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Is it normal for a 2-month-old puppy to itch and bite constantly?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | 2 months and 7 days old | 390 lbs

My 2 month old puppy keeps itching and biting herself. Is that normal?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on April 29th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! That is not normal. This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. This may also be mange and usually this is differentiated on a physical exam and basic cytology.

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!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 25th, 2017

    Poor Luna! This scratching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If she isn't up to date on his flea treatment, she will need a spot on treatment such as Advantage or Revolution. You can also give her Capstar, which is a one time pill that starts killing fleas in 30 minutes and is safe to give along with the Advantage or Revolution. You will need to disinfect the environment as well. If she is up to date on her flea treatment, I recommend taking her 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. I hope this helps!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 22nd, 2019

    This can be caused by various reasons such as fleas, mites ,fungal infection, bacterial infection and allergies. the first 4 needs to be ruled out before we start treating for allergies. in order to do that first de-flea him with a high quality flea treatment such as advantage spot on, if it doesn't help - take him to the vet in order to check for/treat the other possibilities.

    If everything is ruled out, then an allergy treatment can be started. Usually an hypoallergenic food is a good way to start together with anti histamines. if it doesn't help - the best solution is a medication called Apoquel which treats allergies with great success and without side effects.

    Regarding food, at his age he shouldn't be eating milk at all anymore, only puppy dry or wet food.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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