Why is my female dog's tail base itchy with thick fur, no fleas?

There are many possible reasons for itching including fleas, allergies, skin infections and mange. I recommend using a good quality, fast acting flea prevention such as bravecto or simparica as well as an omega fatty acid supplement which is naturally antiinflammatory and moistruising. A full physical exam and further diagnostics would then be required if not improving in 5-7days

Itching around the base of the spine/top of tail is frequently indicative of fleas or flea allergy complicated by a skin infection. A good quality flea treatment and a soothing skin ointment suitable for use on dogs should be applied; a full vet visit is recommended if it persists beyond 7days or spreads further to rule out bacterial or fungal infection

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Itchiness in dogs, especially on the tail or tail base, can be caused by allergies, such as to fleas, food or environmental allergens. Other causes of itchiness include bacterial infections in the skin, mites such as demodex, and/or fungal infections. Please ensure that Cookie is on a consistent flea and tick preventative medication that was prescribed by a veterinarian. Flea medications/treatments that can be purchased from a food or pet store or online are not safe or effective in dogs. The house itself must also be treated for fleas, with very frequent vacuuming and even "flea bombing". If Cookie is already on an appropriate flea medication year round, I recommend having her examined by a veterinarian for an exam and skin scrape to evaluate for the presence of an infection and/or mites. I hope this is helpful!

A flea bite could've caused itching and caused this, trauma from rubbing against the fence or something like that or even a bacterial infection could've caused this. This area looks pretty red and inflamed and is likely to become infected from her chewing or licking at the site. I recommend keeping it clean and dry and preventing her from lickingor chewing at the site any further. If it does not clear up within one or two days I would have your veterinarian do an exam. If Bella is not already on a strict flea control protocol I would discuss what options your veterinarian offers.

Check your dogs for fleas. This is a typical area where fleas congregate. If you have not done so, start flea prevention on all of your dogs and regularly vacuum your house and furniture as well as non-carpeted areas, wash bedding in hot water. If the itching does not stop after a few days (after using flea prevention), take your dog to a vet for an exam as there may be other causes such as a fungal or bacterial or mite infection.

It could be an allergic reaction to an insect bite or a traumatic wound. Itchy bumps are almost always allergic in nature however. You can try topical soothing creams (sold at your local pet store) for allergic reactions, and cleaning it with chlorhexidine solution 3% or iodine diluted 50:50 with warm water. This will help some with the inflammation. If it still isn't better after 24-48 hrs then it is best to have your vet take a look at it and potentially give her stronger medications to treat it.

Bravecto is generally a very good product and at this point, especially with not seeing any fleas, it’s unlikely that they are the cause of itching. I don’t recommend to apply another product or to give the Bravecto early. Pets can be itchy for many reasons. Itching on the feet can be a sign that she walked through a chemical or plant that may be causing an allergic reaction. Also try to recall if she has had any new foods or treats as that could cause itching too. Lastly, environmental allergies can flare up when our homes are closed up in winter time with the furnace circulating large amounts of dust, dust mites and other indoor allergens. At home you can start her on an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this will help improve skin health. You should also call you veterinarian and ask about antihistamines or if they think she needs something stronger. Bathing her in a oatmeal dog shampoo and conditioner can also help decrease itchiness. Most dogs can be bathed once a week. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.