Old Trainer: Help! my dog has an itch that won’t go away

Dear Old Trainer: We have two Corgi mixes and they scratch all the time. This just started about two years ago and it’s gotten worse. The vet gave them some salve which didn’t help and says he can give them a shot but doubts it will help. I don’t see fleas, but they still scratch. What can we do for them?

Cleo, Plano, Texas

Haksins: My dogs have the same problem. My vets tell me skin issues are now an epidemic and none of them have a solution. They believe it is a combination of causes with exposure to toxic chemicals the main culprit. They helped me compile the list of remedies below. I’ve added advice from my readers and my own research.

I’ve tried them all. Number one helped the most, but all helped to some degree and itching in my pack decreased by 90%.

Please consult with your vet to determine which recommendations are fine for your pet.

1. Throw away liquid flea products applied to the skin and flea collars and never use them again. Both can contain toxic, cancer-causing chemicals. Ask your vet about flea products with no toxic or harmful ingredients.

2. Bathe your dogs every few days and put down clean bedding when you do. I use mild shampoo on the dog with the most problems, just cool water on the others.

3. Drench the area where you see them scratch with a solution of half apple cider vinegar/half water. Use it twice a day for a few days, then daily.

4. Dogs have a hard time shedding as they age. Cutting and grooming to help them shed their undercoats completely stopped two of my old dogs from scratching.

5. The instant you see them licking or chewing their fur, clip the hair short around the area to see if it’s dry skin or redness causing the problem. Hydrocortisone cream can work wonders if it’s a red spot. Make sure they don’t lick it for at least 10 minutes.

4. If it’s dry skin, a good hand lotion applied to itchy spots can provide fast relief. Consult with a vet on whether the brand is safe.

5. Get rid of kibble bought at a grocery store and buy a healthy, nutritional brand from a pet store. The cost difference is minimal. Buy good quality canned food. Leftovers are better than processed dog food.

7. Don’t use chemical weed killer or fertilizer on any part of the lawn where your dogs spend time.

8. Add a teaspoon of fish oil to food along with a teaspoon of safflower oil.

9. Use metal or ceramic food and water bowls instead of plastic. Wash them every few days with dish soap, rinse with apple cider vinegar and water.