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Cocker Spaniels/Scratching
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Question
I have an 11 month old female cocker. (well, she might be a cocker, she might be a king charles (and i'm not really sure if they're the same)) Anyway, this is my first time owning a dog. Ever since she was a puppy she has scratched, itched, bit and licked as much as she could. To the point where she stays awake at night doing so. In the winter it wasn't as bad but now she's back. I brought her to the vet and they checked for fleas and she had none. They emptied her anal glands and they said she had no hot spots, etc. In other words, she was perfectly fine. I picked up some fish oil from the vet and they told me if it hadn't gone away in a few days to try children's Benadryll. (They didn't want to start her on a steroid right away because they thought it would do more harm then good.) So I've been trying that for a week straight and still no dice. I called the vet again and they gave me Temaril-P but with further inspection of this drug, I did not feel comfortable giving it to her. We're now in the process of trying organic foods and a dry food made only for cockers. It's frustrating for me and I feel sorry for her because sometimes so scratches to the point where she starts whining. Please Help!
 though happy most of the time, I feel like she is miserable more than she deserves'))
Anna, Connecticut
Benadryl is one of the least effective antihistimes.
But before I recommend anything I have some questions.
1. What do you use for flea control?
2. What have you been feeding her?
3. What topical approaches did the vet advise?
4. Where do you live (climate)?
5. How are her ears and how often do you clean them?
Delores
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Delores Beck
Expertise
Health, nutrition, training. Please note: I used to highly recommend Innova products but, unfortunately, as with Canidae, they have sold out to Proctor & Gamble. This guarantees lower quality to a dangerous point so I will no longer be advising anyone to buy it.
Experience
20 years of owning this breed.
Education/Credentials
Psychology, MA
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