Should my St. Bernard (16 week puppy) be shedding in winter?

I have a 16 week old St. Bernard. Over the past 2 weeks he has had a severe skin itching problem and after 2 visits to the vet, we still don't know the cause (no mites, fleas, etc.). Since they couldn't find a cause, they decided to treat him with antibiotics (Cephalaxin?) in case it was something internal causing him to itch. I was almost certain it was a food allergy problem, although we haven't had him tested for allergies as our vet said it would be VERY rare for a dog of his age (puppy) to have food allergies. We were feeding him Natural Balance Ultra Pro for all life stages, when the itching starting, we switched to Natural Balance L.I.D. Venison and Sweet Potato.





That's the background information, now....since this itching began, he has been shedding A LOT. I mean if we brush him, we are brushing HUGE amounts of fur off of him and it just doesn't stop. We live in Minnesota where the temps have been below 32 degrees for the past month and we've had a great deal of snow on the ground for the past 3-4 weeks as well.





Should St. Bernards be shedding at this time of year? Is there another reason dogs will shed (allergies, other health issues). Could it be related to the itching? If it's just dry skin could that cause hair loss?





Thanks in advance for any help.Should my St. Bernard (16 week puppy) be shedding in winter?
Unless you're seeing bald spots on the dog than I wouldn't be concerned. I believe St. Bernards shed like crazy all year round anyways.Should my St. Bernard (16 week puppy) be shedding in winter?
Thyroid problems could cause this too! Is he loosing it in clumps that leave bald spots? Cephalaxin is a great antibiotic for any skin issues. Try getting some ';Grizzley oil'; to put on his food too the salmon oil is great for dry skin issues.





I have collies and live in Wisconsin so shedding is somewhat normal but not globs this time of year. I used Wellness fish and potato for one of my collies that had itchy skin issues. Plus she had bowel problems if there was any corn or such in her food. So it looks like you have a good food to have him on.





Do you have forced air heat or steam? It makes a difference too....I know my skin goes nuts without some humidity in the air in the winter.

benefit cosmetics