Fur and Skin

1 My Pomeranian has red fur discoloration under her eyes. Can this be removed or prevented? Thank you.

2 Bob is a chow and malamute mix and he breaks out on his chest in sores sometimes. Iwould like to know what we can do to help him from doing this?

5 My Yorkshire terrier has injured his dewclaw. It has been torn slightly right at the skin. Is this serious?

7 My dog is a Labrador Retriever and I want to know if it is normal for labs to shed their fur often?

8 I have a golden retriever-German shepherd mix. His coat is like a golden retriever. How often should I bathe him?

9 Is it safe to give my dog Benadryl® for itching? His vet says he has a grass allergy and he is miserable almost all the time. Thank you.

10 My dog is constantly itching all over and has tiny red bumps where he has been scratching. What is this and what can I do for him?

13 My dog has a skin problem, she has lots of scabs and is always biting at them. I don't see fleas. What can I do to stop her from biting at herself?

14 I have a Dalmatian that suffers every summer from skin allergies. What helps besides oatmeal shampoo?

15 My Bichon Frise has allergies and pulls her hair out and scratches until she has sores. What should be done to stop or help the allergies?

16 My girl "Sassy" is losing her hair. I have been really ill for about the last 4 weeks. Could my illness be affecting her and what can I do for her?

19 What methods of flea control are available through my veterinarian?

20 My dog is 7-month-old Toy Poodle and he has two spots with no hair on his left side. I checked him for fleas, but I don't see any. Could there be any problem with his hair?

22 I have a boxer that broke out in lumps all over his fur and were not sure what they are. He had just gone swimming in the ocean, could this be dangerous? What should we do about it?

23 We can't seem to get rid of the fleas on our 2 dogs, what should we do?

27 We have a male Doberman that develops "hot spots" from time to time......right now he has 5 of them. What can I do for him? Our female's coat is beautiful in contrast.

29 What can cause a dog (puppy 8months) to lose hair in certain places?

30 Recently, my Wheaten Terrier was diagnosed with "hot spots" that are painful and awful for him... what are they and how can we prevent them in the future?

31 My dog had fleas a few months back and we used Frontline® 3 times, I don't really see them anymore, but sometimes he still itches, I think it might be dry skin, what can I do for him?

35 My daughter's 1yr old Boxer has a constant scratching problem. Whenever she touches certain people (babies), they break out. The vet has tried steroid shots, pills and nothing is working. Help!

36 I have a 2 year old Rat terrier that has a terrible problem with shedding. Is there anything short of brushing numerous times a day to help reduce his shedding?

38 Is there anything that can be done to assist in reducing the amount of shedding in the spring/summer? I have a miniature Dachshund who is shedding a LOT right now.

41 Why does our 6 month old yellow Labrador shed so much on a daily basis? He gets plenty of exercise and eats 2 bowls of Purina ONE Large Breed Puppy food a day. He lives indoors with us.

43 I have a 9 month old pit bull female who has suddenly developed tiny bumps all over her body. She is an inside dog but spends some days outside. She has also been spayed. Could you help me?

46 My dog, a Lab-Bassett hound mix sometimes gets scabs on the top of her head and other parts of her body, but mainly the top of the head.

47 How often should I trim the nails on my 3 mo. Australian ShepX?

49 I have a 2 year old Sheltie. His fur is very long and heavy. I can comb/brush him every day, and still comb out bunches of fur. Is this normal?

50 Is there an explanation as to why my dog still gets fleas when I buy him flea medication from the veterinarian? It's not a cheap thing. Why doesn't it work?

52 My 9 month old chocolate lab has several spots on her lower abdomen. They look like dry patches of skin. Some have healed while others seem to be popping up. What could it be?

54 It would seem that my Bull Terrier Norman has a case of Poison Ivy. Can this really happen to dogs? If so, what is the best remedy? Our vet is unfamiliar with dogs and poison Ivy.

55 I have a 11 week old West Highland white terrier, I have recently notice she is losing a lot of her fine hair, and she also has no hair under her legs. Is this normal or should I be concerned?

56 My Pomeranian has some kind of a rash on both sides of his lower back near his tail and his is always biting at it. What should I do?

