Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 3/23/2006

Question
I have a three year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  For the first two years of his life he has been on a chicken and rice kibble, but within the last year he has been suffering from itching.  Last summer we thought it may be seasonal sensitivities, but he became really miserable in Colorado where I spent December and January.  I switched him to a fish and sweetpotato kibble, amd although he seems better, he is still having attacks of itching.  What else can I do for him? The vet has checked him for fleas and skin disorders.  He has none. Could he just have dry skin?  The groomer tries to use an anti-itch shampoo and he only sees her every two or three months.  Thankyou for any advice or suggestions you may have.

Answer
If your vet thinks it might be allergies, try a short course of some cortisone tablets to see if it stops the itchiness.  You can also start Omega3 fatty acid supplements to oil his skin and coat.  That may help, but it takes 2-3 months to start working.