German Shepherds coats

 My dog is scratching something terrible.

He does not have fleas.

He is taking his worming medication.

 What do I do?

 Well the first thing is that I would suggest a vet. However, my european dad thinks that a vet would be his last alternative. So for those of you like my dad here goes.

  I suggest looking at what you are feeding your dog. If the main ingredient is corn than you have found a probable culprit.

German Shepherds are highly allergic to corn. The first three ingredients of any dog food is what is basically in the dog food. 

 I suggest putting the dog on the old standby of  fresh cooked chicken and minute rice. Then I gradually add the dog food. I like lamb and rice dog foods. I have been known to go to Costco and get their brand of Lamb and Rice. I must admit my dogs have done well on that. I mix in Royal Canine and it goes a bit further.

 After gradually giving my dog the lamb and rice dog food in with the chicken and rice. I take a few teaspoons of olive oil. This is good for the skin and helps restore the sheen  of the coat. I do the olive oil supplement once a week as a good maintenance.

Next on my list I would bathe the dog with an Oatmeal shampoo. This helps relieve the skin. After the nice warm bath I get out my Sulfadene or Vitamin E for any hot spots and apply them externally to the infected areas. Please note this is for the main body only and not the face or anything internal.

 Depending where the hot spots are there are things you can do to help in the healing process.

Use a dog bootie to keep him from biting his paws making them raw. Dogs sweat out of their paws like we do our underarms.

Use a muzzle if you need to keep him from wanting to bite at his skin. I find these more helpful for my dogs than the ring collar that you get after doggie surgery.

 Some people swear by Benadryl  for allergies and say it helps the dogs. I say use common sense and if the dog is not improving within the week it is time for the doctor visit.