61 My dog constantly chews his front paws but there are no signs of inflammation or bugs. What can I do to relieve this irritation?

62 My dog (basset hound) has red sores and spots on his underbelly and he is going bald in spots on his coat. On these spots the hair is just peeling off. Do you know what this is?

64 I have a 3 yr old golden retriever who spends a lot of time scratching which causes raw spots, plus he shakes his head even after being patted on his head. What could be the problem?

65 I have a poodle, she is one year old. How many times per month she can take a bath?

68 What causes hair matting in dogs and what can be done to prevent it?

69 My dog is itching ferociously, might she have mange?

71 Can I use my shampoo on my dog?

73 My dog just got fleas. I gave him a flea bath yesterday and now he is chewing and scratching worse today. He has kept us up all night. We never had fleas before, what can we do?

74 I have a 7 year old Rottweiler who seems to have a skin problem. She is constantly scratching and licking mostly her stubbed tail and hind quarters. Can you tell me what seems to be the problem?

75 Why does my dog shed so much? What can I do to prevent it? She is a golden lab mix. She stays inside almost all the time.

79 What should I do for hot spots on my 4 year old Boxer?

81 Can constant paw-licking be related to dietary deficiency or allergy?

87 My white German Shepherd continually sheds excessively, both in clumps and just hair. Is there something I can give him to lessen or stop the shedding?

