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Itchy Jacks???
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Does anyone else have a Jack with itchy skin the minute the summer rolls around? My little guy is a shorty jack with smooth coat......hhhhhmm. My baby scratches and scratches till his skin gets really red! The vet had me buy this spray (a steroid of some type for allergic skin) and I'm supposed to spray it on twice a day, then every other day, until.....hhhhmm. I just wish I didn't have to use "steroid", I mean, I don't know what else??? He gets the flea treatment every 21-28 days, and is very clean doggie. It makes me sad that he is itching so badly! Anyone?
Posted at 12:25PM, 4 June 2007 PDT
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i don't have a dog with this problem, but i can still relate. I have a cat with allergies...with her sandpaper tongue she'll lick till she's got open soars. :(
i have to get her steroid shots every once and a while (depending on the season, she's usually allergy free most of the winter) i've found that giving her a fish oil supplement that's ment to improve skin/coat health in both dogs and cats really helps. i got it from my vet (i'll try and remember to find the bottle cus i dont remember what its called) i think it also has vitamin E in it.
also, maybe ask your vet about switching food...and don't let them try and sell you their science diet, i don't think it works and it actually made my cat sick. (and i've just read bad things about it..) nutro might be a good choice, but i would really research before you switch just because you don't want to constantly be changing his food trying to find one that works.
good luck
Originally posted 61 months ago.
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MorianArt edited this topic 61 months ago.
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thank you for the reply.
yes, about food, i currently feed him Blue, and it is supposed to be pretty good. also i put on top of his food some flaxseed oil that has some rosemary in it and that is supposed to help their coat as well. the vet thinks he has some seasonal allergies, cuz he does not scratch at all in the winter! bummer! i hate the winter, and love summer, but it's hard for him!! also the vet said he can have some bit of a benedryl! wow, i never thought that something a human takes could work for them, but why not? hhhhmm.
Posted 61 months ago.
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I have a 5 year old jack russell, and he has seasonal allergies. We were unaware of this because we never experienced any problems until we moved to a new city a few years back. We noticed the first spring in our new place that he did a lot of licking and biting. It took some time to get it under control because we caught it later in the season, but now we know to give him one benadryl twice a day, and it seems to help. Knock on wood, it's been under control so far this year. We start as soon as spring rolls in and he starts licking, shedding, and biting, and we usually continue well into fall and the first few freezes. I don't know much about the food, but I did read that frequent baths can make them itch so we've tried to cut down on that as well.
Don't know how much that helps. Good luck.
Posted 61 months ago.
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my jack has the same problem, she's on steroids for other reasons (addisons disease) but that doesnt seem to help much with her skin. to try and comfort her a bit, i give her hot spot itch relief spray (http://store.vetsbest.com/shopshampoos.html) it's all natural and seems to help soothe her quite well.
oh yeah, and the benedryl totally works! i try not to give it to her unless it's really bad, but when i do, i give her the children's liquid benedryl with a medicine dropper, much easier for the both of us than the pills cut in half!
Originally posted 61 months ago.
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Tres Bien Jen edited this topic 61 months ago.
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maybe he's skin is too dried out from too frequent of baths? I will only bathe my puppy when she is so dirty that I cant stand it, usually once every 2 weeks depending how dirty she gets. Though we recently have got Omega Fatty Acids to put on her food, the vet said it would help smooth her coat and help her skin, so you might look into that.
Posted 61 months ago.
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Great! Thank all of you for that insight!!
Yes, I remember the vet said last year Michaelangelo could have a half of benedryl 2x a day. Then I also was told to use the Steroid spray on him for 7 days, then stop and use again as needed. I guess I'm scared of medications and the steroids!!! I don't even take anything unless I'm truly not well!!! I just don't want him to have the itching and I also don't want to give him anything that could affect him negatively in other ways!! (? I need to do more research on the steroids). He seems to be doing ok after his 7 day spray treatment. And I try to only bathe him in summer when he's super dirty too! otherwise, I just use a wet cloth and wipe him down. Cuz sometimes, he likes to roll in smelly stuff! ;)
THANKS YOU JACK LOVERS!!!
Posted 60 months ago.
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Yep, same problem here. Apparently, Jacks have the worst allergies, so my vet recommended benedryl 2 times a day. Works great. I made the mistake of teaching my little guy to crawl, and now he crawls everywhere because it scratches his belly. I'll catch him doing it, and he's scratched his stomach bright red.
Try the Benedryl - works like a charm!
Posted 59 months ago.
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steve has pretty bad allergies. not only does he itch constantly, he also sneezes quite a bit. and i dont even think i taught him to crawl he just likes to scratch his belly and rub himself on the carpet.
Posted 59 months ago.
