GSD Scratching. Why do they do it? - Page 1

It itches?

Food alergies, skin issues? For some dogs it is a nerve tick. Could be  a lot of reasons.

Maybe you could be a bit more specific.

to the original poster...

When you are itchy, what exactly do you do in that situation?

As for WHY your dog does that, more info is needed, the question is too ambiguous for any kind of educated guess.

Dont worry ,I am NOT going to try to be funny or sarcastic cause I do know what it feels like to have one of your dogs constantly scratching.This can result due to either a dog having sarcoptic mange,food allergy or intolorance,inhalent allergies or some kind of parasite(fleas)or skin bacteria as a result of any of the forementioned.You should start with process of elimination.Have you changed foods lately or added something to the diet?This is where more info will help.You need to get a handle on this now or you can be in a world of trouble.

OK, sorry for being so vague. My GSD is 10 months old. We have been feeding raw since he was 3 months. Primal Beef, Chicken, Venison and Lamb formulas. This supplemented by raw chicken backs and thighs daily. He also loves yogurt and cottage cheese. I have examined his skin with magnifying glasses and I cannot see any skin conditions or fleas or signs of damage whatsoever. He is beautiful in every respect. Well mannered, friendly; super with people, kids and other animals. This scratching has been going on for about 6 weeks and I am only concerned that he will damage his own skin and develop a secondary infection. What ever it is, it is not visible. So is it food? and why would it begin only in the last 6 weeks. Thanks for the humor and interest.

Start giving him 1 tablespoon salmon oil--daily--mixed in his food.

Have you started running your furnace in this time?   Dry indoor air will cause it, and I agree w/ supplementing w/ oils.
My dogs are rawfed(not premade) and have been scratching more than normal as they are getting the winter coat in along with our furnace running.  Humidifier will come out soon! 

If your dog is chewing paws, scratching ears, then I would do an elimination diet, and look at exacty what is in the food you are feeding, including treats.  Chicken is the first thing I would suspect, if there is no grain in the diet. 
Try a food that you haven't fed before, like venison.

 I just read on another board(not saying I believe it, but interesting theory) that dark colored or bi-colored GSD's are more prone to allergies.  My bi-color has a chicken sensitivity. 

If the dog lives in doors and you have put the central heating on you have two options only
Turn the heating off or move the dog outside to a Pen and Kennel his itching will go if it is not a food problem and by the way you have put it its not food and by spring time his coat will be healthier and have a natural shine of good health, Never' and i have said this many times in 60 years of keeping dogs outside in a pen and Kennel have i once ever had an itching or skin problem in any dog Okay mine have lived outdoors from 8 to nine weeks old and they shine with good health  but it is not too late for your dog
Steve1