89 Why does my Labrador lick, scratch, and chew so much?

1 My Pomeranian has red fur discoloration under her eyes. Can this be removed or prevented? Thank you. The discoloration to the skin and coat under the eye is usually due to discharge from the eye itself. In some dogs this is merely the result of tear material spilling over onto the skin. In other cases it could be the result of a blocked tear duct or an infection in the eye. If there is crusting in the area, a colored or sticky discharge or redness to the eye or surrounding area then you need to have your dog examined by your veterinarian. If it is just tears that spill over without infection it may not be possible to completely resolve it and keep the fur from discoloring.
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2 Bob is a chow and malamute mix and he breaks out on his chest in sores sometimes. Iwould like to know what we can do to help him from doing this? Your dog could have a skin infection and/or an allergy. I would suggest you take him to your veterinarian for an examination to determine what is causing the sores.
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3 Our Border Collie mix is about 11 yrs old and every summer he loses his hair in big patches. We have ticks here and think that may be the cause. I have tried the drops between the shoulderblades, flea and tick shampoo, seven dust and various other remedies but nothing has prevented his hair loss. As soon as the weather begins to cool off in the fall, his hair grows back thick and healthy looking. It's getting warm again and I hate to see him go through another summer with big bald patches. He scratches a lot, too. I'm sure he is miserable.Can you give us any suggestions to make his summers more comfortable? Thank you for any advice. It sounds like your dog may have a skin allergy. Many dogs have allergies that appear in the spring/summer or in the fall. Dogs also can be allergic to the bites of fleas or ticks. If they are allergic then even one or two fleas will cause intense itching and scratching which may result in hair loss. I would suggest you visit your veterinarian for an examination and medication to help deal with the itching and scratching behavior. This may help prevent hair loss and help make your dog more comfortable.
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4 I have recently got a Mastiff mix from a shelter. When I first got him he was not shedding but now he has large chunks of hair that I can just pull out. Could this be from a change in his food, or is there something wrong? If he is losing hair, but there are no bald spots then it might just be normal shedding due to weather changes. If however, you can see his skin in places and/or the skin looks irritated he probably has a skin condition. I would then recommend that you see your veterinarian for an examination.
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5 My Yorkshire terrier has injured his dewclaw. It has been torn slightly right at the skin. Is this serious? Any potential break in the skin can get infected. It also may get jostled and cause your dog more pain. I would suggest a visit to your veterinarian so she can evaluate the problem and initiate proper treatment. It also would probably be a good idea to have the rest of the nails trimmed at the same time.
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6 I have a large dog that eats Dog Chow® brand dog food and no table food. He has been treated for fleas at least once a week, but he keeps scratching himself and losing his fur. What can I do to help him? There are many reasons a dog might scratch and/or lose their fur. External parasites such as fleas are one; allergies and fungal infections are a few others. Since this has been present for some time, I would urge you to take your dog to the veterinarian for a comprehensive dermatological examination to try and determine the cause of his hair loss and itching.
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7 My dog is a Labrador Retriever and I want to know if it is normal for labs to shed their fur often? Some Labrador Retrievers have very thick coats and will shed a great deal. In general the heaviest shedding will be in the fall and spring. It is helpful at these times to brush your dog and then give a bath to help remove the dead hair. If at any time you notice bald spots or skin irritation contact your veterinarian for advice.
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8 I have a golden retriever-German shepherd mix. His coat is like a golden retriever. How often should I bathe him? The frequency of bathing depends on how dirty the coat gets and the exposure to the elements. Some dogs just need regular brushing on a weekly basis with bathing every few months. Other dogs seem to shed a great deal, get very dirty and need baths more often. Be sure to either use a professional groomer or bath products especially designed for dogs.
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9 Is it safe to give my dog Benadryl® for itching? His vet says he has a grass allergy and he is miserable almost all the time. Thank you. While Benadryl is an antihistamine and is used in animals it is always best to consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Therefore, you should find out what he feels is best for your pet and the dosage that he prescribes before giving any medication to your dog.
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10 My dog is constantly itching all over and has tiny red bumps where he has been scratching. What is this and what can I do for him? Constant itching can be a sign of either a skin allergy or an infection. When your dog constantly scratches he can break open the skin and that can result in an infection as well. Since this has been ongoing a visit to your veterinarian is in order to accurately diagnose and treat the problem.
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11 My 4 month old male German Shepherd's ears were up in a "tee pee" shape, but have flopped over and will not stand up anymore. I need specific advice on what to use when taping them up and how to do it. Thank you. It is not uncommon for a puppy's ears to go from erect and upright to flopping over. Often this self corrects. Taping the ears may help temporarily but could cause other problems. If the tape is the incorrect type, it could irritate the skin. If the ears are taped too tightly it could cause pain for your puppy. Therefore, I would suggest you let your veterinarian look at your puppy and determine if taping is required.