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Buddy, my 5 year old JRT, has the exact same problem. Every Spring, he starts with the scratching and biting until he's red or has the start of an open sore. I've tried giving him the childrens liquid Benedryl but it didn't seem to help so I switched to the pill form. I wasn't helping either and I didn't want to give him too much. As a last resort, we went to his vet and she prescribed him Predisone. I've had to so this for the last 3 years and since he's not taking it all year long, I feel comfortable with giving it to him.
I hope things are better for your little boy, now!
Posted 59 months ago.
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Let me know about that fish oil supplement you give your cat. I have had problems with cat over the past couple of years. I was told she had feline acne and there was nothing I could really do about it but feed her a better brand of food and dont change her diet. I feed her Purina and that's it and it seemed to cut the problem down but she still scratches around her ears and her chin until she bleeds. If anyone has any advice let me know.
Posted 59 months ago.
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Oh my, all these itchy doggies! I have decided that much of the scratching is part of their hyper/nervous personalities. I give my dogs the oil out of a vitamin E gel pill, or if they will chew the pill, that's fine. It tasts sweet to them, and most like it. After time, this helps. Also, I don't wash my dogs to often, but when I do I use a very mild soap. I have always thought that it is kind of like a nervous habit in a human....some folks have them. I don't know any other ideas, but I hope this helps you, some, at least. :)
Originally posted 58 months ago.
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Weaselmcfee edited this topic 58 months ago.
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My Baby Angel suffers from summer allergies too. She seems to be allergic to grass and pollen. We found that switching her food to a dry mix with no colourings helped a lot. We also give her Evening Primrose oil capsules during the spring and summer, which has almost eradicated the redness and itchiness. Hope this helps!!
Posted 58 months ago.
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Our jack russell would go nuts and only want to eat our cats food (which was salmon or tuna) She would lick the bowl like crazy when the cat was finished.( I know, bad, I discouraged this) But she would refuse to eat her own food. So I started breaking open a capsule of fish oil and pour it on her food. I noticed that her itching habit disappeared after about 2 weeks. She has been getting a capsule a day for 4 months and has hardly scratched at all.
Posted 58 months ago.
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mollyphotographer [deleted] says:
A lot people have success with changing the diet to raw, seems to really help with the itching
Posted 58 months ago.
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Hi,
I also have a Jack Russell, small soft coat and he also scratches his paws alot as well as his belly...you all said that benedryl helps...but, for how long should I give it to him? I also changed the food because we got him out of a shelter and it seems to work but, I don't want to change it again because he has a very delicate stomach. What do you guys suggest?
Posted 45 months ago.
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our jack is a smooth coat, with mostly white colouring. jrts, the whiter and pinker they are, tend towards more sensitive skin, just like many people with fair complexions!
our jack was itching like mad several years ago in the fall, and our vet too thought it was seasonal allergies. she would scratch her eyes and belly and armpits raw - so sad!! when it continued well into the dead of a calgary winter, we realized it was not weather related and started her on a VERY strict hypoallergenic diet (i can't remember the name of the food right now...). she cleared up within about six months and we continued on the food for over one year.
we have since weaned her off it, and she eats high-end pet kibble and cookies (we get these fantastic all natural chicken strips called "mellow mutt" that are infused with lavender and are supposed to be calming - yeah right!), but mainly she eats "people food" like plain chicken breasts, cooked vegetables and rice (this in the wake of the pet food scare a while back, then we realized it was just as easy to cook for the dog, and just as good for her!)
lots of itchy babies out there! good luck!
Posted 43 months ago.
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Terriers tend to be allegric to grass. Especialy where it is hot longer ex. the south or S/west. When we moved into the duplex which was full of weeds. Her stomach turned bright red and her ears became infected. She went to the vet to put on meds for allegries.
Take corn out of your dog's diet if he is allegric to grass. They are in the same family. I had to keep a terrier on rice and lamb dogfood to stop hit from chewing himself up and tearing his eyelids open. That solved the problem.
Posted 43 months ago.
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try flax-seed oil, its a supplement oil, great for skin problem! my doggy's skin got improved after 1 month!
Posted 43 months ago.
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i have the same problem with my jack! and have been wondering what i could do about it too. i took my dog to the vet and he said he had a fungal infection, and hte vet gave me stuff to shampoo him with but just like your dog, it kept coming back. the one thing that seems to be keeping his skin undercontrol these day is baby powder. i put some on his belly everymorning and then if i take hime outside i put some more on. its seems to act as a barrier between his skin and the grass or dirt.
Posted 43 months ago.
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i also noticed alot of people talking about capules and tablets of omega or flax seed oil, now are you talking about just the same stuff we would take or did you have to go to the vet and get a prescription for them?
