Itchy, scratchy dog - any ideas?...

[zaskar]

We have a chocolate labrador. Recently (the last week) he has been excessively scratching/nibbling. We thought 'fleas' however no humans in contact with the dog have been 'ankle' bitten and we treat him with 'spot on' flea ointment once a month. One other strange thing is, after touching/stroking the dog, our hands/forearms also become a little itchy/scratchy - a bit like a 'prickly heat' itch/symptom. Any ideas? (I've also just washed the dog with an anti-flea dog shampoo). Thanks

[Octavius]

Sadly dogs can be subject to many skin disorders and reactions - too many to mention here - to the point where flea drops and washing may be worse for them.

If I were you I would get a check over with a vet - you know some vets have specially trained pet dermatoligists - in case it is something that a) could get worse and b) be carried to the members of the family.

I don't want to alarm you, but for you and your dog, it would be best to let someone who knows their stuff have a look.

[Eels]

It could be fox mange (sarcoptic mange, scabies in humans).  If you are using over-the-counter medications there's no guarantee your dog will be free from fleas either. 

To the vets, quick, before he gets himself infected by scratching too much!

[HAnn521]

zaskar: If your dog is like mine and I give her the spot-on monthly treatment for fleas and ticks as well, and you still get scratching... I have the same trouble with mine. She doesn't have fleas and doesn't seem to be totally uncomfortable, but does scratch and itch quite a bit...

I have been told my a vet to provide her with some Safflower oil. You can buy it at the grocery store, pour only a teaspoon on top of the food (each or every other day) and it will add moisture, shine and health to the skin and coat.

You may want to also try a good bathing with a moisturizing shampoo for healthy skin and coat.

[Clanad]

If there are no noticeable red and rough areas on the skin, then I would suggest nearly what HAnn521 has mentioned, with the exception of using bacon grease.  I've had considerable luck relieving itching, dry skin in dogs with the addition of about a teaspoon, to start, on the morning feeding.  I would increase this, over about a weeks time, to a tabelspoon.  It can't hurt, and is liked by the dog...  The other suggestions of a visit to the Vet are good advice, as well...Good luck!

[drgnrdr]

I wouldn't wash him with flea shampoo if he already has flea treatment on him, don't overdose him on chemicals. An anti itch or oatmeal shampoo would be better but don't shampoo him to often, that causes dry skin. Don't shampoo with human stuff either. He may be having reactions to outside allergens, he brings them inside on his fur (which you touch). Have you changed his food recently? It's been said that some dogs develop an allergy to food they have eaten for a long time, watch for corn, wheat in food and in treats. If the formula has been tweeked by the company, that can cause it. I wouldn't put bacon grease in food, depending on how old the dog is, don't overwork the pancreas with fat. Have had bad experience with fat/pancreas, so just a word of caution, ( there are always exceptions). But we seem to all agree the trip to the vet is your best bet. Good luck...