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Why is my dog so itchy and scratching his back until it's raw?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | unneutered | 7 months and 25 days old | 15 lbs

My dog is very itchy and he's scratched his back bad

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 10th, 2018

Poor Frank! This itching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, I would give him 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 his 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 he is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking him into the vet for an exam Monday. 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 is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Good luck, I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on October 10th, 2017
It takes time for flea medications to kill the fleas in the environment. The first step is restarting the flea preventatives. Benadryl can help with mild itching. However, since it can take several months for the fleas in the environment to die after starting a preventative, dogs may need anti-inflammatory medications to help with the constant need to itch. If he is scratching his skin a lot, he can cause a secondary skin infection that may need antibiotics to clear. If you cannot take Cooper to the vet, then you can try anti-itch shampoos. He may need to wear an e-collar or socks or booties to protect him from self-traumatizing his skin.

Here are a few articles you may find helpful:
Fleas:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3682

Financing:
https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-smart-solutions-for-pet-care-financing/
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on October 4th, 2018

Hi there and thanks for posting!

It sounds like Cooper may have a skin infection brought upon by bacteria or an allergy such as to a particular protein or an environmental allergy. I would recommend Cooper see his veterinarian for an evaluation as he may need to be placed on antibiotics if a skin infection is present.

If you veterinarian also thinks this has been brought upon by an allergy, There are lots of things we can do to help control symptoms. Changing the food to a novel protein source can help if it is a food allergy such as changing to Kanagroo or Duck. Hydrolyzed protein diets can help too. If a seasonal or environmental allergy is suspected, they can test for this with a blood or skin test. Immunotherapy towards the allergen can be very helpful as well which involves giving frequent subcutaneous injections of the allergen to help build up immunity or tolerance to the suspected allergens. There are also medications out there that can at controlling the constant itching and scratching which may help as well. Cytopoint, Apoquel, or Atopica work wonders. Hydrating shampoos that contain oatmeal or aloe in them can also help soothe irritated skin.

I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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