Dog allergies... Do cats get them too?

I am noticing that Coco's scratching again. No fleas, just dry, flaky itchy skin. I am rubbing her down with coconut oil (more like wax, than oil) and giving her a soothing bath. She's shedding too, I wonder if that may be a partial cause?
I just remember so many of my customers going through this with their various breeds of dogs last year at this time. I thought it was because of all of the new goodies she got when I opened the store, but have been keeping her to a strict diet this time. I wonder if it's seasonal?

If your dog is scratching, some ways to differentiate fleas from allergies are:
-Get a flea comb and frequently check the base of their tail. This is a flea's favorite spot!
-Look for 'hot spots', red, irritated areas, that they just can't leave alone.
-If your dog is irritated in more hairless areas like under their arms or on their belly, it's not likely to be fleas, they like to hide out in the fur.

Some things I have done when Coco is scratching herself bald are:
-Socks. Larger dogs can wear yours! I found some disposable booties that work pretty well. Or make socks out of the adhesive bandages available at Walgreens. Just cover up those nails, so they can't scratch as much.
-Baby onesies. Coco hates clothes, but when she is really itchy, I put them on to cover all of the spots she likes to gnaw and scratch.
-Some veterinarians prescribe Benedryl, I've tried it with Coco and it hasn't ever helped enough to put her liver and kidneys through it. If you do decide to try it- CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN!! Different dosages for different sizes, depending on your pup's medical history, may not be an option!
-Last year a customer recommended Vetricyn and though it's a bit pricey, I found it worked well. It just dried out the irritated areas. So if you try a drying type of treatment, just don't overdo it. Read and follow directions carefully.an
-I've always used fish oil (a drop or so per day on her food), I am using Lipoderm, but Salmon oil, I've heard helps.
-I am looking for more skin and coat product recommendations to carry in the store, so feel free to comment with any suggestions :)

Fleas:
There's a lot of talk about fleas becoming immune to Frontline and Advantage, I try to carry Advantage for dogs and Frontline for cats in the store (it's hard, because I can't afford it!).
I just got some promotional package from a new 8-month-lasting flea collar, by Bayer, I think.
I've had Coco on Comfortis, which is only available by prescription currently, it's in a pill form. Seems to work well.

I am interested to hear about success stories with natural products (and I do carry some natural shampoos, I just don't know how effective shampoo is)

*Most importantly whatever form of flea treatment you decide upon, you absolutely must treat your home, when treatment is applied!
-Wash pet's bedding and yours as well. Heat (dryer) kills fleas. If you have carpet, an experienced exterminator has advised me to sprinkle talcum powder (I use baby powder, there's talc in there) on your carpet and let it get it deep. It will dry out the exoskeleton of the fleas and kill them.
Then if you can find one (actually I can order them)- get an old fashioned flea collar and cut into pieces and put it right in your vacuum canister or bag while vacuuming up the powder. Then *immediately* empty and take out of your home. Use another portion in the vacuum, just in case any are lurking around in there! I stick pieces into crevices in my dogs' favorite spot on the couch too. If you treat your dog and not your home, it can perpetuate the problem.

I hear different things about diatomaceous earth. Seems like it can be as caustic as some chemicals and needs to be used as directed. I never tried it, but if you have, please share your experience!

Ok. Back to work! Hope your pets stay itch-free this season!

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/hypoallergenic-dog-foods/

 Some useful recall information:

- *Don't panic!!!* If your pet shows any possible symptoms, call or bring to your vet. But a majority of recalls are placed in time, to minimize pet & owner's health issues.

- Most recalls are precautionary and they recall more product than necessary- just to ensure the health of you and your pet.

- There are *very* few pet foods that have never had a recall. Do some research, you'll find over the years most popular brands have been recalled at some point.

- A lot of the recalls are salmonella related. This means more than likely, if anyone gets ill, it's usually the pet parent(s), because pets have a much higher immunity to salmonella (think of the raw food diets).
**The pets to worry most about are puppies, kittens and seniors, because they may have compromised health issues.**

- Also, simply wash your hands after feeding pets and treating them. So many recalls are salmonella-related, which is more of a threat to the owner than the pet, considering the pets' ability to eat salmonella and not be ill. Think about a stray dog, eating garbage, whatever it has to survive. And outdoor cats are always killing, eating dead birds...

- I tell my customers all the time- if you keep your (dry) pet food in rubber or 'tupperware-type" container or canister for freshness-
*Be SURE to cut Expiration date and lot#code printed on bag and keep it taped to or inside container with food.* That way if there is ever a recall you know exactly which batch you have.

To learn updates on most recent Natura (Evo, Innova, Healthwise, Karma, California Naturals..) Go to:
Natura Pet Recall 

I also highly recommend going to dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall-alerts
And signing up for their alerts. BTW- it's not just dog food!
If you receive an alert that includes a food you use, please go to manufacturer's site for most accurate and up to date information.