Worried about my itchy Hagrid...

[MerNor]

Hey Everyone,

I know you all said that Hagrid was right on track at six months for blowing his puppy coat.. but is it normal for them to get really itchy? I noticed about a week ago that he was a little more tickely than usual and over the last week it has become even more pronounced. He doesn't have any mats (I've been brushing him twice a day) and his skin isn't red or irritated and there are no signs of fleas.. but he wiggles all over when I'm brushing him and has been scratching a lot more than usual. I've been trying to call my breeder but there is a problem with her phone . I'm considering taking him to the vet on Monday morning... what do you all think?

Normally he doesn't shed at all.. now I'm getting a little out every time I brush him but still nothing like the clumps I've heard about. It's not really all that extreme and I'm a bit worried that I'm being a way over protective doodle mum.. but he's my baby and he's itchy!

Another question I had.. are products which are supposed to help them shed good for an ALD blowing their puppy coat? Or are they just for dogs/ doodles that have an undercoat? Hagrid has a wavey fleece coat, all one length.

Anyway.. thanks in advance for your responses.. I've been a little obsessed with this all week and finally coudln't hold it in any longer.

[tuffystar]

I don't know about all of your post but buddy was itchy like crazy when we first got him. We took him to the vet and we tested for everything. We even bathed him. No luck. finally the vet said some dogs can't handle high protein. We bought him lower protein food and now no itching. Every dog is different but that is our experience. Good luck and keep us posted!

[MerNor]

Do you think it could be due to something like that even if it just started this last week and he's been eating the same food for six months? We'll definitely be heading to the vet if it gets any worse...

[tuffystar]

I don't know. I have heard of dogs being fine with something and then reacting to them in a short time, but I don't know. I just know that worked for Buddy. We did talk to our vet though. I wish I knew how it all works. Good luck!

[lmtoth2]

It could be related to blowing his puppy coat or the change in seasons...I asked about Kirby's extra itchiness and the vet said it is likely due to the weather. It could be food related so if it continues I'd call your vet.

[MaxandMe]

i'd check with your vet.....it could be food? puppy coat change?
only way to know if it's food is to take them off it , do homemade and/or try slowly switching foods but it can take 2 or more weeks to see results.

your vet will have better answers

[MerNor]

Any ideas as to what I should feed him if he's not getting his kibble? He currently eats Royal Canine, the brand he's had his whole life... Should I cook some chicken and rice? Veggies ? (he loves steamed veggies.. what kind of a weird dog loves brocoli? Hagrid!). The weather has changed quite a bit here.. he's been playing in the snow a lot. If itchiness isn't a commen sign of coat change I think I'll take him to the vet on Monday...

[PlainJane]

Jazz just started the "itchy" thing for the first time (10 mos), but I also have these tiny "puff" balls showing up for the first time (a little smaller than a dime). I think it's a combination of blowing her puppy coat and the piles of leaves along the road that she insists on "body surfin" in. I'm watching closely right now to see if we (for the very 1st time) are developing a food allergy (I normally can feed her ANYTHING).

I'm taking advantage of her "joyful" submission to several quick daily brushings (she acts like she's in heaven).

[dgeggis]

Remy has started the puppy coat blow. He is a bit more itchy now.I have always groomed him once a day and have noticed more fine fluffy hair coming off. He is getting matts more now and he "drops" these little hair balls. I swear it's like little matt bugs ar working on him tying the ends of his little hairs.

He has a couple of spots,one under the front leg ( the armpit) and on his lower back just above the start of the tail that he really enjoys a scratch.

He isn't scratching too much on his own, just a little here and there. I would be interested to hear how Hagrid does over the next few weeks. Keep us posted.

[anny51]

When our labrador starts scratching a I know I've missed a brushing session...she sheds masses ALL the time, and gets itchy if she's not brushed every day to get rid of the loose stuff.

Ann

[Jac]

Hmmm, could it be shampoo residue? Do you groom Hagrid or does someone else?
You might want to check on the products used...
Fortunately, I have not had itchy dogs...so I am not a lot of help...but if I only had one dog, I'd cook for him/her rather than feed kibble. I just think that too many unknowns are in kibble and I have lost all trust in dog food companies.

[CharlieBear's Mom]

Charlie gets itchy on and off -- he has some skin issues. We have to use a special shampoo on him that we have to leave on for 10 minutes (can be a challenge) but it really helps. We get it from the vet. The vet has also recommended cortizone from time to time -- I don't like giving it to him because it makes him super thirsty and he has to potty constantly -- we've also used benedryl on him from time to time....which seems to help and makes him very calm (a nice side effect for a hyper doodle). I'd defintely go to the vet to see what they think....the first time Charlie got the itches I really didn't think it was a big deal but the vet noticed it right away and the shampoo REALLY helps -- good luck w/your baby!

If your vet recommends benedryl, Sam's Club sells big bottles of the generic stuff super cheap!

[MerNor]

Thanks so much for the tips everyone!

Hagrid is doing much better! I think I figured out what it was that was making him itchy, though it still seems a bit strange to me. He started getting some new treats around the same time he started getting itchy. I'm sure they were the culprits and have stopped giving them to him. It's been 24 hours since he's had one and he already seems better. I also gave him a bath and that seemed to help too... maybe it was just the warm water.. who knows.

He's still a tab bit more tickily than usual, but I think that can be credited to his shedding his puppy coat. I'll keep you all updated and thanks so much for your help!

I am glad he is less itchy!!!

[MerNor]

Thanks :P... I was really glad to read that Maya and Sadie stopped having psychotic episodes.