Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/21/2011

Question
HI there.  I have a 5 mnth old Australian Cattle Dog.  He has no fleas, but he scratches constantly.  I have found a few abrations where he has scratched or nibbled.  Sometimes it looks asif he's just scratching because he has nothing else to do. As soon as he wakes up from an evening sleep, he scratches all morning.  Is this normal in ACD's? Or does he have sensitive skin?  I actually go nuts when he scratches so much.

Thank you

Janine

Answer
There are many reasons for itchy puppies.  Fleas are not the only parasite that can get.  Often we see sarcoptic mange on puppies that are very itchy and don't have fleas.  Ask your vet to dip the puppy in an insecticide that kills sarcoptic mites.  Sometimes puppies itch when they are allergic to their food.  If the dipping doesn't help, then a food change may be needed.  Check with your vet about that.