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Santa Barbara Itch
updated: Sep 08, 2012, 7:45 PM

By Edhat Subscriber

How can I help my two small dogs who have the Santa Barbara itch? I changed their diet, changed their shampoo, changed their bedding and nothing is working. Does anyone know what will stop their itching and licking paws?

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

D8VANILLA	2012-09-08 08:09 PM
Probably allergic to fleas. Prednsone shot
COMMENT 317803	2012-09-08 08:21 PM
Try Zephyr's Gardens products. SB based company, all natural products, find them online or on Facebook for advice, products are at Jedlicka's and online. The stop itch spray has been great on my dog, I also changed food, bedding and never saw fleas on her. Good luck
COMMENT 317814	2012-09-08 08:43 PM
Give your dog fish oil. Once we started doing that she hasn't had the itch since.
COMMENT 317816	2012-09-08 08:47 PM
I've heard about "Santa Barbara Itch". I'm not sure I've noticed my dogs itching more here than elsewhere. I have a little dog that can get quite distressed over just a couple of fleas. It has been a very bad flea season, so maybe just getting a dose of flea repellant in or on them will help. What food did you switch to and from? The little dogs are more economical to make homemade for. That can give you more control over what they eat. The whole dog food industry is problematic, so no matter which of it you switch to or from, anything store bought could be your problem.
COMMENT 317823	2012-09-08 08:57 PM
No one can figure out your dogs' particular issue over the internet. A vet needs to evaluate in person. All or none of the measure you took may help; but only someone with training in immunology, who you get a good referral for and trust, can come close to finding the cause. By the way, one flea bite can cause a systemic reaction. Steroids like pred are horrible with long term use, and are a last resort, but sometimes are necessary on a short course basis to interrupt the cycle of itching and inflammation. Like with people, doctors can do testing so you are not driving yourself crazy changing everything, and maybe making things worse.
COMMENT 317828P	2012-09-08 09:13 PM
Sometimes steroids are necessary short term to stop the cycle. Then I found allergy meds - Zyrtec with my dog - kept it under control. Vet is needed to get the short term steroids.
COMMENT 317841P	2012-09-09 12:36 AM
There is no such thing as "Santa Barbara Itch". Your dogs are experiencing allergies. Only a veterinarian can diagnose and properly treat this sometimes complex issue. Do not give an over the counter antihistamine without the advice of a veterinarian.
COMMENT 317845	2012-09-09 06:08 AM
Our Labby suffered miserably until the vet gave him a cortizone shot every thee months or so. Our other dogs did not have the "itch" but except for the Alaskhan Malamute and the Chow/Golden Retriever, they were infested with fleas
COMMENT 317849	2012-09-09 06:47 AM
First you've got to rid your house of fleas and their eggs. A commercial fumigator company can do this or you can try flea bombs. Second, after you bathe your dog to rid him/her of fleas, you've got to keep them from returning. Application of a commercial product like Frontline is expensive but is worth it because it works.. We had dogs for 25 years and once we implemented the 2 steps above, they nor or house ever had fleas again.
NMEYER	2012-09-09 06:53 AM
Our chow/retriever had a severe skin allergy most of her life. Flea control with shots as needed were helpful. I would also give her Udo's 3-6-9 liquid Omegas...very powerful for healing and building immune system (essential for humans as well). Add in a high quality fish oil such as Nordic Naturals. Both available at our local health food stores. These supplements will not only help to alleviate the skin rash/allergy...but will improve your dogs' health all the way around (reducing inflammation, joint pain, etc.). Diet very important - La Cumbre Feed has good brands, or prepare your own. A soothing anti-bacterial (non-drying) shampoo/conditioner from your vet is a good idea too. We used Nioxin (from Skin Deep) for our dog - helps to balance the skin and is anit-bacterial. Hope all of this is helpful...it is so hard to watch our sweet animals suffer!!