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12 I have a nearly 5-month-old mini dachshund (not yet neutered) that developed a small bald spot on his hind leg about a six weeks ago. It didn't go away, so after about two weeks, we had it checked. The vet diagnosed demodectic mange and prescribed weekly baths with Pyoban shampoo. We've given three baths, but over the three weeks, we've noticed another balding patch on his foreleg, one on his side, and what appears to be another on the other hind leg. Could it be another condition that requires a different treatment? We'd really like to get this under control while the spots are small. Thanks so much for any help. Demodectic mange can be difficult and resistant to treatment. The disease typically occurs in dogs less than one year of age and is often seen on the head and legs. In about 10% of the cases it goes from being localized to becoming generalized. Most animals respond to a combination of topical treatment and bathing with prescribed shampoos. Localized demodicosis is often self-limiting in young dogs under 18 months of age. Some dogs with localized demodicosis will spontaneously resolve in 2 months. I would suggest you speak with your veterinarian about your concerns at this time.
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13 My dog has a skin problem, she has lots of scabs and is always biting at them. I don't see fleas. What can I do to stop her from biting at herself? The scabs are probably indicative of an infection. Initially she may have had an allergic response and/or fleas which initiated the itching and biting behavior. Now that the skin is broken open she is unlikely to improve without medication and an attempt to find the underlying cause. I would therefore suggest a visit to your veterinarian for appropriate treatment.
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14 I have a Dalmatian that suffers every summer from skin allergies. What helps besides oatmeal shampoo? While bathing with oatmeal shampoo or other medicated shampoos is helpful in dealing with skin allergies, some dogs may need medication. If your dog is scratching a great deal and creating sores on her skin she may need either antihistamines or steroids to help control the inflammation. In other cases the dog may break open the skin and it can get infected so that antibiotics are needed. Your veterinarian is the one to best advise you as to what would be appropriate for your dog.
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15 My Bichon Frise has allergies and pulls her hair out and scratches until she has sores. What should be done to stop or help the allergies? There are many reasons that a dog might scratch and pull out their hair including allergies to food and materials in the environment. Dogs will also show skin lesions from parasites such as fleas or demodectic mange. In order to accurately treat your pet, a diagnosis is needed. Therefore a trip to your veterinarian is in order to find the source of the itching and hair pulling. Once that is determined appropriate treatment can be recommended.
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16 My girl "Sassy" is losing her hair. I have been really ill for about the last 4 weeks. Could my illness be affecting her and what can I do for her? Our companion animals are definitely in tune with what happens in our lives. When we are tense, irritable or anxious it is likely to affect them as well. In addition when we are ill we are often less able to attend to the needs of our pets. Having said that, Sassy could be losing her hair for many reasons. If it is just a heavy shedding, that is probably due to stress. But, if she is beginning to show bald areas, skin lesions or sores, then something else may be going on, and she should be examined by a veterinarian.
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17 I have a six-year-old Brittany. I have fed her Purina ONE™ for most of her life. I noticed that she has a dandruff-like condition on her back (right above her tail). Can you give me any suggestions as to what this might be? I also give her a multi vitamin and brewers yeast tablets every day. Some dogs do experience dryness to their skin and coat in the winter months and that might be what is causing the dandruff on your dog. In some cases brushing or a bath with a mild dog shampoo will help. If you notice skin lesions or an odor to her skin then it might be another problem that needs to be examined by your veterinarian.
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18 My 2.5 year old Rottweiler has been eating Purina ONE™ products since we got her started with puppy formulas and moving onto the adult Lamb and Rice. In the past 2 months her coat has become increasingly covered with dandruff and her eyes have started to have crusty discharge in the corners. Could this be related to a nutritional imbalance? Besides her dog food she does sometimes get table scraps on top of her dry food. Since your dog is eating a high quality dog food it is highly unlikely that a nutritional imbalance is the cause of the changes to her coat and eyes. One possible explanation is an allergy to something in the environment. A bath with a mild dog shampoo might help clear up the dandruff, but if the discharge from the eyes continues she should be examined by your veterinarian who can prescribe appropriate treatment.
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19 What methods of flea control are available through my veterinarian? There are many different methods of flea control available through your veterinarian. There are topical preparations that include flea collars, sprays, powders, dips, shampoos, and preparations that are applied monthly to the skin. There are also preparations that can be given orally. Each preparation has different indications, and care should be exercised when applying these products to puppies, kittens, ill or elderly animals and pregnant or nursing animals. When a flea infestation is present, it is also important to treat the environment as well. Please contact your veterinarian to find the preparation that is best for your pet.
