Kamatz is 1yo male gsd, on barf since feb. Still he scratches, doesn't smell as bad, but still scratches. He is on a variety of suppliments, include probiotics, and immune boosting herbs. we have tried everything that is in our finacial means. The only cure for his constant scratching is steroid injections. Yes, I know the consequences, and wish to not resort to that. If Kamatz does not get his monthly shot he scratches until he is bald. He does not chew himself, just scratches. he does not have fleas/ticks. We have changed his diet around, nothing works. His coat is so dry we have to brush baby oil and horse&main conditioner through it. Does anyone know of any cures? I'm desperate. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

What breed are we talking about here? The other thing that springs to mind is that food isn't the only cause of allergies. If you have completely done a food change so the dog isn't eating the same things, I would gess that the casue is from something in the enviornmet rather than something the dog is eating.

The probiotics are good but what other supplements is your dog on? I would take ALL of them out of the dogs diet and start with just a very simple menu, add new ingedients once a week as long as he does ok.

I have one GSD that can't have even a tiny bit of alfalfa or she scratches for days..

It could be the supplements you are adding.

Do as Cindy advises, cut out all the supplements and introduce them again one at a time and watch for results. You may have to give your dog 3 to 4 weeks to 'clean out' before re-introducing each supplement. Although you stated you are feeding a raw diet, do you use grains and/or dog biscuits? These are the main causes for some allergies.

My dogs get Salmon oil everyday and their skin and coats are beautiful.

My GSD also is terribly allergic to alfalfa, this may be the culprit. I found out that my boyfriend accidentally gave her alfalfa with her food a couple of weeks back and she is still scratching (at least now I found out why !).

Other culprits are laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Do you have a dog bed that you launder? The residues can drive some sensitive dogs nuts. Good Luck and try to avoid those shots, a body can only take so much cortisone. (Don't know how true this is but I was told that a person shouldn't have more than three shots in their lifetime!)

I appreciate all of the suggestions. I realize that there are more than just food allergies, I am beginning to beleive he is allergis to grass b/c btwn his toes, belly, and legs are the areas he scratches the most and have the inflammed red color. Also he seems to be scratching more in the summer than he di in the winter. We live in the middle of the woods in a big pasture, there really isn't alot we can do about that. I have tried taking him off of the supplements, but not for a month at a time. his supplements are: alfalpha, kelp, glucosamine, msm, b6, echinacea, grapeseed extract, fish oil, lectin, minced garlic, homeopathic allergy pills, acidophilus, and egg shells. He receives no grain or dairy. When I make his veggies they are : celery (natural anti-inflammitory), ginger, parsley, carrots, and greens (kale, mustard, or collard), with apple cider vinegar and olive oil. I have changed the recipe up a little, added and taken away, but nothing seems to make him better. At least I am not making him worse. I bathe him in a mild soap, he loves bath time. I am just at my witts end, and cannot afford a doggy dermatolgist for allergy desensitizing treatments that may or may not work. I understand the risks of the steroid injections, but feel I have no choice. I am providing the best life I can for Kamatz.

Sandra, discontinue the alfalfa, you may be suprised! Also you may want to consider getting rid of the carrots. Some dogs don't do below ground veggies too well due to the high starch/sugar content.

You might want to consider supplementing with zinc gluconate. Zinc supplementation can help
greatly with skin and coat conditions.
http://www.howlingdogalaska.com is one place you can get zinc gluconate. Some dogs have a natural predispositon to be low in zinc and this can manifest itself in skin, coat and foot conditions.

I have already made my food for this month includuing the supplements, however, I beleive that when it comes dogffod making time again I will try a non-underground-veggie, minus all supplements. Also I beleive if is not the supplements I am going to go with a much more simple regime of supplements. I am anxious to see the fruits of this experiment! Thank you again for all of your insight.

I know this post is kinda old, but anyway. I had a customer that had a similar problem. Turned out she was giving the dog baths way to often. Teh coat and skin was all dried out. I may comment that this dog was ona raw diet as well. All though this may not be your case here. Just something else to think about.

Jim LaVallee
http://www.innovativek9.net

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUGGESTIONS. WHEN I MADE MY FOOD FOR THE NEXT MONTH I DID NOT PUT IN THE USUAL ALFAPHA. AFTER HIS STEROID SHOT, AND NO ALFAPHA KAMATZ IS DOING SO MUCH BETTER! HIS COAT IS STILL HARSH FEELING, BUT IT HAS A SHINE I HAVE NOT SEEN ON HIM, PLUS NO MORE SCRATCHING!!!! HIS HAIR IS GROWING BACK, AND HIS SPIRITS ARE UP. HE IS DEFINATELY IS OLD ALPHA MALE SELF AGAIN. HE IS ALSO GAINING WAIT, WHICH HE NEEDED TO DO PRETTY BADLY. FAT BOY IS BACK!! THANKS EVERYONE