My Dogs Scratching Like Crazy

Question
Oh Cindy thank you for taking my question! My dauchsund-mix dog, Nifty, is scratching himself day and night.  I have tried it all - the flea treatments behind the shoulders, the flea shampoo baths (about twice a week), the flea shampoo baths followed by 3 minute miracle conditioner; even an olive oil lotion all over his skin which seemed to really help.  Everything helps briefly, then he spends all night biting and scratching himself.  I am loosing sleep over this.  He's going to get raw patches soon if he does not stop.  I can already see some coming.  One vet gave him 1 cortizone shot and it worked for like 10 days, then wore off I guess.  Please help!  Thanks so very much!

Answer
Hello Tricia, My first question would be does your dog have fleas?  If not then stop all flea shampoo baths right away.  They contain extra chemicals that could be drying his skin out or causing him to scratch.  If he is scratching for other reasons I have found that treating him internally rather than topically works best.  I give my dogs cod liver oil.  Usually it's 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds.  When you do this however, start him out on just a little and over a 1 to 2 week period gradually build up to the full amount.  If you add to much to quick he may get the runs.  You should notice a difference in about 4 to 6 weeks.  The cortizone was only a cover or mask for the real problem and you really would not want to continue use of it as it can cause health problems after long term use.  It never solves the problem it only gives temp. relief.  Some dogs respond well to benedryl for humans.  Call your vet for an exact dose as the dose depends on the pets weight.  This in an antihistamen and will work for some.  Although it may not be strong enough.  You could increase the dose a little, wrose case is he will sleep more.  Also you might check into some alternative foods like the raw meat diet.  You can find books on this such as the Holistic approach to a healthy dog.  This has cured or helped some pretty serious skin conditions.  Try one thing at a time because if you do all of them together then it would be hard to tell which one worked and which ones you could discontinue.  Good luck and I'm sure one of the above suggestions will work for you. Thanks, Cindy Lou :)