Greyhounds don’t normally scratch and itch. So if your hound is scratching, then you need to go over and see what he or she might be going after. Parasites or allergies could be the cause.
Fleas & Ticks
You’ll find them in crevices – base of tail, toes, under feet, in arm pits, in and on ears, on neck etc. Flea dirt – small black dirt-like deposits will appear where fleas have been hanging out. They best way to deal with them is to pull them off, smash them, and throw them in some alcohol. Greyhound Gang has never used a flea and tick products as they emit poisons which get into a hound’s very delicate system and can do more harm than good.
Of course, if there is one parasite, there are more. So you’ll need to start checking out all of your dog, now.
Allergies
Allergies can be food or environmental or both. White hounds seem to have more allergic responses than darker colored hounds.
What we ingest appears in the health of our hair and skin and overall bodies. It’s the same with our hounds. A high quality meal, limited in grains (carbohydrates), high in omega 3’s, with the correct balance of omega 6 can produce not only a lovely coat, but insides which are healthy too. Wild Salmon Oil has the correct balance of Omega 3/6 and I give 3000 mgs a day.
With food, Protein, Fats and minimal carbohydrates are key. Greyhound Gang has a Food Brochure which I’m happy to send when you place an order. Just put that in the comments section. We also have information about feeding at Greyhound Gang – Medical – Food.
As well as finding a food which does not trigger or exacerbate an allergic response, supplements can also help in treatment of allergies. Vitamins C and Omega 3 Fatty Acids are two of the more common supplements often recommended, as they provide a natural antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. Additionally, MSM (methylsufonylmethane) and Yucca have helped many dogs with Allergy symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory compounds.
Greyhound Gang also offers an herbal alternative with Azmira’s Allerg-Free.