Itchy Dog
My 8 month
old female dog has been scratching and chewing constantly. She is a
lab/dobie mix. There are no fleas on her, but she seems to be shedding
excessively, and I've noticed some pink scabs on her chest next to
her front leg
Itchy dogs
are common at all times of the year. Pruritis, or itchiness, can be
caused by allergies, insects or mites, fungi such as ring worm,
metabolic diseases and many other ailments. From your description,
allergic dermatitis is most likely. Something in the air, in your
dog's food, or something that has bitten your dog starts an
allergic response, resulting in pruritis. If the chewing and hair loss
is heavy on her rump and abdomen, then flea bites are very likely. Even
though you do not see any fleas, they may still be present in the
environment. A flea may bite her on a foreleg, then jump off. The
allergic response presents itself on her rump, where you see her chew.
After a good bath, and basic on the dog, home and yard flea control
measures are taken, if the itching and hair loss persist, I would
recommend having her veterinarian take a closer look at her. Your
veterinarian may also be able to assist with antipruritic shampoos and
medications.
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