Help for an itchy beagle? My eight year old male gets this terrible itching every summer,oatmeal shampoo and over the counter sprays do not seem to work,what does is a trip to the vet and he is put on prednisone pills which clears it up in a few days,but causes him to urinate very often,any ideas or home treatments,thanks.

I have had the same problem with my poodle. From reading all the posts here I have been adding Canola oil (no flavor) to his hard food and once or twice a week sardines (in oil)

It seems to control a lot of the itching, but at this point I think it is a mental thing. He still sometimes chews on his paws, but if I distract him, he forgets.:rolleyes:

There oils work great as Dahlia suggested. I know one member on here gives fish oil capsules which are great.
I personally give a tin of sardines in oil a few times a week.

By adding oils to the diet you are putting oils into the skin which can really help with flakiness and itching.

I have a hairless dog, so skin problems are common. I use Triocil medicated shampoo. It treats fungal infections, treats bacterial infections and most importantly, stops itching. If you can find a similar product in the US I would recommend giving it a try.

You can also talk to your vet about Benadryl for dogs. Although it is not recommended for long term use, over the sratchiest, driest months the vet may give you the go-ahead to use it.

You can also try cod liver oil tablets, or the actual cod liver oil. Benndaryl works wonders for my itchy dog.

You can get omega oils from your vet, fairly inexpensive. You can also get medicated shampoo, your vet should be able to recommend a good one for your dogs issues.