COMMENT 317852	2012-09-09 06:57 AM
My small dog had a horrible reaction to the steroid shot he was given for the itch. Once the shot is given it takes a weeks to months to work out of their system and it was an awful experience to see him suffer. His energy level dropped, his heart was racing, always panting and couldn't jump enough to get up into the car for about 6 weeks. If you go the steroid route see if they can give you oral pills so if there is a reaction you can stop it and not have that gunk stuck in their system like my poor guy did. From what I understand a reaction is rare, but it happens.
COMMENT 317853	2012-09-09 06:58 AM
Try made in SLO dry dog food Canadae grain free. My adopted retriever came to me with a collar and diagnosis of flea allergy. My feed store owner also had a golden on whom this brand grain-free worked wonders. Mine now on it for three years with no skin problems ^o^
COMMENT 317856P	2012-09-09 07:08 AM
make sure the dog's food is free of corn. The basis for many food allergies in pets.
COMMENT 317858	2012-09-09 07:11 AM
TAKE THEM TO A VET!!! Random people cannot diagnose your pets over the internet. Take them to a vet. Many problems that start out simple become complicated if initial treatment is delayed. Postponing a trip to the vet won't benefit your pets.
COMMENT 317892	2012-09-09 08:37 AM
Your dogs are probably neurotic which is a common affliction of small dogs. Take them to a dog psychiatrist.
COMMENT 317901	2012-09-09 08:48 AM
I agree you should take them to the vet. My dogs had that, too, and after doing tests, including altering their diet and doing skin biopsies to isolate it as atopic dermatitis rather than some kind of food allergy, virus or sepsis, I now shampoo them once a week with a shampoo I get at the vet. It requires leaving it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing and has worked well. I even have the groomer use it when they get groomed. Of course you must make sure they don't have fleas, too.
COMMENT 317908	2012-09-09 10:32 AM
Ocean water 2-3 times a week works wonders.
COMMENT 317909	2012-09-09 10:34 AM
Research and then consider going to raw food for your dog. It can be a very simple solution and won't cost you more than all the shots & shampoos....
25/25	2012-09-09 11:24 AM
It's not fleas. Flea control is simple. If you neglect this part you shouldn't have a dog. I can speak from vast experience on this matter. I have 5 dogs, 2 have very bad allergies. I have spent thousands of dollars at vets, the CARE Clinic and the Animal Dermatology Clinic. The "Santa Barbra Itch" isn't an urban myth. It is a direct effect of our unique flora here in this semi-arid and Mediterranean climate. You can try supplements, different foods and a food trial (very very difficult) but you will never find the root cause with out a skin scrape and tests. Often is not foods. It is the same thing as some people are affected by hay fever. These are airborne allergens that have nothing at all to do with diet. This is all really confusing when you see your dog NOT having respitory reactions but rather it affects their glands. Mostly I'm talking about the sweat glands on their feet and butt area and sometimes the belly. If your dog has red spots around the neck area or trunk of the body you could be dealing with hot spots which are entirely different. My dog has literally chewed off her toe pads trying to lick and get to the itch of the sweat glands between her toes. Her belly is black from scratching and she wears a cone on her head when things get really bad. Here is what I have done: 1. Pin prick and allergy test by Dr. Jean Greek. Found that allergen reactions and Dr. Greek developed an Antigen injection therapy schedule to combat the allergens. My dog was allergic to 65 things. All from grass to ants. 2. Injection therapy worked OK for a time but didn't have lasting results. But others that know Dr. Greek can say that they have had great success. Basically you train the dog’s immune system to stop attacking these airborne allergens with histamines which cause all the itching. 3. 4 years later I tried Atopica, which is a T-cell blocker. It is given to organ transplant patients to re... [ more ]
PJG	2012-09-09 12:42 PM
I adopted a dog with severe skin conditions. My Vet checked his Thyroid and that was it. As soon as he started taking thyroid medication he had a beautiful coat and no more itching.
