Just a person with a question....

My dog--a 12 year old Beagle, has been gnawing on herself the past several months. She concentrates mostly on her lower abdomen and groin area. I just started putting Omega 3 EFA oil on this area--a couple of capsules cut open and rubbed into her skin. Too early to tell if this will work.

Vet has given her steroid injections a couple of times but the relief is VERY brief in duration and I don't want to expose her to this powerful medication any more if I don't have to. Tried a change in diet, but to no avail. Had her groomed a few times to see if that would help--again, any relief is nominal and short-lived. Groomer told me older dogs often suffer from dry skin, but other than oatmeal baths, didn't have a suggestion. She hates baths and gets cold very easily.

I think this chewing is a "nervous" habit, in part, but clearly she is uncomfortable. Any suggestions as to herbal preps that may soothe her? I've taken to giving her a Benadryl tab at night so she can sleep (and so I can as well, as she is sleeping in my bedroom).

Any help would be welcome.

Thanks

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Just a person with a question....

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Feb 08, 2008

Yogurt and natural enzymes
by: Rona

I think that the natural enzymes and "probiotic" found in plain yogurt can work wonders for itchy dogs. Our dog has been a lot better and brighter since I started giving her a little regular dollop of yogurt with her dinner.

Make sure she's getting enough exercise, too.

Oct 29, 2007

Parasite Hell
by: Connie

OMG... my dog does this exact same thing. At first I though it was a nervous habit as well but it became to insistent; too frequent.

We moved from IL to NC and that is when it started. I took her to the vet and the vet said, "welcome to parasite hell." Not very comforting. She gave me some antibiotics for her ($91.00!) and they showed some signs of relief. Some of her hair grew back and the scratching was not as intense. A couple of weeks later though it all came back again.

I am going to use some of the suggestions here.

Thank you!!

Oct 28, 2007

Consider a Parasite Cleanse
by: Anonymous

It's possible that intestinal parasites are the cause, or contributors, to this problem. I know that one of the symptoms that people who have parasites describe is 'creepy crawling' under their skin. It's worth a shot: Black Walnut Hulls in your dog's food for a few weeks may help.

K.W.

Oct 27, 2007

Dog Gnawing
by: Anonymous

I gave our dog a garlic tablet and a buffered Vitamin C tablet am and pm. Her hot spots went away and her hair grew back. She does have sensitive skin and I think the C was too acidic for her. Dogs same as people all have different reactions and we need to be aware of side effects. You might also try a balanced B complex if you think it is a nervous habit. Relacore seems pretty good.

Oct 27, 2007

Beagle woes
by: Marie Hannah

I love all animals and some of what I do centers around them.
I would suggest putting some omega's inside her too!
Since beagles are small dogs the dosage would also be small. Recommended is one capsule per day per 25 pounds of body weight. It would also be better to give multiple doses until the amount of one capsule per 25 lbs is reached.
Another safe and wonderful helper is Rescue Remedy.You can get it either as a flower essence or a cream. The flower essence can be used as a spray on and around her. Just get 2 oz. GLASS spritzer bottle and put 1 to 3 drops in pure water. Mix and spritz!
Sit quietly with her , put one hand on or near her head and one hand on or near her tail. Ask that her discomfort leave her and listen to any thoughts may pop into your head.

Oct 27, 2007

This May Be Allergies
by: Anonymous

Our dog also had the problem of gnawing on herself constantly. One day I was in the pet store and just mentioned it to an employee in the store and they suggested that it may be food related allergies. I was feeding her Beneful at the time and they said that was really bad because of all the artificial additives. They recommended switching to Wellness brand and I gave it a try.

We take our dog to the groomer every 2 weeks and after about a month the groomer commented on how much better her shin condition was. The rashes were going away and also the gnawing greatly diminished. We have been feeding Wellness for about a year now and the results have been incredible!

Here is a link to the specific food we are using:

http://www.oldmotherhubbard.com/wellness/

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Just a person with a question....

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Just a person with a question....