itching

[hoosier the corgi]

hi my name is brian a year ago i purchased a pembroke welsh corgi he is awsome. i took him to the vet he has all is shots, and used frontline so he would not get fleas. lately i have noticed him doin alot of scratching himself as if he has dry skin. i checked him over and did not see any fleas. is this common in corgis around this time of year? there are no other animals in the house. does anyone any suggestions or comments?

[Michael Romanos]

Hi Brian
I take it you live in the USA. Besides being very effective iin ridding any fleas from your Corgi, American Frontline should also take care of mites (which I believe usually only occur around and in the ears of a dog) and tics. The New Zealand version of Frontline takes care of cattle tics. Of course Frontline has to be correctly applied and be current.

The other chief reasons for your Corgi continuously scratching is either from allergies or eczema (dermatitis). Alllergies are extremely common and they may be caused through your Corgi coming into contact with outside plants and weeds that promote allergies. Or allergies might occur because of dietry factors. Some dogs get allergies through eating products containing wheat, beef, milk etc. Some dogs are not affected by any of these things and some are - the same goes for humans.

My advice is to write down all the things your Corgi might have come into contact with ( re outside vegetation, such as vines and things you consider weeds) and then all the different types of food he consumes - and then go visit a reputable vet, taking your info with you.

Continuously scratching dogs are not happy dogs.

My Taylor developed a vine allergy last summer and he received vet treatment. Fortunately it has not reoccurred this time round, Dogs can grow out of certain allergies. And one can also remove the things that might be causing the problem. My fellow was a one year old - the same as your's - a year ago.

[darci]

Darci had the itchies, finally figured it out.
Brewers yeast found in some dog foods.