There's got to be a bunch of us with dogs so this seems like a decent topic.

My lab has a terrible case of the itchies right now. I know it isn't bugs or fleas so I'm guessing that it's just really dry up here in MN and with all the carpet in the house it's even worse for her. I've heard that Fish Oils are fantastic against this kind of problem but I don't know if I can give her the same ones for people or if the dog specific kind are necessary.

I have a dog. Thanks.

My dog had the same problem with dry and itchy skin. I don't think that there is a "dog specific" type of fish oil, but the regular bottled ones work just great. Just make sure that there isn't any extra flavoring in the one you get like lemon or orange, I did and had to really mix it in with the dog food so she would eat it.

Try getting two large pieces of bread. Put them in a v shape. Put your dog in between the two pieces of bread. Add ketchup, mustard, and/or relish (or anything you want really). Open mouth. Insert dog, bread, and any toppings you added to the top of your dog into your open mouth. Close mouth. Chew. Swallow. No more problems with the itchies!
VGM out...

The other night I sat down to dinner and my dog got in the chair next to me like this:



"oh hai foods"

Fish oils may work, but not all dogs like 'em. Try switching it's food for something different, too.

Try a special shampoo or conditioner if you groom him or ask the place where you take her.

We have a Shih-Tzu mix we got from the SPCA back in September or so. He's only a year and 10 months old and just a ball of energy.

We had to take him to an emergency vet soon after getting him because he had 'kennel cough'(aka a 'doggie cold') from being in the same kennel with another dog with it. While there we asked why he's constantly itching himself.

We were told our dog has allergies and that's why he has the 'itchies'. Furthermore, we were told we could give him half a Benadryl to stop said itching.

It does help for our dog, but you may wanna consult your vet first.

However Benadryl tends to taste pretty nasty on it's own, so if the dog is not wanting to take it you can try giving it to them with a bit of peanut butter.

I haz Puppy...

He bites me hard and harder...I have scratches, bruises and scars...

I love him so...

i want a german shepherd.



:(

But i heard dogs need a backyard or so to move around so i think i will be getting a cat instead.
But..Cats are selfish bastards

:(

This guy was turned in at a dog rescue I help. They were overbooked so I fostered and started training waiting for someone to adopt him. But damn he really grew on me and I just couldn't part with this one. This guy is so easy going and eager to please all people he meets. I got him in August and he's around 11 months old now.

This is the condition he was in when he arrived. Not terrible, but not good by any stretch.


This is Servo now. Much healthier and living a great life that includes going to work with me each day.

just grab some omega-3 pills. we use them for the dogs at the shelter all the time.

If you haven't done so already, try giving your dog a bath.

So in addition to my lab I'm thinking of maybe fostering another dog as well. I just fear that I'll end up being a dog hoarder with a dozen dogs in the 70-120lb range that will eventually overtake my house.

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Originally Posted by TC This guy was turned in at a dog rescue I help. They were overbooked so I fostered and started training waiting for someone to adopt him. But damn he really grew on me and I just couldn't part with this one. This guy is so easy going and eager to please all people he meets. I got him in August and he's around 11 months old now. This is the condition he was in when he arrived. Not terrible, but not good by any stretch. This is Servo now. Much healthier and living a great life that includes going to work with me each day.

Yes. This is the type/size of dog I would like. What breed is that?

Not all dogs need a back yard, but it would be preferable. Heck, you can have a german shepherd with an apartment, but be ready to take them on a lot of walks to get rid of their energy.

You can use fish oil meant for humans as long as you choose the correct dosage. I suggest consulting your vet.

wow, that was quick. In the span of four days I've gone from pondering fostering to possibly getting my first temporary dog tonight (as long as it gets along with my dog). That's almost scary. I figured the process would take quite some time.

Originally Posted by powercreep Yes. This is the type/size of dog I would like. What breed is that?

He's a mutt. Most likely Pitt/Boxer/Lab mix at least that's what my vet thinks. He's now 70.lbs of goofey fun.

Originally Posted by nasum wow, that was quick. In the span of four days I've gone from pondering fostering to possibly getting my first temporary dog tonight (as long as it gets along with my dog). That's almost scary. I figured the process would take quite some time.

Applause!!! You're doing a great thing. Just be patient. The dogs I've fostered usually take anywhere from 36 hours to 10 days to settle in and relax. Try not to show the dog too much love at the start. Make the dog earn it and in the long run things will go easier for everyone.

Below is Servo with his current foster sister. Her under bite makes for some funny pictures.

Take your dog to the vet to confirm the cause of the itchies... chances are it's something simple, but it might be something more weird. As our dog got older, he got itchier and itchier. He'd get a prescription, be OK, and get itchy again as soon as it ran out. Turns out, he's having a reaction to the oil his skin produces. In other words, my dog is literally allergic to himself. We gave up on the pills (most of them were steroid-based, which is dangerous when taken on a long term basis) and just make sure to bather him often to keep the amount of oil down. He's really pretty happy, all things considered.