Less scratch, scratch, scratch
Wanted to update this subject with what I have found very helpful this summer with the constant itching of 2 of my Peke's.
First I have found it helpful to wipe their feet and belly's with UNSCENTED baby wipes. These can be purchased at any store that sells baby products. The important part of that sentence is UNSCENTED. You don't want to add perfumes to the problem.

Second if the addition of Omega-3 to their diet. You can buy this at any store that sells vitamins. I buy mine from Foster and Smith online when they have free or reduced shipping cost. I puncture one capsule and divide it between the 2 Peke's once daily. Please consult your Vet for the correct dosage for your pet.

Third they are now on "Healthy Coat Allergy Tabs" from Foster and Smith also. The main ingredients in these tab are bioflavonoid quercetin and bromelain. You could check Pet Smart or any other pet supply stores in your area. These liver flavored tabs can be crumbled in their food and they seem to like the taste. They get one tab each daily.

They have been on these supplements for 2 weeks and I am beginning to see an improvement in the itching. Some itching still but not the constant scratching and hot spots. Another thing that seems to help is a "puppy cut" for their hair (very short cut leaving only their ears and tails long).

Be sure when clipping their toe nails that they have the buffered rounded edges so there won't be any sharp edges. I have even put a shirt on them when the itching is at it's worst. These are just suggestions of things that are working for me. Again, please check with your Vet for advice on skin and any other problems but also be proactive and read, read, read.

Enjoy your babies and love them every day because you never know when illness or tragedy could take them away from you. One of my big dogs, Jackson, who is a Basset/hound mix has lymphoma and is on chemotherapy but even with aggressive treatment his life expectancy is only 18 months. SO - love them every day and ENJOY them every day.

Out of the blue I got a request to "baby sit" a Shih tsu I fostered last year. He is very cute as you can see from the picture but was a difficult foster because he came from a home where he was the responsibility of a 13 year old girl. He was taken to a shelter when he became very matted and out of control. He was very "snappy" and unsocialized when I got him. I just opened his kennel and left him alone for a few hours. When he quit grawling he came out of his kennel and began following me around. I had put the other animals in my home in another room due to his antisocial behavior. Long story made short - after many months of working with this dog he became a very sweet dog with only one really bad trait. He is very food aggressive. He found a home where he is loved very much and he has acted like a gentleman. I did have a very long discussion with the new family about his aggression with food or treats. Well, on the third day I had him back in my home I made the mistake of putting him in a very bad situation (I tried to move his food bowl before he was through with his dinner) and he bit me. He really meant to hurt me. While I should not have put him in the situation, he should NOT have reacted as he did. Now, when the family returns I will have to have an another serious talk with them and strongly recommend that they have an animal trainer work with him. He could really hurt someone. I would hate to have him returned to rescue because if he is a serious biter then he would have to be euthanized because you can't adopt out a known biter. So, he really is a sweet dog and I am very hopeful that a trainer can help them all work out this problem. And, yes, my hand is getting better.

Would love to have ideas which involve homeopathic remedies for the chronic Peke itchy skin. Have ruled out food allergies but now that spring is here the chronic itching has begun. Not fleas, seems to be just a way of life. Any ideas, hints????

Think it is about time I got this site that my son designed for me up and running. I have always been a big dog (and cat) person --- that is until I met Maggie. Use to do volunteer work at my local animal shelter and on one Saturday I noticed a small (13 lbs.)dirty, matted and in obvious pain dog. Her hair was so matted that she could not even go to the bathroom. I was told that it would be taken care of on Monday! ! ! !

Little dogs are so different than big dogs. Pekingese are independent yet very dependant on their owners. They want what they want when they want it, and god forbid you get several of them together at once. It would be a Peke Romper Room 24/7. Pekes want to be lap dogs, but love to pretend they are Huskies.