COMMENT 317946	2012-09-09 01:04 PM
My dog developed "SB itch" right after I moved here. I spent thousands on vets and shots and "cures." He never got over it. In hindsight I don't think I would have moved here had I known how my poor pup would suffer--but you don't know because it only affects some dogs, not all. It sounds like there may be some new treatments (my dog died 6 years ago.) I hope they work for those dogs in need.
COMMENT 317953	2012-09-09 01:34 PM
We have a small dog who was red and itchy with fleas. THE BEST remedy I have ever seen works so quickly & is so simple-CANOLA OIL-just rub some in the worst spots like at the base of the tail and under legs and then work more oil into all of the fur-everywhere on dog-you will see fleas jumping off like crazy! the dog will lick the oil and then the oil comes out from their skin for a few days-which kills ever more fleas and disrupts the life cycle of the fleas and eggs,etc. You can reapply every few days as you notice any more itching. This is totally non toxic to pets and people and can be used on cats also. It makes the dogs fur smell good also and lubricates the rough patches that were irritated previously.
25/25	2012-09-09 02:07 PM
946. No kidding. Went I took the dogs to the desert for 2 weeks they didn't lick or scratch. So for those who say there isn't such thing as "Santa Barbara Itch" can go kick rocks. Since no one can read the rest of my post....Ed....the "more" link is busted..... Here's the rub: Humans want to find the cause and fix it and spend all kinds of money. Vets, tests and $$ won't get you there. You just need to change your focus to the dog. What he/she needs is RELIEF. Which will also give you the same. Go see Rick Morgan at St. Francis if you need to. Otherwise go buy all the Cosco brands of allergy meds. 4 different kinds. Keep changing them up for you dog per the seasons and climate.
COMMENT 317981	2012-09-09 03:15 PM
Wow. A lot of advice. I think your dogs may have an allergy to grass/lawns. Try keeping them off any kind of grass/lawns. PLEASE do not use steroids! These types of meds will break down their immune systems and cause all kinds of problems. (Unless you want to go for a one-shot therapy, just to give them some relief.) My dogs had lots of itches. Comfortis (no prescription needed at McDonald's vet on Milpas near Hwy 101) will take care of any flea problem and is enviro solution. You may need to switch dogs to raw food (chicken wings, full fat raw burger). It worked with my dogs. Dry and canned foods have lots of wheat/corn. Not good for dogs. "Bark" mag this month has good article on raw meat diet.
COMMENT 317994P	2012-09-09 03:56 PM
981 and others: Ok hopefully this is the last time we visit this. We are talking about Santa Barbara Itch. THIS IS NOT A FOOD ALLERGY. IT CAN NOT BE CURED BY DIET. If you are allergic to bees, and get stung, feeding you hippie extract isn't going to help things. Moving into the SB area makes dogs itch. Period. It has nothing to do what what you feed them. So take your fish oil, canola oil, snake oil, useless grandma flea remedies and keep them to yourself. Go see Dr. Greek.
COMMENT 318010	2012-09-09 04:38 PM
@25/25 thank you for your post it was very informative. this is the best conversation i have read on ed hat, very informative.
25/25	2012-09-09 04:57 PM
@010 - thanks for the great comment! In the short term, if you have a dog that is chewing the HELL out of its paws or butt.....go to PetCo and put a cone on its head. Seems weird but you DO NOT want them to chew to the point of infection. I know is well. Dog #2 is going to start anitbitoics soon. Remember to just watch your dog, she/he will tell you how its going. Just give them relief and forget about trying to find the cause. You can find the cause if you want to spend $$$$ but the end result is the same. Today is a good day for my dogs. After the freak rain storm I mustered up Costco brand Zertec x 2 with Benydryl x2. No cone. No scratching so far. best of luck.
