My pup has Irritated her skin from scratching at her collar....

[shannon tansley]

My Tawny baby has irritated her skin all around her neck from scratching at her collar. I went and got a new collar but she continues to scratch. Everyone says just to leave it on so she will get used to it but I feel some bad. Her name and my # are on her tags so I really don't want to take it off. She's tattooed but if lost that wouldn't help. I'm getting her chip done but still she needs a collar on. HELP MEEEEEEEEEE

[Tatiana]

New puppies tend to scratch their collars a lot when first introduced and they can also put up resistance when they start taking walks... Try and remember that it's hot now that it's summer and that the puppy should have a cloth or nylon collar rather than investing in a leather one until she's older... Cheaper leather collars made in China can cause irritation around the edges since their tanning methods aren't as good as in the US, Europe, etc... In the meantime, make sure that the puppy's ears are clean (as ear mites can make them itch and cause secondary infections), that you're applying flea and tick preventatives religiously, and make a habit of washing the paws and drying them thoroughly... Dogs scratch with their paws and since they also tred on them outdoors or accidentally step in pee or poo, puddles, trash - whether it's their own or that of other dogs - they can sully and / or infect themselves... Use disposable non-alcoholic baby-wipes for cursory cleaning of paws when she comes indoors from her walks... The puppy will eventually get accustomed to wearing the collar so try and distract her from scratching by amusing her with big bones, hooves, or teething / chew toys - things that she can gnaw on - and correct her verbally when she's scratching saying a firm "NO" and then praising her soothingly when she ceases the unwanted behavior... This is the time to start setting down the rules... And enjoy your new puppy!

[shannon tansley]

Thanx so much for taking the time to give such an in depth response.
I am having to clean her ears allot as they seem to get dirty quickly. Obviously her ears are big and probably catch allot of dirt. The vet has checked at her visits for mites and says her ears are fine. Whats the best ear cleaner.
Tawny was only born March 31 2009 she has only two shots as of now and can't walk off our property. She is on Sentinel and you still see live fleas which sucks but i was told by the vet is fine?? I only want her to be happy, she's the best puppy I've ever witnessed in my life lol We spoil her oh my.
Like I said thank youo allot for responding your a big help :D

[Tatiana]

Okay, you sort of answered the question by stating that the dog has live fleas, and NO, it's definitely NOT OKAY... Unfortunately, dogs are quite sensitive to fleas and some can suffer from flea allergies or flea infestations can cause secondary infections such as anemia... You should follow a full course of ridding the dog of fleas and having your home and the perimeter fumigated and treated to banish the unwanted tenants from the environment.

I usually buy the ear cleaning solution from the veterinarian, but I can't remember the name... For cursory cleanings I blend a solution of 50% purified water with 50% distilled vinegar and wipe the dog's ears accordingly.

Cheers!

[shannon tansley]

I've only ever seen one flea but still right. I'm gonna call the vet and talk to them. I went out and got a nylon collar and took the leather one off :) Thanx again

[Tatiana]

Here's a handy reference guide, but you can pretty much google the topic and find numerous links of this kind: http://www.healthypets.com/fleaderm.html -

Cheers!

[karin hamlin]

Lola is almost 2 and I left a nice, thin, lightweight collar on her everyday ( only removing it at night) for almost 4 mos. and the girl just cant get over it. she scratches on and off all day while that thing is on. she is chipped but that really does not help if she runs down the street for someone to bring her home but, would they bring her home anyways? i also make sure that does not happen. she is collarless now when at home and she has to suffer through it when out and about. i have tried every kind imaginable and she is just like trying to keep shoes on a toddler!!! just not worth it. which stinks since i love buying them!!! Good Luck!

[Donna]

Consider a soft harness. We have a 20 week old puppy and he wears a Puppia soft harness that you can buy online, http://puppiaus.com/, or at a local pet shop, although I haven't seen that brand at the big retailers. Our puppy is microchipped, however, we have his rabies tag, dog license, and our names and numbers on tags that we've attached to the harness and he doesn't mind. I was concerned he would pull on the harness, but not at all. He is heeling well and responds to corrections. I also don't feel bad about giving a leash correction when I'm not giving a tug to his neck. He was 15 weeks when we introduced the harness just 2 days after we picked him up. This particular harness was recommended by our breeder. A harness may not be for everyone, but it's worked for us.