Itchy Cairn

Question
QUESTION: Hi Beth -
My Cairn has been scratching at her sides a lot lately.  I've checked her for fleas and she has none.  She's not bald in those areas either.  But I can tell she's really itchy there, because when I scratch it for her, she's in exctasy.
I've started to handstrip her .  She's had no change in diet.  
As you know Cairns have that thick hair, that's difficult to pull apart to see the skin.  What I can see looks pretty normal.
Any ideas?  Could it be the summer heat?

Thanks,
Marlo

ANSWER: Marlo

Yes, the heat can be rough and they can get kind of a heat rash.  However, the coat can be thinned out some in the summer without losing the hard characteristics.

I do hand strip some, but find that a Mars Coat King is the easiest way to keep the coat short and keep the wooly undercoat thinned out some.

Please also be careful of what you are feeding her since cairns are particularly prone to food sensitvities which often show up in skin and coat problems.

-Beth

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks beth!
I've been using the Mars Coat King for stripping as well.  
I've been feeding her NutroMax Mini Chunk for about 6 months now.  Do you recommend a better brand?

Thanks,
Marlo

Answer
Marlo -

Yes.  Please move her up the Nutro ladder to Nutro Natural Choice - the formula for sensitive skin. I think it's chicken based.  Max has a lot of corn in it which commonly causes the itchies.

I personally feed By Nature which is made by Blue Seal (regional brand), and also recommend Eagle Pack Holistic Select or Wellness.

I suspect it will make a difference for your itchy kiddo

-Beth