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I have a seven month oldgerman shepherd and he has been biting his fur once in a while like once a day. Is that normal?
He eats his food normally, and I have used flea and tink repellints but could it still be one of them?
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Guest 965148
on Jul 22nd 2009
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in Other Health & Wellness
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It sounds like normal behavior. Dogs just itch sometimes. You should continue to keep an eye on him and if it gets worse then he should be checked by a vet.
bandit
answered on 7/22/09.
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It could be lots of things, since he doesn't have fleas or ticks, it could just be an itch like another poster said or it could be allergies, ringworm, or many numerous things.
If he is licking his paws also, and seems to be losing hair than it is probably allergies. Almost 80% of allergies in dogs are food related so I would check the ingredients in his food. Make sure the first ingredient is a protein source like chicken meal. Chicken meal is chicken just like you and I eat but, with most of the water and fat extracted so that is a more concentrated source. Also, a food without ground yellow corn is preferable so you can spend less time on pooper scooper duty! If their are chicken by-products that is the heads, feet, and intestines which some dogs have allergies or digestion issues with. Another thing to check is linoleic acid, 3.5% is where it is scientifically proven to have improved skin & coat! Mom likes Nutro's Large Breed formula! It is super yummy!
Maverick
answered on 7/22/09.
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yep. at this age he should be going through another coat transition.
That could be the main reason since he is already got a flea and tick preventative on.
Also make sure he is getting a good diet as this breed as some issues when given any dogfood containing corn or corn gluten.
Dieta
answered on 7/22/09.
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Hi there!
I am a German Shepherd, too, and I have some food allergies and sensitivities that make me itchy. My family changed me to Solid Gold, Taste of the Wild, and Wellness brands, slowly transitioning from one to the other so I don't become sensitive to OR dependent on just one food source. In my case, the problems are caused by corn, wheat, gluten, chicken, and possibly soy. Lamb, brown rice, and oatmeal ingredients generally do not cause as many reactions. Definitely, the primary ingredients of your food should be meat and meat meal, not grains.
Biting at your fur, or any behavior that is repetitive, can become obsessive. If you're not working on obedience training, start with the basics to keep your brain occupied! See www.k9techsupport.com for lots of great information on training, and how to keep your dog busy.
Lastly, do not bathe more than once every 6 to 12 weeks. Shampoo, even dog shampoo, can dry your skin and make it itch. GL!
Katie
answered on 7/22/09.
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