Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 2/25/2011

Question
i recently adopted a 9 month old long hair jrt. he is constantly scratching himself and he has a foul odor. the previous owner says he was on frontline and my other puppy does not scratch himself so it doesn't seem to be fleas. i switched him over to nutro gradually so he is not on horrible food. i shampoo him with oatmeal and baking soda shampoo for sensitive skin. i do know that his previous owners were busy and did not have for him. could it be from boredom? or is he allergic to something?

Answer
At 9 months, if there is an allergy, it is usually to the food.  If you have had the dog on a hypoallergebnic diet and it is not helping then it is something else causing the itching.  THe most common reason for that would be some type of skin parasite, like sarcoptic mange.  Ask your vet to dip the dog in amitraz for you to see if that will stop the itching.