sep 14, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		ITCHING CAN BE FROM ALLERGY!
by: Anonymous

I had a Jack Russell at one time that had the same problem. I found that I had to switch his diet to grain and gluten free food. Allergies were the problem. As soon as I gave him a Milk Bone which is (wheat) his belly would turn a red pink color and he would start itching. No wheat.
Worth a try!
Sep 14, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		ITCHING CAN BE FROM ALLERGY!
by: Anonymous

I had a Jack Russell at one time that had the same problem. I found that I had to switch his diet to grain and gluten free food. Allergies were the problem. As soon as I gave him a Milk Bone which is (wheat) his belly would turn a red pink color and he would start itching. No wheat.
Worth a try!

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