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Why is my dog still scratching after changing food for skin issues?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | 9 years and 2 months old | 13 lbs

My Jack Russell started scratching and nibbling his back causing red skin about a month ago then I noticed I had switched his food so I'm thinking he is having a food allergy so I switched back to his regular food about 2 weeks ago and their is a little bit improvement how long will it take until he is back to normal or is it something else. He is 11 and does take medicine for anxiety

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

Veterinarian

Published on January 5th, 2019

First you have to rule out other things as well like fleas and secondary infection which can both be itchy. If there are any lesions under the skin there may be a secondary infection (common with allergy). For food allergy it can take time for symptoms to resolve (8+ weeks for some dogs) and those pets who are very itchy may need medications to stop the itch (itching can lead to secondary skin infection as well). So if your pup is very itchy you may want to talk to your family vet about meds to help with itch while going back to the old food. And treat for fleas just in case (even if you do not see any). I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
It sounds like Manski could be itchy. This itchiness could be due to fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, I can give you one for him. First, 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. Best of luck, I hope this helps.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 8th, 2017
Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Just changing foods does not qualify as addressing a food allergy. The food must be specific & directed by your veterinarian. Allergies can also be multifactorial, so King may be sensitive to other things such as fleas, pollen, dust mites, cleaning products, & even cats.
If King is scratching to the point of damaging his skin, he needs to be evaluated by your veterinarian. If his allergies are significant, he may also need to be evaluated by a veterinary dermatologist. Hopefully, King will find some relief soon. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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