Posted 43 months ago.
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My 5 y/o JRT will start sneezing and trying to bit his paws during allergy season. Our vet had us give him children's benadryl when it got bad, it worked pretty well. I don't really like to give the dog any kind of medication, so I only do it when its bad, which really isn't that often for him.
Posted 42 months ago.
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Got my 1st Jack Russell a few weeks back, out of a dog rescue. he was very well taken care of when I adopted him. I have noticed of course the occasional grooming of his paws at times, almost boarding on a neurotic condition since he had just been Front Lined a few weeks before. From what I read here, I should add some omega 3 to his kibbles(corn free) and see if that helps? Hate to see the guy itch like that.
I put My Buddie(bearded collie) down 7 yrs ago, did not think I could find another dog as great, well my new best friend Rufus is right there, stole my heart already for sure.
Any positive input is greatly appreciated and thank you.
Posted 41 months ago.
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1olderguy:
Jacks tend to be very ocd. That may be the reason for all the paw attention. 2, I read that Jacks also do that when they are bored. or not exercised enough for their standards. My Jack used to do this, so i keep a ball handy. After chasing the ball for a while the energy is spent. When you see him giving his paws extra attn, divert his actions. As you know Jacks are SUPER smart, this behavior will end soon. :)
Posted 41 months ago.
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Test run for the pic, sorry...still don't see how to put a small pic in the display box...grrrr
Originally posted 41 months ago.
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1olderguy edited this topic 41 months ago.
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kuzzy, thanks for the input. I think Rufus gets enough exercise....I failed to mention in my 1st post he's about 8 yrs. old...full of energy when motivated, does not mind being a couch spud either...lol. He gets at least 1 good walk per day, plus chases a squeaky ball, as I'm sure know, they love to chase balls.
The lady that runs the Rescue told me after I inquired about the biting and licking his paws he did that with her also. I found out his diet got messed up in the environment change...doing much better now...starting eating real well again.
My Rufus is a "puddin" Jack, I understand with his age and that type he is a little laid back compared to Parson Jack's. keeping in mind their all JRT's.
Hey, that's a handsome dog you have there, almost the same color patches as mine. Bet you have a ton of fun with him. I'd put pix up here, not very pc smart...somethings come easy, others pffft.
Posted 41 months ago.
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1olderguy, i'm so happy things are better. the diet is so important! i finally found a great dog food for mine. his last one gave him ear infections and messed with his bladder...scary.
your dog is gorgeous! i havent figured out how to post pictures in the comments, but kuzco is 3 now, and i love him to death! keep up the good work with rufus...like i said, he's gorgeous!
Posted 41 months ago.
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kuzzy,Thank you for the compliment, Rufus was embarrassed I do believe...nawww, not a Jack...ever notice how cocky they are in their posture and gait? He's friendly with other dogs as long as the other dog doesn't growl, if they do it's time to move on...185 pound dog in a 10 inch, 15 pound frame...lol.
Yes, the food is crucial to most dog's diets, little more so I think with Jack's and other hi-strung breeds if I may say so. Good to see you found a food that beauty of dog of yours likes and is good for him. He looks happy in the pix.
Posting pix? jeeesh on me and my memory, I found out how in 1 of these topics about Jack's, it's not too complicated, just don't remember, sorry. I'll look for it again, if I find it I'll send it to you here.
Have fun with that dog of yours, aren't they great, dogs in general that is?
Posted 41 months ago.
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kuzzy, have you tried going to YOU in your flickr account, should help you there...hopwfully
Posted 41 months ago.
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1olderguy...i figured ot the pic thng...it wasnt putting up the right code. but with kuzco (my jack) any dog is fair game,lol...we're still learning we dont always have to fight..lol. but he's getting better..
Posted 41 months ago.
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kuzzy, glad you got it worked out, the pix that is. From what I know about JRT's you have some years to fight with kuzco...lol. I finally found a toy Rufus likes, a flat doll that has 8 squeaky pads...we play for awhile, he gets breathing hard...then he carries it around in his mouth for awhile...probably wants me to keep playing tug a war with him...their strong lil buggers aren't they...he makes me laugh so hard sometimes, he's so intense with that doll...same with his squeaky tennis balls...I leave 1 ball in the truck for him when we're out and about running errands. Take care and enjoy that bundle love and energy.
Posted 41 months ago.
