My Shih Tzu won't stop scratching, not fleas. Is it allergies?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 4th, 2018

  It looks as if your dog has a skin infection, most commonly caused by an allergy, a skin mite (Demodex) or fleas. 

The allergy could be a due to a protein in your dog’s food or an environmental allergy like to dust, pollens, grasses, etc. 

The allergy causes your dog to itch and chew at the skin which breaks down the skin barrier. This then leads to infection. Skin infections are typically characterized by large areas of hair loss, redness, crusting, flaking, and pustules.
  
  A thorough skin examination by your veterinarian should be able to determine the cause of the itch so it can be treated appropriately.
  
  Your dog will most likely need antibiotics to help clear up the infection and possibly an allergy/anti-itch medication like Apoquel, Atopica, or Cytopoint to give some relief while the infection clears up. A medicated shampoo may be beneficial as well. I would also recommend he be on a good flea control routinely too. Once the infection has cleared up Tommy can continue using an allergy medication like Apoquel or Cytopoint to prevent the itch and infection from coming back.
  
  I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.


  

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• Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 26th, 2017

  This is probably caused by an allergic reaction. first of all make sure you de-flea Tempie regularly every month with a high quality spot on (ex. Advantage) as fleas are by far the most common reason for these reactions. If the fleas are not the problem, it could be an allergic reaction to food or an environmental factor. this is more complicated to treat and will sometimes require medications such as Steroids, anti histamines or cyclosporin in order to stop the allergy.

  

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• Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 1st, 2017

  Scratching 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 Ginger with a high quality flea treatment such as advantage spot on, if it doesn't help - take her 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.
  

  

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