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20 My dog is 7-month-old Toy Poodle and he has two spots with no hair on his left side. I checked him for fleas, but I don't see any. Could there be any problem with his hair? There could be several reasons for the hair loss on your puppy. He might have a different type of skin parasite other than fleas such as mites. He also could have a skin infection either bacterial or fungal. Finally, the hair loss could be due to allergies. The best way to determine which of these is the source of the hair loss would be a veterinary examination.
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21 My Husky/Chow Mix has chewed little sores along the spine of his back. He does not have visible fleas or consistent itching. He has caused some hair loss on his back. I am not sure of what to do...is it the mange? There are many things that can cause itching, irritation, sores and hair loss in dogs. Skin problems can be the result of allergies, infection, skin parasites or mange. If the problem has been there for some time it is unlikely to resolve on its own. A visit to your veterinarian is the best course of action at this point in time. She should be able to diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
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22 I have a boxer that broke out in lumps all over his fur and were not sure what they are. He had just gone swimming in the ocean, could this be dangerous? What should we do about it? It sounds as though your dog might have come in contact with something that irritated his skin. To start with I would suggest rinsing him in tepid water and bathing with a mild dog shampoo. If the spots persist then a veterinary visit is in order to control his possible allergic reaction.
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23 We can't seem to get rid of the fleas on our 2 dogs, what should we do? Because fleas get on and off the dog not only do you need to treat the dog, but also the environment. If the dogs live in the house then perhaps you need to treat their bedding and other areas where they spend time indoors. If the dogs live outdoors, then you may need to treat the yard. There are also flea and tick products that will protect the dog for 30 days so perhaps you need to use one of those to help take care of the problem.
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24 We live in the dry Southwest, N.M. and my dog has awfully dry flaky skin. Is there any supplement I can give him? It causes him to scratch a lot. He also keeps getting ear infections, which I think is the result of the scratching. While the dry skin might be the reason he is scratching, he also could have allergies. Usually when a dog is on a good quality commercial diet they do not need supplements. However, each case is different. I would encourage you to speak with your veterinarian and have your pet examined. Once that is done, the appropriate treatment or supplement can be prescribed.
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25 I Have a 11 year old male Min Pin who has a lump on his chest and one on his side. They do not seem to bother him. They have been there for a couple years and are not getting bigger. Is this something to worry about or could they just be some sort of calcium deposit? While it is not uncommon for older dogs to get growths under their skin, they can vary from those that are benign to ones that may be cancerous. It is unlikely that they are calcium deposits unless they are very hard and firm. It is usually a good idea to have your veterinarian take a biopsy to see if she can identify the type of growth. In other situations it may be best to have the growths surgically removed. Please discuss these options with your veterinarian to decide which is best for you and your dog.
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26 I have an 8 yr. spayed Shiba Inu, ex show/breeder dog. Great fun. She suffers allergies in season, but we have been able to sort this out. Now, though, she tends to start granulomas on her front paws. Why does she get the granulomas going in the first place? Is this an anxiety thing, or an allergic origin? Or is it just her front paws are in way of her tongue?? It is likely that both an allergy and anxiety might be conrtibuting to your Shiba's licking behavior. Try keeping a journal and see if you can see a pattern to her behavior. It also might be helpful to try and increase her daily activity by adding in a walk or additional playtime. Finally, you may want to consult with your veterinarian about the possibility that her allergies are now more than just seasonal.
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27 We have a male Doberman that develops "hot spots" from time to time......right now he has 5 of them. What can I do for him? Our female's coat is beautiful in contrast. Hotspots are an acute moist dermatitis and can be quite irritating and painful. In some cases it may be the result of an allergy. If your male Doberman gets them frequently, you might want to consider the possibility of either a food allergy or an allergy to something else. Hotspots do need veterinary attention, so while you are there it would be a good time to discuss other interventions to help keep them from reoccurring so frequently.
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28 My dog Sparkles is always scratching and chewing on her back side and she is to the point that she has no hair. She also goes outside underneath our cedar bush and rubs it bald and gets it to bleed. She doesn't have fleas or ticks that I can see. What could this be? When a dog is continuously chewing or scratching herself, she may have an allergy. Dogs can be allergic to elements in the environment or to the food they eat. A veterinary examination is needed to determine what is going on and get the appropriate medication.
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29 What can cause a dog (puppy 8months) to lose hair in certain places? Puppies or dogs can lose their hair for several reasons. They may lose their hair due to a skin infection or skin parasites. Some dogs with allergies will also experience hair loss. In order to make a definitive diagnosis, your puppy should be examined by your veterinarian.