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I have a smooth coat JRT that is mostly white and a white rough coat female and in the summer they also have a problem with itching. I have found that they tend to sunbathe a lot in the warmer months, and I believe they get irritated from the sun drying out their skin. They do not itch in the winter. I have never seen a flea on them. We have been known to find a tick or two, but never fleas. I have another Jack who is mostly brown and has a corser coat. He never itches. I think it has something to do with the light coat and the sun. As for excessive grooming or chewing on legs, etc., some JRT's can be a little neurotic. They are small dogs but have a big dog's energy and need to have a job. I give my OCD Jack an Everlasting treat ball. They have edible inserts that last for a long time, you can also hide treats in the middle section. They are virtually indestructible. Believe me, he can chew through anything. You can buy them at Dog.com. It keeps him busy for hours, and he completely forgets about chewing on himself. If you have more than one dog, I suggest buying one for each because they are a highly coveted item in our home and jealousy sometimes insues.
Posted 41 months ago.
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Yep, Sheri1975 is right! they do tend to get itchi around summer time...mine is also a soft coat JRT and he does tend to get sunbaths...i guess cause he's at home most of the time and when he sees the sun...there he goes! i didnt think of their skin gettin dry...but, mine usually chews his paws only...and somethimes his belly...it's aweful:( We changed the food because the vet said it may be one cause, we also changed the shampoo for a neutral one and i hate to say it but, we got him a cone so he would stop chewing his paws...of course we only left it on when we went to work and when we got home we took it off. But, we made sure to keep an eye on him, that did the job! Of course we gave him some distaction but, at leas he didnt chew his paws to the bone anymore!
Posted 40 months ago.
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My almost 2-year old Jack (rough coat which is actually on the soft side) has been itchy and uncomfortably since shortly after we got her at 5 months. Actually, between her first rabies shot, a long false pregnancy before spaying and lots of itchiness, we spent/spend half of our waking hours trying to figure out how to make her comfortable. I thought the key was a ton of exercise (daily long walks plus dog park plus golf course in winter, etc.). Beginning of September her itchiness took a turn for the worse and she's licking her paws and elbows raw. Benadryl hasn't helped, neither has the DermTabs from the vet. The dog allergist wants her to bath daily in a cortisone bath and conditioner. Her food is now lamb and rice, she's on a new antihistimine, is wearing an Elizabethan collar and she's still itcing and going nuts. She does chew the long grass outside whenever she has the chance. Could that be it? I'm torn between going the med route or trying to eliminate things from her diet. It's so confusing!
Posted 32 months ago.
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We all hear a lot about Omega acids for human health, but it is very beneficial for dogs as well....these fatty fish oils help with skin and coat health. Check your bag of food for 'Lineolic Acid' or 'Omega 3 and 6 Acids,' both of these terms are for the same ingredient. The higher the percentage the better. Some foods have none, some have a little, and some have a lot, like 3% or more. I know for sure that all Nutro products have a least 3%, but there are other foods with Omega's added in also.
It could also be an allergic reaction, but it is much cheaper to try a new food with a lot of Omega acid than it is to have a bunch of allergy tests done. Also, if you try a bag of Nutro, it does have a 100% money back guarantee with the register receipt. So if you try it and that does not help you can get your money back.
But remember, whether you try Nutro or something else you must give the food time to work....Nutro says 3-4 weeks for gradual improvement and 7 weeks to fully improved coat. So patience is important also.
Posted 32 months ago.
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What worked for my dog was recommended by the vet and it was very effective a combination 1) change in diet to 'Chappie' and biscuit mix 2) Epi-Soothe oatmeal based shampoo - bought from the vet. 3) Evening Primrose Oil. We never looked back and she lived until she was 17 and was itch free for years.
Posted 29 months ago.
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We eliminated all but rice and chicken from our JR's diet - no problems now. We will gradually add other things - tried fish yesterday and that is fine. Beef and Cheese cause frantic itching and a blistery rash.
Posted 23 months ago.
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My dog "lucky" (never name your dog lucky, he came with it) has had allergies since pup. He was the runt of the litter, and had a rough beginning. Itching till skin was raw and swollen, so sad.. Vet thought it could be mites since it is rare for puppies to have allergies. Didn't work. Tried EVERYTHING. Bathing with hydrocortisone shampoo seemed to work the best. Steriods worked great, but didn't want him on them forever. Last year had a horrible problem with fea infestation in our area and of course only added to problem because he is allergic to fleas. The great news is that the fleas actually solved his problem! We tried all flea products and none took care of problem except one miracle pill, Comfortis (spinosad). This med is for fleas, and is actually a bacteria some guy found in dirt samples. Anyway it worked and the dog has had clear skin for the first time in his life. It took about 4 mos. and I give them all thru winter. Make sure dog has had food when you give it as it tends to upset stomach is empty. My other Jack has no problem with pill, but luck looks a little green around the gills. Sooo worth it. Hope I can help someone because we went through hell trying to help this dog.
Posted 23 months ago.
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