Expert: Kaza - 7/8/2007

Question
I have a bichon that itches after every bath.  I am using Dermalyte shampoo it is hypo-allergenic,no animal protins,essential fatty acids, all natural, no soap or dyes.  He does not start itching until a day or so after the bath.  I waited about three months between baths and he did not itch at all.  I rinse him very throughly.  We do have hard water here.  I don't know if it is the shampoo or something else.  I have used many shampoos and it doesn't seem to make a differnce.  He just started this at about one and a half years old.  When he was a puppy he was just fine.  I have tried conditioners and that seems to make it worse.  I have not tried soda water or oatmeal water.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks so much Barb

Answer
Hi there Barb
Many bichons suffer with allergies and it has a lot to do with the food they are ingesting and not the shampoo being used. What I would suggest in your case is this :
1)take the doggy off all commercial food
2)use a raw food diet either buy a prepared food such as www.prizechoicefoods.co.uk  they are available in all pet shops now.
3)Give 1 raw chicken wing daily
4)Give omega 3,6,9 daily in a tablet form
5)Use an oatmeal based shampoo and or a neem oil shampoo some manufacturers do them combined use 1 per week
6)Dont use any conditioners or sprays at all
7)Add oatmeal to the diet daily with green beans fruit and vegetables such as carrot battons, apple, pumpkin, mashed creamed potatoes and white fish.
8)remove all air fresheners from the household incuding carpet fresheners.
9) dont wsh the dogs bankets in any detergent .
10) use oilatum in the water each time you bathe.

I would aso suggest that yogive cranberry tablets daily to alleviate any possibility of stones.

Do this for three months and then all should be fine.
For more help please feel free to log into my site

www.eurobichons.com

Karen