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30 Recently, my Wheaten Terrier was diagnosed with "hot spots" that are painful and awful for him... what are they and how can we prevent them in the future? "Hot spots" are an acute, moist dermatitis, an infection in the skin. They can be caused by a variety of factors including allergies, skin infections and fleas. Some long haired dogs do a bit better if there hair is kept shorter. This would allow you to keep him clean and check his skin daily to catch any skin irritation in the early stages. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on treatment.
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31 My dog had fleas a few months back and we used Frontline® 3 times, I don't really see them anymore, but sometimes he still itches, I think it might be dry skin, what can I do for him? You might have taken care of the fleas on your dog, but perhaps he is still getting fleas from the environment. If the scratching and itching are ongoing he may have allergies. I would suggest a visit to your veterinarian to check the skin and coat and have her advise the appropriate treatment.
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32 I have a soon to be 8 year old 1/2 beagle and 1/2 golden ret. Every summer she chews the fur off her skin [usually back leg area]. The skin is very red underneath, and of course her stool is full of hair. They can bleed and forms a scab-sometimes they seem to ooze something that makes the area matt up stiff. My vet has given her Atarax® for the itch but this doesn't help. Can I put her on a vitamin E or add tbls of olive oil to her diet? Because the problem seems to reoccur every summer she may have an allergy. There are other medications that might work better to control the itching but her problem is likely to return. You might want to consider a visit to a veterinary dermatologist for skin testing. This might identify the allergens and allow for the formation of a treatment plan that might relieve some of her symptoms.
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33 My dog does not put on any weight and he is very thin. He has been on steroid tablets the last 4 months for very itchy skin on his stomach. The veterinarian thought that this was a grass allergy but he has not been near any grass for a few months now and is still not healing. What do you suggest? Dogs can have allergies to things both outdoors and indoors which are usually manifested by itching and scratching of the skin. This can lead to open sores and hair loss. When a dog is thin there could be other medical problems contributing to the lack of weight gain. I would suggest a return visit to your veterinarian for another evaluation of his skin. I would also suggest that you bring a fecal sample to make sure that intestinal parasites are not responsible for the lack of weight gain.
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34 My 2 1/2 year old mixed dog recently started to be very itchy. She does not have fleas. We put here on sensitive skin food and that doesn't seem to help either. We have not moved recently or got new carpet or dog bowls or anything like that recently. Any ideas? Some dogs are so allergic to fleas it may only take one or two fleas to cause an allergic response, so just because you do not see any fleas does not totally rule them out. However, it is not uncommon for dogs to have skin allergies that are unrelated to fleas or their food. A dog can be allergic to many elements in the environment including dust, pollen, trees and grasses. If the itching and scratching is persistent, the best thing would be to have your veterinarian to examine your dog to try and determine the source of the problem. Then your veterinarian can prescribe the appropriate remedy and hopefully give your dog some relief.
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35 My daughter's 1yr old Boxer has a constant scratching problem. Whenever she touches certain people (babies), they break out. The vet has tried steroid shots, pills and nothing is working. Help! If the dog is continually scratching, an allergy is the likely culprit. If no medications have been effective over the long term, then the next step would be allergy testing. This might help identify the allergens causing the itching and she could be desensitized to them. Consult your veterinarian for appropriate treatment. As for the reaction of people to touching her, some dogs do seem to have components on their coat that irritate human skin. Bathing her might help to some degree.
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36 I have a 2 year old Rat terrier that has a terrible problem with shedding. Is there anything short of brushing numerous times a day to help reduce his shedding? Many shorthaired dogs seem to shed a considerable amount. Brushing does help, as does bathing at regular intervals. If he is shedding and showing signs of skin irritation such as scratching, areas without hair and reddened areas of the skin, he may have allergies. If you see any of these signs, please take him to your veterinarian for an examination.
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37 I have a six year old Akita and he has developed hot spots on his hindquarters and chest. He is constantly scratching at these and his fur is falling out on his back legs to the point where they are almost bald. What could this possibly be and what can I do about it? A hot spot is an acute moist dermatitis, in other words an infection in the skin. They can be caused by parasites such as fleas, a skin infection or allergies. Some dogs with very dense fur like an Akita may get hot spots under matted areas of fur. These infections can be very painful and require veterinary attention. A thorough veterinary examination will determine the best treatment and if additional flea control is also needed.
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38 Is there anything that can be done to assist in reducing the amount of shedding in the spring/summer? I have a miniature Dachshund who is shedding a LOT right now. When the weather changes you may see an increase in shedding. It may help to give your dog a bath to help get rid of the loose hair. At times shedding can be related to diet. Make sure you are feeding your Dachshund a complete diet and that her skin and coat are not dull and dry. If you notice dullness or dryness to her skin and coat, a veterinary visit might be in order.
