He was neutered when he was around nine months I think, I take it the vet would have to check if it was "complete"? I've checked his ears and mouth, they seem okay to me, but I'm no expert. And with other dogs it can be hit and miss really, some he leaves alone, some he's happy to play about with and some he shows (what looks to me) like aggressive signs so we're generally quite cautious around other dogs. What do you mean by key milestone?

We didn't think of that until you said, but my other half has recently started working somewhere where a bitch often frequents. I guess that could well be a possibility. If that's the case, do you think I needn't worry or would I have to change something?

I don't think it's a mouse hehe We've had him since he was 9 weeks.

Checked his mouth before anything and it seemed okay, and he has his nylabone which he's always chomping on so I would of though that would help with cleaning his teeth. But yea, as I said, my partner has a new job, and is often using new chemicals (read: perfumes/sprays/etc) on herself lol, so that's a lot of new smells I guess.

He's had an ear infection in the past, and we've used those antibiotics you mentioned from the vet to clear it up, but they don't look (or smell) like when he did have an infection. They look clean and smell lovely at the moment and he hasn't been itching, and he's been doing this odd thing for about a month now, but I will keep an eye on them.

He had entropian too, the vet took about 7mm of skin out in total I think he said, from both the side of his eyes and the bottom eye lid. That was about 4 months ago, and he got an ear infection a week later so it took a little longer to get over than normal. He seems absolutely fine now with his eyes, no itching, no blinking/watering, etc. Again, will keep an eye on them though

Didn't know about the pain thing though! He's been itching his sides a bit now, come to think about it, something to think about I suppose!

He was neutered when he was nine months iirc, and I wonder if you're right as it does seem like a hormonal kind of thing when you see it. I will get him checked out, although he doesn't have many folds being a cross. Except his forehead, that's where his folds have stayed hehe.

Thank you all for the great replies. I have a lot of food for thought now after being absolutely confused for a month I'll keep a close eye on his ears/mouth and his behaviours, and if it seems to get worse or not better within a week or so he'll be taking a trip to the vet. Unfortunately he's one of those dogs that hate the vets, no matter how much treats I/the vet give him...

Thanks again!

Hi in my experience at around 18months they tend to turn into eejits (think teenage boy) but that usual comes with maturity but as he was done at 9 months I'm not sure that applies in his case. We got to 18 months and my boy went from wanting to play with everyone to not entertaining other boys with bits at all if they are bigger than a jrt! He thinks he's bobby big bits.

Another thought. You mentioned he has started scratching his sides. Have you changed the brand of food or treats you feed him recently? Some commercial dog foods, particularly those containing grain can cause skin irritation and allergies as well as behavioural changes in Pei. I feed my Pei on a home cooked diet to make sure she has no grains such as wheat. I've noticed though on the few occasions she's given kibble, even though its a good quality grain free product she'll start to itch herself more than normal.