My dog is scratching, losing hair, and has irritated skin. Allergies?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 5th, 2018

  A fungal infection would not be expected to be itchy, but allergies definitely are. The Zyrtec can be helpful for some allergies, but he may need stronger medication to help relieve the itch.
  
  The pattern of hair loss along with the history of intense itching is most suspicious of fleas. I would make sure he doesn't have fleas and give treatment if necessary. Below is a link to a good article about fleas.
  
  https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-tips-to-get-rid-of-fleas/
  
  Lastly, there are mite infestations that can cause this same problem of itchiness and hair loss. Your vet can check for these and provide the necessary treatment. In each case it's best to have your vet recheck Skitties, so they can identify the exact problem and ensure he gets the most effective treatment.
  
  I hope that helps and Skitties gets better soon.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 19th, 2017

  This is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites.
  First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment (advocate or advantage), then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation.
  If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy.
  Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc).
  Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics).
  Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
  

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 2nd, 2019

  This could be due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites.
  First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation.
  If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy.
  Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc).
  Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics).
  Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
  

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Ana M, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 31st, 2018

  Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lily. I would recommend bathing her with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based one. If this does not resolve the issue, she will need to see her veterinarian. Skin test can be performed for ringworm and mites. If these are both negative, then an allergy would be the next most likely cause. I hope this information is a good starting point!

  

  4Pet Parents found this answer helpful