moderate/severe itching dog! I apologize for the new thread. I read so many others and nothing quite resonated with my particular issue. First time poster so here goes!
Dog name: Bueller
Neutered June 2025
He's a shelter rescue pup, approximately 9months-1 year old.
Pitty mix
Currently 55 lbs
Unknown history prior to adoption other than he was labeled a stray
We've had him since June 2025
Before adoption he was given Rabies vax, DA2PPV, Bordetella. (not sure if he had puppy shots prior to shelter as his history is unknown)
He was treated at the shelter for otitis externa AD and Otic cytology AD 4+ cocci bacteria
Behavior: Very immature and puppy like! Full of life, loves to mouth everything and ready to play at any given moment. We're currently working with a No Fear trainer to get through some challenges.
Energy: Over the top! Loves his naps mid day, but morning and evenings are full throttle. All appears normal and healthy. If anything he struggles to settle down after exercise and needs help regulating himself.
Appetite: Never....stops....eating! ha ha! He was transitioned to complete and balanced raw food the first week we brought him home. He loves his food and barks and whines while I get it out for him. Loves snacks of all kinds and rarely refuses even vegetables.
Mood: Very happy dog. He is still learning to regulate his ups and downs and has only been in our home about 10 weeks. He does shy from some sounds and noises as he learns his new environment, but overall a genuinely loving and happy dog.
Diet currently consists of complete and balanced (by a certified nutritionist) raw beef mix. I tried turkey and he had loose stools even when introduced slowly. I've also taken him down to 80/10/10 beef base mix to possibly eliminate any allergins in the complete mix, but he has not shown improvement by doing this. I'm moving him back to the complete blend to cover all nutrient gaps. I will be adding more proteins this month to rotate if he does well.
Primary issue: ITCHING DAY AND NIGHT AND INBETWEEN! He was not itching when we brough him home from shelter and his skin was pink and clear. However, I feel the shots he was given before adoption have disrupted his immune system and he is now all out of balance. Maybe I'm wrong.
His arm pits, under side of tail, tummy, down backs of front legs, chin, and ears are all warm and red. In the last 2 weeks he went from slight itching to full blown constant itching and now red skin. I'm very concerned about secondary infections at this point.
Nothing apparently makes it worse. I've been keenly observing him and I've not made a connection to something triggering the itch. I've kept a food and supplement journal for almost a month and I do not see a connection yet.
Rinses and witch hazel as well as some various over the counter creams may bring a tad bit of relief. But its hit or miss and so slight its really not noticeable.
We are working with a homeopathic veterinarian and I'm feeling so discouraged. I'm not getting the kind of education and information from him that I expect and feeling so frustrated.
2 weeks ago he put Bueller on C-Traum and gave him a dose of Thuja in his office. We've been using the C-Traum once a day for the last 2 weeks. The last 2 weeks is also when Bueller's symptoms have just exploded. I had a texting consult with him today and he's sending us Sulfer, Belladonna, and the supplement Transfer Factor. I did not even get an explanation of what these do or why he feels they will possibly be helpful.
I've come to understand that its nearly impossible to locate the exact reason for Buellers discomfort. Allergies, yeast, environmental allergies, food intolerances, detoxing or immune response from shots.....they all have infinite possibilities. However, if I focus on his immune system I believe he will come into balance. I wish I could know if this is an allergic response or a detoxing response. I have no way of knowing. Maybe this intense itch is part of healing? That would at least give me hope vs the concern I'm exposing him repeatedly to a severe trigger.
I really need a strategic plan. I'd love being told step 1 is......step 2 is....... Maybe I need to arrange a vet consult in this forum? Would that be best?
I appreciate the listening and support. I know there are answers out there, but I need them asap so he doesn't end up on an antibiotic for a skin infection.
Thank you!
Sarah
Dog name: Bueller
Neutered June 2025
He's a shelter rescue pup, approximately 9months-1 year old.
Pitty mix
Currently 55 lbs
Unknown history prior to adoption other than he was labeled a stray
We've had him since June 2025
Before adoption he was given Rabies vax, DA2PPV, Bordetella. (not sure if he had puppy shots prior to shelter as his history is unknown)
He was treated at the shelter for otitis externa AD and Otic cytology AD 4+ cocci bacteria
Behavior: Very immature and puppy like! Full of life, loves to mouth everything and ready to play at any given moment. We're currently working with a No Fear trainer to get through some challenges.
Energy: Over the top! Loves his naps mid day, but morning and evenings are full throttle. All appears normal and healthy. If anything he struggles to settle down after exercise and needs help regulating himself.
Appetite: Never....stops....eating! ha ha! He was transitioned to complete and balanced raw food the first week we brought him home. He loves his food and barks and whines while I get it out for him. Loves snacks of all kinds and rarely refuses even vegetables.
Mood: Very happy dog. He is still learning to regulate his ups and downs and has only been in our home about 10 weeks. He does shy from some sounds and noises as he learns his new environment, but overall a genuinely loving and happy dog.
Diet currently consists of complete and balanced (by a certified nutritionist) raw beef mix. I tried turkey and he had loose stools even when introduced slowly. I've also taken him down to 80/10/10 beef base mix to possibly eliminate any allergins in the complete mix, but he has not shown improvement by doing this. I'm moving him back to the complete blend to cover all nutrient gaps. I will be adding more proteins this month to rotate if he does well.
Primary issue: ITCHING DAY AND NIGHT AND INBETWEEN! He was not itching when we brough him home from shelter and his skin was pink and clear. However, I feel the shots he was given before adoption have disrupted his immune system and he is now all out of balance. Maybe I'm wrong.
His arm pits, under side of tail, tummy, down backs of front legs, chin, and ears are all warm and red. In the last 2 weeks he went from slight itching to full blown constant itching and now red skin. I'm very concerned about secondary infections at this point.
Nothing apparently makes it worse. I've been keenly observing him and I've not made a connection to something triggering the itch. I've kept a food and supplement journal for almost a month and I do not see a connection yet.
Rinses and witch hazel as well as some various over the counter creams may bring a tad bit of relief. But its hit or miss and so slight its really not noticeable.
We are working with a homeopathic veterinarian and I'm feeling so discouraged. I'm not getting the kind of education and information from him that I expect and feeling so frustrated.
2 weeks ago he put Bueller on C-Traum and gave him a dose of Thuja in his office. We've been using the C-Traum once a day for the last 2 weeks. The last 2 weeks is also when Bueller's symptoms have just exploded. I had a texting consult with him today and he's sending us Sulfer, Belladonna, and the supplement Transfer Factor. I did not even get an explanation of what these do or why he feels they will possibly be helpful.
I've come to understand that its nearly impossible to locate the exact reason for Buellers discomfort. Allergies, yeast, environmental allergies, food intolerances, detoxing or immune response from shots.....they all have infinite possibilities. However, if I focus on his immune system I believe he will come into balance. I wish I could know if this is an allergic response or a detoxing response. I have no way of knowing. Maybe this intense itch is part of healing? That would at least give me hope vs the concern I'm exposing him repeatedly to a severe trigger.
I really need a strategic plan. I'd love being told step 1 is......step 2 is....... Maybe I need to arrange a vet consult in this forum? Would that be best?
I appreciate the listening and support. I know there are answers out there, but I need them asap so he doesn't end up on an antibiotic for a skin infection.
Thank you!
Sarah
