Why is my Chihuahua itching on her sides? What can I do to help?

I'm sorry to hear that Bella has been so itchy. In dogs, itching can be caused by a variety of different conditions, with the most common including underlying allergies, fleas, ringworm, or mange. When dogs scratch, they damage the outermost layers of the skin barrier, which can lead to the onset of a skin infection. Infections then causes further itching, creating a vicious cycle. The skin on Bella's neck and the inside of her knee do look as though it may be infected. Chronic inflammation, endocrine/hormonal disorders, and autoimmune conditions can all lead to the dark pigment change with the skin thickening that's visible in the pictures. (We call this lichenification and it resembles elephant skin.) The persistence of Bella's itching could certainly lead to such chronic inflammation. Regardless, it's really important that Bella is examined by a vet so that appropriate treatment can be started. Your vet may need to do some skin testing to check for microscopic evidence of infection, as well as checking for mange (caused by mites) or ringworm (a fungal infection). Then, based on those results, they'll be able to prescribe medications to help her feel better. I hope that she's on the mend soon!

Try switching the diet to a food like Royal Canin or Nutro. Both of these foods contain additional supplements for coat health and many pets respond nicely to the diet after about a month. You can also supplement with an omega-3 fatty acid for dogs. Continue your current treatment as it will help as well. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It sounds like there are few things that could be going on with Belle. She could be in pain with the yelping. The hair loss and chewing could be due to fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatment, I can give you one for her. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If she is up to date on her flea treatment, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching (chewing is a sign of itchiness) is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. I hope this helps!

Hi there. Allergies can be very challenging and frustrating. Have you tried any prescription hypoallergenic diets? Minimum of 10 weeks with NO other treats etc? If not I would discuss that option with your veterinarian. Otherwise I may consider trying cytoplasm injections. I have been very pleased with my toughest allergy patients on this medication. I hope this gives you a few new option to consult! Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hello. Poor Chiquis has allergies, probably an inhalant one to pollen, grasses or dust mites. If you can get her to your veterinarian, she will have very good medications to control the symptoms. These include Apoquel & Cytopoint . You can try a hypoallergenic shampoo to help quiet her symptoms, but this will be temporary, lasting a day or so. But you can bathe her 2-3 times a week to minimize the symptoms. I would try Douxo Calm, or Hylyt antiitch shampoos, both available on Chewy.com. Also, start her on a fish oil supplement. I really recommend Nordic Naturals, also available on chewy.com, to help with the itching. Her symptoms can be controlled, but not cured unless you invest in allergy testing & a desensitization protocol, so check in with your veterinarian at your earliest convenience. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If he is itchy at all then it could be due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Without a physical exam it is difficult to say but possibilities include infection, dirt or dry skin. Wash her using a pet approved shampoo. Monitor for redness, itchiness or odor. If it doesn't resolve, see your vet for an exam.