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39 Our Daschund is 9 years old and still chases squirrels. My concern is about fleas -- I check her and see none since she is a short haired dog. Is it possible I am missing them? On occasion she will scratch herself and I wonder what your thoughts are about using a medication against fleas. Do I need to see the vet for the medication or am I able to buy it over the counter? If your dog spends time outside, fleas are always a possibility. If your dog is scratching a great deal then treatment for fleas may be prudent. I would recommend a veterinary visit to confirm fleas and determine the appropriate choice for treatment.
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40 My six week old Boxer puppy has three small lumps in his skin leaking pus. One seems to be drying up, the others appeared overnight. Could these be caused by ant stings (he walked through an ant hill)? If not, what might be the possible cause? I couldn't find a flea on him. The lumps you describe sound like a skin infection. He could have gotten these from ant stings or from the bacteria on his skin. Your veterinarian should examine him and may dispense antibiotics to clear up the infection. At the same visit, he can check your puppy for fleas and prescribe appropriate treatment for them as well.
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41 Why does our 6 month old yellow Labrador shed so much on a daily basis? He gets plenty of exercise and eats 2 bowls of Purina ONE Large Breed Puppy food a day. He lives indoors with us. Many dogs, especially short haired ones do shed a great deal. You can minimize the shedding by brushing him several times a week. This will help remove the loose hair and keep his coat shiny and clean. It also might help to bathe him once a month. If at any time the hair loss results in bald areas on his body he should be examined by your veterinarian.
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42 My 2 1/2 yr old neutered male Doberman has a fungus under his chin. I used an over the counter fungus medication that cleared it up in a couple weeks. It appeared again in about a month, so I used the same medication as before, but it didn't work so I switched to a different chemical for fungus and it cleared up. Two months later it appeared again, this time nothing I've used has cleared it up. I can't imagine what is causing this fungal infection. I use stainless steel food/water dishes, I've thrown away the toys I thought could breed fungus, I even changed the laundry soap I use as he sleeps in the bed. He is an inside dog, so he spends very little time outside. Any thoughts or suggestions? Fungal infections are usually diagnosed by taking a culture and waiting for growth to occur in the laboratory for accurate identification. If the problem continues to return, there is a good possibility that you are dealing with something else or have not correctly targeted the infective agent. After all this time, it would be most prudent to go to your veterinarian for an examination and hopefully a diagnosis of what is causing the lesions on his chin. Then your veterinarian can prescribe the appropriate treatment and hopefully clear up the problem.
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43 I have a 9 month old pit bull female who has suddenly developed tiny bumps all over her body. She is an inside dog but spends some days outside. She has also been spayed. Could you help me? The tiny bumps you are seeing could be due to many causes. A dog can get hives due to an allergic reaction to food, fleas or even an insect sting. A dog may have bumps that are actually infections under the skin. In either case, a veterinary examination is the best way to determine what is happening and provide appropriate treatment.
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44 My dog has frequently been having a red rash on her inner thighs and we have seen nothing wrong with her but I think that it is unusual and I was wondering if you had any suggestions on what it might be. My dog is a German Shorthaired Pointer Because you have a shorthaired dog, it is easier to see her skin on her inner thighs. If you are noticing a reddened area that comes and goes, she may have a skin irritation, allergy or infection. This could be caused by something outside or from skin parasites such as fleas. Because the problem keeps returning, I would suggest a veterinary visit to find the root cause of the problem and get appropriate treatment.
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45 My dog, which is a 2 yr old black lab, is shedding really bad. It does not seem to matter what time of year it is or what the weather is like. I wondered if it is a nutritional deficiency or just a normal condition. He also gets table scraps quite often. He spends nights in a large kennel indoors, due to his tendency to chew on toys at night. When he leaves the kennel in the morning, large clumps of hair fall off of his body. Please Help! There are multiple reasons your dog could be losing his hair. Diet is certainly an important part of overall health and a complete diet such as Purina ONE will provide all the nutritional needs for your dog. A dog will normally shed out their coat twice a year and lose a great deal of hair at that time. If your dog also has areas of the coat where skin is showing or there are sores, there might be medical reasons for the hair loss. Your dog could also be shedding due to a skin condition such as an allergy, infection or endocrine disorder. Consult your veterinarian for more information.
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46 My dog, a Lab-Bassett hound mix sometimes gets scabs on the top of her head and other parts of her body, but mainly the top of the head. There are many reasons your dog might have sores on her head and body. It is not uncommon for a dog to get a skin infection. At other times, a dog will be allergic to either their food or something in the environment and while scratching him or herself, create sores on their skin. Finally, some dogs will get irritated from fleas or other parasites of the skin and coat. A veterinary visit will help sort out these possibilities and determine which is the best treatment for your dog.
