Why is my chihuahua yelping, losing hair, and chewing her skin?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If he is itchy at all then it could be due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. 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!

Poor Cheepie does sound very uncomfortable! This scratching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, he will need a spot on treatment such as Advantage or Revolution. You will need to disinfect the environment as well. Even if he is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking him into the vet for an exam tomorrow. He may have a skin infection from all the scratching, and he will need medications to treat that. If he is up to date on his flea treatments, 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.

Poor Faith sounds very itchy and uncomfortable! This scratching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. A bath won't get rid of fleas and keep them from coming back. If she isn't up to date on his flea treatment, I will give you the flea treatment program I recommend. First, I would give her 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 her 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 she is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. 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. I hope this helps!

I'm sorry to hear that Bella has been so itchy. In dogs, itching can be caused by a variety of different conditions, with the most common including underlying allergies, fleas, ringworm, or mange. When dogs scratch, they damage the outermost layers of the skin barrier, which can lead to the onset of a skin infection. Infections then causes further itching, creating a vicious cycle. The skin on Bella's neck and the inside of her knee do look as though it may be infected. Chronic inflammation, endocrine/hormonal disorders, and autoimmune conditions can all lead to the dark pigment change with the skin thickening that's visible in the pictures. (We call this lichenification and it resembles elephant skin.) The persistence of Bella's itching could certainly lead to such chronic inflammation. Regardless, it's really important that Bella is examined by a vet so that appropriate treatment can be started. Your vet may need to do some skin testing to check for microscopic evidence of infection, as well as checking for mange (caused by mites) or ringworm (a fungal infection). Then, based on those results, they'll be able to prescribe medications to help her feel better. I hope that she's on the mend soon!

Oh no, poor Bitty sounds very uncomfortable at the moment! There are a couple of things this could be, and one is fleas. Even though you don't see any, it's still possible she has fleas. It could also be that she has mites, allergies, or ringworm. As for rubbing her butt on the carpet, this could be due to intestinal worms or impacted anal sacs. I would have Bitty seen by a vet for her problems tomorrow. The vet can diagnose what is causing them, and prescribe treatment for her. Tonight, try giving her an oatmeal or Epsom salt bath, as either may temporarily relieve her itching.

Hello. Poor Chiquis has allergies, probably an inhalant one to pollen, grasses or dust mites. If you can get her to your veterinarian, she will have very good medications to control the symptoms. These include Apoquel & Cytopoint . You can try a hypoallergenic shampoo to help quiet her symptoms, but this will be temporary, lasting a day or so. But you can bathe her 2-3 times a week to minimize the symptoms. I would try Douxo Calm, or Hylyt antiitch shampoos, both available on Chewy.com. Also, start her on a fish oil supplement. I really recommend Nordic Naturals, also available on chewy.com, to help with the itching. Her symptoms can be controlled, but not cured unless you invest in allergy testing & a desensitization protocol, so check in with your veterinarian at your earliest convenience. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This is a common area for dogs to chew when they have fleas, and it is possible that is what is causing Princess's symptoms. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatments, I can give you one for her. First, I would give her 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 her 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 Princess is up to date on her flea treatments, other causes include mites, allergies, and ringworm. In that case, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam tomorrow. 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 biting and sores is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.