Why is my dog scratching, biting, and losing fur with yellow scabs?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Debi Matlack

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on January 31st, 2015

  She could still be itchy from other reasons than fleas. You didn't mention the condition of her skin, but if it seems irritated at all, she may have allergies to other things. Tensing of skin could also indicate that she is painful somewhere along her neck or back. Ideally, she should be seen by your veterinarian to determine if there is a medical reason for this tension. If she doesn't react in any other way than to tense her skin, it may just be a quirk of hers.
  
  In pets of all ages, fleas, food allergies and exposure to chemical irritants such as cleaners and soaps can be a cause. Any one of these may not be enough to trigger the breakouts, depending on how sensitive your pet is, but a combination can be enough to start the itch-scratch cycle. Finding out the cause and eliminating it is the best course of action. With flea allergies, if your pet is sensitive enough, a single bite can cause them to break out scratch enough to tear their skin.
  
  Check for fleas, a flea comb is a good way to find them. Look for fleas and/or tiny black granules, like coarse black pepper. This is the flea feces, consisting of digested, dried blood. Sometimes you may find tiny white particles, like salt, which are the flea eggs. Applying a good topical monthly flea treatment and aggressively treating your house and yard will help break the flea life cycle.
  
  Food allergies are often caused by sensitivity to a protein in the food. Hill's Science Diet offers some non-prescription options for sensitive skin as well as prescription hypoallergenic foods for more severe cases. Royal Canin carries limited protein diets that may also offer some relief. Your vet can recommend a specific diet that will help.
  

  

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• Answered By Debi Matlack

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on December 14th, 2014

  You may not find fleas, but a very sensitive animal can get a single bite that sets off the itch-scratch cycle. She could also be allergic to her food or treats, or could have been exposed to something in her environment that she's sensitive to, like a cleaner, laundry detergent, or carpet spray. It could even be a fungal or bacterial infection making her itch and chew. Your veterinarian can do an exam and some lab work to help narrow down the cause and get her started on a good treatment plan.

  

  57Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 11th, 2017

  I am sorry to hear about Zoe. It is quite possible she has a secondary skin infection as a result of the flea infestation. Some dogs are very sensitive to flea bites and can have an allergy reaction result from them, predisposing the skin to secondary bacterial and yeast infection. The little circular patches of dead skin are what we call epidermal collarettes and are a sign of this skin infection. I would recommend your pup get examined by a vet because most often this requires treatment with an antibiotic and if she is still itching a short course of steroids or a drug called apoquel to get the itch under control. They can also be sure she doesn't have yeast or fungus growing on the skin that requires treatment.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful