constant scratching

[scubasue03]

I have an English Mastiff - 2 years old,  Boxer - 7 and a pug 7.  Our routine is a brushing / combing before bed each night.  I do find a number of fleas on the boxer and pug but next to nothing (on occassion 1 or 2) on the mastiff.

I know there are meds you can put on the dogs to help prevent infestation.  I am reluctant to use them because I have a niece who is 2 and she plays with the dogs a lot.  She also has downs so I don't know how she would react to the meds if she were to get them on her.  I feel more comfortable not using anything.  

My mastiff have very dry skin.  She scratches a lot.  The boxer and the pug don't.  I was wondering if there was anything I can do to help easy the itching for the mastiff.  

Thanks for the help in advance.

Suzi

[patty_cakes]

I use a product called Natural Defense on our 3 dogs.  It's a flea & tick spot on that is essential oils.  It kills fleas & ticks & repels mosquitoes. The ingredients are cinnamon oil, clove oil, peppermint oil, lemon grass oil.  It is a once a month spot on and it really works.  A 3 month supply is $12.00.  I get mine from a pet supply vendor at the farmers market but I have also seen it at Petco.  As for the dogs scratching and does not have fleas.  Does he lick between the toes, gnaw on the feet or legs, have thin patches of fur, dry flaky skin, intestinal upset or excessive shedding?  Any one of these could be the sign of a food allergy to Corn, Wheat or Soy.  Check your food ingredients.  Go on the web and research pet food ingredients.  Switching to a high quality Super Premium Natural pet food is a lot less expensive than paying vet bills and tests and medicines that just might be masking the problems not curing them.  I sure hope this information helps you.  

[Misfits4Me]

Suzi...I suspect that the scratching IS from fleas...Even one or two can trigger a allergic reaction. Have you tried Benedryl to give some relief? I NO longer use the topical flea products,either. I have a reaction to them. (Hands and arms). I am now using the new ORAL medication called COMFORTIS. Oh my, is it amazing! It works better than anything I have ever used.....Kills the fleas in 30min. as opposed to 12-18Hrs. Sure makes a difference if you have a furkid with Flea Allergy Dermatitis. You might look into this before your house becomes infested, too. Anyway, hope this helps......Karla