Expert: Marie Peppers/ Beagle Advice; Beagle Recommended Feeding; - 2/9/2011

Question
I have a few questions about my 11 yr old male beagle, Skeeter. I adopted him from a shelter where he had been for many years about a year ago. They told me he was 10 years old when I adopted him so he should be about 11 right now. I have continuously tried to resolve some problems I see with him, but can't seem to. He is 35 pounds and eats 2 times a day of Gravy Train. I have switched his food numerous times and finally seems to like this one. However, eating isn't the issue. Its seems like every time I leave him in the house alone he will scratch at the door, eat the blinds and go through all of the garbages. He never will take anything off the table, only goes into the garbage when he has access to them. It looks like he panics because there is always objects knocked on the floor when I get home. Is there anything I can do so I don't have to put him in a kennel every time he is left alone? Also, he is always very itchy no matter how many times I wash him or use different shampoos. Is there one you recommend that I haven't tried yet to get him to stop itching? After I wash him he is okay for a couple days then immediately starts itching again. He does have a small growth on his back that he rubs against surfaces to itch, but he also itches everywhere else too. The vet said there was nothing wrong with the bump there when he examined it he said it was just old age. Also, when he is laying down and someone goes to move him or touches him in a way he doesn't like he will show his teeth and growl. How can I stop that?

I hope you can help me out! Thanks so much!

Skeeter and Brittny

Answer
Hi Skeeter and Brittny;  That was great of you to Adopt Skeeter!
Yes, I have some ideas for you.

PET Anxiety - Valerian helps:
1.  Give Skeeter a Valerian Herb before you leave the house - 1 hr before:
SEE here: My post on Valerian and Pets;
Nature's Sunshine sells a Time - Release Valerian- see here
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Alternative-Medicine-Pets-3721/2009/5/Valerian-Root-D...

2.  Try some Hot Spot TEA tree Shampoo from NUVET labs:
Excellent product - Wash him every 10 days in this special ITCHY dog shampoo;
Call NuVET at 1-800-474-7044  
Tell them you want the Hot Spot TEA tree shampoo -
It's around 10.00 for a good sized bottle
Tell them Pet Nurse Marie sent you - Order code 81098
http://www.nuvet.com/81098

3.  a better food :  Don't use Gravy Train - it's just awful -  He needs a good quality food and he may stay out of the garbage.
It can just be a bad habit... Long term learned habit.
PLEASE check out this food  - Life's Abundance - Excellent - He will love it!
It will help with the itchy skin and coat.
Good food will Lessen any shedding.

This food is used by my clients: It's Holistic / Natural -
Order here:  Delivery to your door:

http://www.lifesabundance.com/Pets/LifesAbundance/LifesAbundanceDog.aspx?realnam...

Suggested daily serving amount range:  for your dog
1 1/2 to 2 cups per day....  VERY condensed food  

We recommend you buy a 20 lb bag  ( they do sell a smaller size bag)
If you go on autoship and get 15% Discount
You can always adjust the autoship frequency if needed.  

Delivery to your door - FRESH - No sitting around in a warehouse or pet store.
Made fresh daily and shipped out very quick.

TAKE a look at the TREATS, too.  The Life's Abundance folks make some good treats.

YOUR dog's POOPS will be much smaller -  YOU will only feed 3/4 to 1 cup of food 2 x per day.
He won't need more than 2 cups per day.



HOPE this helps.
As for his behavior problems when he is laying down????  It may be hard to stop this at his age.
You can call a trainer to come over.  It's good to have a trainer come to you in his own environment.  Sorry - Wish I could help more on the behavior- I mainly deal with health issues.

Good luck!

Marie Peppers LPN MA