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How to help my dog stop severe itching and biting until he bleeds?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | 10 years and 2 months old | 80 lbs
Hi , my pet Labrador retriever ,9 years old is suffering from severe itch due to its started biting off which led to bleeding from skin . Please help how can we make him stop doing this .
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on April 1st, 2018
There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies.
Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market).
If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests.
Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Amber W
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on September 19th, 2017
The main causes of extreme itching in a dog are allergies (environmental or food related) and fleas. Often dogs with allergies or fleas will
Have secondary bacterial or yeast skin or ear infections that need to be addressed by a veterinarian. If Dexter is so itchy he is bleeding it is likely he will need to see a veterinarian to resolve secondary infections.
Make sure you have Dexter on a quality flea preventative like Advantix, Vectra or Bravecto.
Environmental allergies can be helped by medicated bathing. Douxo Calm shampoo can work nicely. If Dexter's allergies are severe I'd suggest also taking him to see your veterinarian. There are many new medications available that are very effective for environmental allergies like Cytopoint and Apoquel. Your veterinarian can decide if these are needed and decide if Dexter needs any medications for any infections that often occur in allergic dogs.
If food allergies are thought to be present a prescription dog limited ingredient dog food can be fed. It usually takes at least 8 weeks on a prescription diet for food allergies to get better under control.
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and good luck to you and Dexter!1Pet Parents found this answer helpful