Thanks. Will add to possibilities my hosts can consider.
This has happened to us in the past and we have found it to be quite common in dogs who eat chicken as their main ingredient in the wet/dry food. Check the dogs food. We would bet there is chicken in it. A lot of pet owners have no idea that chicken is actually quite a bit allergy for any and all types of dogs. We had this happen to us during a long sit where we found out that the dogs dry food, wet food treats, milk bones, ‘healthy’ dog treats, etc ALL had chicken as their main ingredient. We talked with the owners immediately about our concerns (this was a repeat sit and they trusted us completely with their animals) so we switched all the dogs food. Within a day, the itching decreased. Within a week, the itching was completely gone. It takes a while to clear the dog’s system (just like humans when they have histamine build up), but literally the only change was the food.
We recommend Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Real Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food to everyone! It is extremely healthy for dogs and does not contain any real ‘allergens’. It might take a while to change out the dogs food, but slowly integrate it if necessary. There are also so many lamb, beef, pork treats out there that don’t contain chicken.
Would be worth a shot! 
1 Like
Hi @Voyager - we had a similar turn around to your grandpups with our doggo. She was super itchy and had dermatitis as a pup. We moved her to a grain-free diet and now at 9 yrs old, people still think she’s a puppy because of her shiny coat and playfulness! We also give her a rosehip supplement mixed in a spoon of Greek yoghurt each night.
2 Likes
Thanks. What’s the rosehip and yogurt combo supposed to do?
She’s 14 and looks and behaves like a younger dog in many ways. If I saw her and didn’t know her, I would guess she’s maybe 6. She looks perfectly healthy. I’ve sat senior dogs before and she appears to be in amazing shape comparatively.
We use the rosehip to predominantly reduce inflammation, and for her joint health. From their website:
Rose-Hip Vital® Canine is a plant-based anti-inflammatory and immune system support for your dog’s joint health and general wellbeing. Made from Rosehips manufactured with patented processes, Rose-Hip Vital® Canine is scientifically and clinically proven to reduce inflammation, protect cartilage, improve general health and improve performance.
The Greek yoghurt adds probiotics. Our doggo loves the combo and it’s her dessert each night.
2 Likes
Thanks. Good to know.
I think her joints are in good shape, because she walks up and down stairs with ease. And when she wants her post-walk treat, she races up without any issues. You’d think she was a puppy then. 
2 Likes
I was just refilling her dry food and checked — it does include chicken. I’ll mention that to my hosts along with cutting and pasting all the info on this thread for them when they return.
Appreciate everyone pooling their experience in hope of helping this doggo.
1 Like
I might try this combination! Rosehips are high in vitamin C, and you can boil them down to make a syrup – needs some careful straining to get all the seeds out. You’ll often see horses nibbling them from wild rose bushes at this time of year (autumn UK) – self-medicating in the run up to winter.
1 Like