Hi all, I recently adopted a Boston Terrier and he's been rubbing up against furniture and people like he's trying to scratch an itch….this happens pretty frequently. I gave him a bath as soon as I got him home b/c he smelled bad, so I'm thinking it may be a reaction to the shampoo. (there were no fleas in the bathwater, so I've ruled that out)I've also done some research and I see BT's are susceptible to food allergies. The rescue org. I got him from was feeding him Gravy Train (so have I), which doesn't look like quality food. So now I'm thinking it could be food allergies. Any ideas on whats causing this and what to do about it?
P.S. I'm a first time dog owner, so all of this is new to me.
Food is a likely source of the itching if you don't see fleas or ticks. But try an oatmeal based shampoo, a neutralizing spray like Betagen topical spray and ask your vet. about a small dosing of antihistamines. Also the best food is the food that is closely like our own, no fillers, no additives and free of rice, wheat, etc. The ones we use is Natural Balance which is like that or you could use the recipes that are on some sites that use food that you can make and freeze. Good luck with the rescued puppy and for your adoption of him, you're being a good pet owner to ask!
Tags: Boston Terrier
Fleas or Ticks?
References :
Lots of them kinds of dogs do that
But i have a ack Russell Terrier and hes just Crazy! =D
References :
that is pure junk food
feed high quality food,
use once a month flea treatment ( frontline plus)
and if you bathe, use an oatmeal shampoo for dogs,, and remember to RINSE RINSE RINSE
References :
Possibly a skin condition.
PS. If any pets have health issues, take them to the vet rather than posting here!
References :
He could just like a good scratch on a regular basis. Terriers can also be predisposed to skin conditions, so that could be it as well.
References :
It could be the food! Another thing that it could be is that there could be some soap residue still in his coat from the bath. We have a Lhasa Apso and that happened to him. Make sure that when you give the dog a bath you get rinse him very well.
References :
Food is a likely source of the itching if you don't see fleas or ticks. But try an oatmeal based shampoo, a neutralizing spray like Betagen topical spray and ask your vet. about a small dosing of antihistamines. Also the best food is the food that is closely like our own, no fillers, no additives and free of rice, wheat, etc. The ones we use is Natural Balance which is like that or you could use the recipes that are on some sites that use food that you can make and freeze. Good luck with the rescued puppy and for your adoption of him, you're being a good pet owner to ask!
References :
I could think of three reasons one the dog is itching, two its leaving its scent on the furniture, three it has a skin problem.
References :
Buy some olive oil, and some 'malt' (pills or liquid) and add both the oil and the malt to your dog's food. His 'coat' should start looking better, and his 'rubbing' should lessen over the next two months. Give your dog at least 2 tablespoons of each (if you are using liquid malt) for the first 2 weeks, PER DAY, and then take it down to 1 teaspoon per day after that. Your dog has 'the itch' … basically really dry skin that bothers him to the point of 'rubbing' … and the best way to 'fix' this problem is from the 'inside' out. And don't feed him Gravy Train … go to a pet store and buy a nutritious food with a 'good balance' of vitamins and minerals. Switch it 'over time' by adding 1/4 cup of 'good stuff' the first week, then 1/2 cup until it's all 'good food' and no more Gravy Train. It's NOT 'food allergies' but the change to better food and the 'oil and malt supplements' should make your dog healthier and happier … oh, and give him TONS OF LOVE AND AFFECTION … because the oils from your hands petting him (to say nothing of the 'emotional attachment') will also improve his coat more quickly!
References :
I'm old … I've raised a lot of dogs, and have 'saved' more than a few belonging to friends after the dog got Distemper or was 'very sick' at the vet for a long period.