COMMENT 318016P	2012-09-09 05:01 PM
25/25 is right on. My vet told me that dogs do not get runny noses from inhaling allergens - they get itchy skin. None of the OTC antihistamines are dangerous for dogs with one BIG CAVEAT. Do not use anything the says has a D in the name - no decongestants - No Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D.
COMMENT 318051	2012-09-09 07:09 PM
Sure, go ahead, spend loads of money on vets. My dogs used to start with the "Santa Barbara Itch" only in the Springtime. Gee. When do fleas start hatching out here? Oh, yeah. As one poster wrote---it only takes one bite to set dogs a-scratching. The paw-licking thing is likely to be grass allergies. Want to make your dog a real wreck? Put a cone on it, so it can go crazy with an itch it can't scratch. Get Comfortis, don't use flea bombs or poisons in your house and yard. Add oils to their food. Switch to raw diet. It will be like a miracle. As my one friend says, "Pay at the plate, or pay at the vet." No steroids, no poisonous drops on the skin, no pesticides in the environment. Just a happier, non-itchy dog. And a happier owner.
COMMENT 318066	2012-09-09 07:57 PM
About a tablespoon of Organic Flax Oil (Trader Joes) a day. My dog had a terrible itch problem and a friend suggested this. My dog and I are so happy now, because it worked! No my itching!!
25/25	2012-09-09 10:57 PM
@051 Again, as you didn't read...many times. NOT FLEAS NOT FOOD ALLERGIES. RAW DIET IS DANGEROUS AND SEPTIC. Please go stick your head back in the couch cushions and leave us alone. Or go eat some raw chicken yourself and see how you feel afterward.
COMMENT 318142P	2012-09-10 12:08 AM
Once again there is no such thing as "SB Itch". The correct term is Allergic dermatitis and it can be caused by a variety of things. Since most of you seem to have Veterinary degrees now I am surprised you don't know the correct term... I am allergic to grass but I don't call it "Santa Barbara sneezies" You need to get to the root of what's causing the dermatitis. If left untreated, skin infection from scratching and biting will occur. Then you have a big mess on your hands. Typically fleas cause itching on top of the back before the tail and the back of the neck. Fauna allergies usually cause itchy toes, bellies, ears and most everywhere else. Food allergies cause a variety and are much less common. Go to a vet and help the poor dog get proper treatment. Dr jean Greek is wonderful. And I do agree a Elizabethan collar (cone) is necessary for those dogs who are excessively scratching or biting.
COMMENT 318148P	2012-09-10 04:33 AM
Treat the symptom! Make them feel better! I have bad itch skin problems too, i can realate. I had a cat who was diagnose with a big tongue 'granuloma" when we moved a few miles. I never saw it except when he yawned. prednisone shots barely shrunk it. (He ate kibble and groomed, no pain.) When he was back in SB it disappeared. I've had several pets that had those shots, pills, for different reasons,. They died of old age. I'm all for comfort. If your pet is suffering and benadryl or shampoos don't help, please help them ASAP. Use frontline etc, things are so much better than before we had those. Go to the vet and get them help -- get them relief.
COMMENT 318212	2012-09-10 08:31 AM
MY dog had problems from day one as a pup. It has been something she has endured - and it has been AWFUL. Like u - i tried everything - change of diet, shampoos, frontline, homeopathic remedies, fish oil. She was MISERABLE. Relying on steroids constantly is a terrible cure. They made my dog lethargic, fat and generally "depressed". FINALLY I broke down and spent the money to get her tested for allergies. We are fortunate to have a dermatologist/veterinarian in SB - her name is Dr. Greek. My doggie started weekly antigen shots (which i give her at home). It is not inexpensive, but i tell you - it has done wonders. It is the ONLY thing that has put her out of her itching misery. I highly recommend a visit to her if you can afford it. Or at least read about the benefits of immunotherapy for dogs. Dr Greeks number is 687-3376. Good luck.
