Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 9/26/2009

Question
I have noticed here lately that my 2 female long haired dachshunds have been scratching all the time. They are scratching so much they have made sores on themselves. I have given them oatmeal baths and it seems to help for a couple of days, but they go right back to digging. I have 2 smooth hair dachshunds and they do not seem to have this problem. What would cause them to itch so much, and what can I do to relieve them from this misery?

Thank you!

Answer
There may be some allergies going on in the two dogs that are itching.  Because all of the dogs are not itching, that would rule out things like mange mites, fleas, and contact allergens.  I would ask the vet if these 2 itchy dogs can have a short course of sterioids to stop the itching.