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My dog has chronic skin issues and itching. Vet didn't help. What can I try?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 8 months old | 50 lbs

May dog (red nose pitbull) has had a skin problems since birth but recently we moved house and was infested with mosquito so my dog has been bit terribly. I insect bombed the house which stopped the itching until the last few days which has got worse massively. I took him to a vet but not made a difference. He shakes his head so probably mites in ears and further missing off tail so think good chance he has skin mites. Can you suggest a cheap treatment as hate him being in pain

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on April 19th, 2017

KEO certainly sounds uncomfortable! Skin issues can be difficult to manage and can take a very long time to improve. Since KEO's skin issues have occurred since he was a puppy, I am curious if he has ever had a skin scraping for Demodex mites. This mite can be transmitted to puppies from their mother. Other causes of chronic itchiness include allergies to food, environmental changes, fleas, or other insects. KEO's head shaking could indicate ear mites, but dogs more commonly develop bacterial and/or fungal (yeast) ear infections. Make sure that KEO is receiving a high quality flea and tick preventative (such as Nexgard, Bravecto or Advantix) regularly and bathe him every 1-2 weeks in a gentle oatmeal shampoo. Otherwise, there are no effective at home remedies for this situation. I understand your concerns for KEO's comfort, but at this point, it sounds as though your best bet is to take him back to the vet for a recheck exam. Excessive itching can cause a skin infection, which requires prescription antibiotics and anti-itch medications. Ear infections require prescription ear medications based upon the type of infection present. If he is diagnosed with Demodex mites, he would need prescription medications to treat these. I hope that all goes well!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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