GBOB	2012-09-10 08:50 AM
While I could give you detailed diet advice that has worked for our dog, no two are alike, so in my humble opinion, you would be best served by consulting a professional. We visited Dr. Anya Hunter at the Santa Barbara Pet Hospital, 963-1544, followed her advice, and our itchy girl's BAD hot spots have disappeared after about two weeks of treatment. She's a Golden Retriever, the breed that seems to be the most susceptible to the itch. If you love your dog, why not consult an experienced professional?
ELELLEN2	2012-09-10 10:27 AM
Thank you all for the advice on my dogs itching and licking of paws but I forgot to include the following information on my dogs (small dogs) , I have never had a fleas in my house and my dogs are basicly indoor dogs. They take flea meds every month. They are off all corn based foods along with no poultry and no grain ( they eat bison and sweet potato) and still they are itching. I make up a special treat in the morning for them and give them it is small amounts of raw hamberger mixed with raw egg and shell add fresh peas and string beans along with fish oil. So what do I do next?
COMMENT 318291	2012-09-10 10:35 AM
I agree with a visit to the vet first. When our dogs had this our vet recommended Frontline and we also applied aloe vera gel a few times a day to the sore infected areas to alleviate the severe itching. I also bathed them daily with a mild shampoo. All of the above really helped. Good luck I think with all the above advice your dog will be better soon.
COMMENT 318401	2012-09-10 04:00 PM
WOW> you have had such great response...I will add once again..... See Dr. Greek. Shes an expert and if anyone can help you she can. My dog doesnt necessarily have fleas either, but even one bite sends her off the deep end. Immunotherapy is all about finding out what the dog IS allergic to and antigens (not drugs) to counteract. Also, rule out scabies. My dog has a list of things like sage, elm , eucalyptus etc... things that fly around in the air on a daily basis (and she lives mostly inside too).. The allergy tests in each locale are tailored to the area. Example - if you lived in Washington there would b a separate "panel" of allergens to test them for. I'm telling you - Dr Greek. Its her specialty - allergies and dermatology - and only that. I would not say it if I didnt see MIRACLE results. My dog is 6 now and it took me over 3 years of hell and worry before i broke down and made the appointment. I kept thinking I could find a cure myself. It's so worth a try when you see an animal suffer/be so miserable. Mine's a happy dog now. As a P.S..... in the beginning i had read thats its not good to wash ur dog so often, but in actuality its better to wash allergy prone dogs more often to rinse allergens from their coat.
COMMENT 318411	2012-09-10 04:19 PM
Funny - my dog had the Santa Barbara itch - when we leaved 300 miles away. It's a skin condition - usually called the (insert major city name here) + "itch" To the original OP - hope you find a solution to fit your pets. I had a retriever with the condition. Luckily, going to the ocean (and not bathing too often as it dries out the skin) combined with flea control, ultimately cured the condition. It would crop up now and then again, but would repeat the above.
COMMENT 318422	2012-09-10 05:01 PM
To ELELLEN2 - Let's see. You feed your little yappers bison and sweet potato, and you painstakingly make them special meatball treats out of raw hamburger mixed with raw egg, egg shells, fresh peas, string beans, and fish oil. And your dogs itch. And you are asking us what you should do next? See a psychiatrist.
COMMENT 318509	2012-09-11 06:05 AM
Give them bottled water, even filtered SB water is bad. Every time I stop with the bottled water both me and my dog get dry, itchy skin, and I end up with dandruff too! SB has HORRIBLE water for drinking, bathing and cooking :( That's the real problem
COMMENT 318912	2012-09-12 09:23 AM
dr. greek IS amazing, but not everyone can afford her prices, unfortunately. each visit is $300+ and allergy testing $600+. I had never experienced itchy raw sore pet skin until I lived in SB. Kind of makes you wonder what is going on here and if it affects animals how is it affecting us? and why doesn't anything cure it? super frustrating.

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