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47 How often should I trim the nails on my 3 mo. Australian ShepX? If your dog is exercised frequently especially on harder surfaces there may not be a need to trim his nails. The best way to judge is too look at the nails and see if they are long and pointed. If the nails are quite long, then they need to be trimmed. If they just barely touch the ground when the dog is standing, they are probably okay. If you are new at trimming nails, you may want to go to your veterinarian for instructions and a demonstration of the effective and painless way to trim your puppy's nails.
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48 I have a Dalmatian and he is 7 years old. He has a problem with fleas bugging him all the time. I can't take him to the veterinarian because the dog will bite him. The vet gave me the stuff to give his yearly shots for his fleas. We have tried everything. Do you have any suggestion that I can try? Fleas can be a real problem in the summer months. Flea shampoos and topical medications help control the fleas on the dog. Since fleas can get on and off the dog, in many cases it is also necessary to treat the environment. Many dogs also experience an allergic reaction to the bites of the fleas and will scratch incessantly and may even have sores on their skin. When that happens they need professional attention from the veterinarian. If your dog is difficult to handle when he goes to the veterinary hospital, you could try training him to wear a muzzle so that everyone will be safer and he can get the medical attention he needs.
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49 I have a 2 year old Sheltie. His fur is very long and heavy. I can comb/brush him every day, and still comb out bunches of fur. Is this normal? A dog with a long thick coat like your Sheltie will often shed a great deal of hair. Daily combing and brushing help keep the coat free of tangles and removes the dead hair. If you are not finding thinning areas in his coat or problems with his skin, the amount of hair you remove is likely to be normal. If at anytime you notice thin areas or loss of hair, please consult your veterinarian.
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50 Is there an explanation as to why my dog still gets fleas when I buy him flea medication from the veterinarian? It's not a cheap thing. Why doesn't it work? In order for any flea product to work it must not only be properly applied, but used at the correct interval. If you have a heavy flea infestation in your yard or house, you may also need to treat those areas to control your flea problem. In addition, if there are other animals such as cats in the home that are not receiving any flea treatment, they may have fleas and help keep them active in the environment.
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51 My 2 year old Australian Shepard mix is constantly chewing on her paws. The area in between the pads on her feet is all red from her licking. What should I do? She is an inside dog and only goes outside to eliminate. Usually dogs lick their feet because of some type of irritation. The most common culprit is an allergic reaction to something in their environment. It could be to grass or pollen outside or even something in your house. Contrary to common thought, licking does not heal the area and is not helpful. The continual licking keeps the area moist and may even help create and maintain the irritation and possible infection. Therefore it is essential that you get your dog examined by your veterinarian so that she can prescribe the appropriate treatment for her paws.
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52 My 9 month old chocolate lab has several spots on her lower abdomen. They look like dry patches of skin. Some have healed while others seem to be popping up. What could it be? It sounds as though she might have a skin infection. Often they start out as small bumps that become red and irritated. They may open and drain, go away while others appear. This problem should be treated with antibiotics. I would suggest a veterinary visit to obtain a more definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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53 Hi. My Shih Tzu has an allergic reaction to flea bites and also has dermatitis. Is there anything special I can do besides a special diet to make him more comfortable? I give him oil capsules but thats all I know to do. Thanks! Many dogs are allergic to fleas and even one bite can make them miserable. They can experience severe itching and also a rash. When the problem becomes severe, veterinary intervention is needed to make your dog more comfortable. Not only will your veterinarian prescribe medication to treat the dermatitis, she will also help you choose the right product to treat the fleas. It is extremely important to get rid of the fleas so that the dermatitis will not return.
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54 It would seem that my Bull Terrier Norman has a case of Poison Ivy. Can this really happen to dogs? If so, what is the best remedy? Our vet is unfamiliar with dogs and poison Ivy. While dogs may have contact dermatitis (an inflammation of the skin due to contact with something) it is uncommon and usually limited to the areas of the skin where the hair is thinnest. This means you might see signs of irritation on the chin, underside of the neck, chest and stomach area, underside of the tail and in between the foot pads. Often the dog is quite itchy and scratches or licks the area excessively. Treatment often depends on the cause of the irritation and includes bathing to remove the material, restricting contact with the material and medication such as oral or topical steroid preparations. The appropriate treatment for your dog is best decided with your veterinarian.
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55 I have a 11 week old West Highland white terrier, I have recently notice she is losing a lot of her fine hair, and she also has no hair under her legs. Is this normal or should I be concerned? While puppies may shed part of their original coat as the new one comes in, thinning hair is often a sign of a skin allergy or dermatitis. If the problem is ongoing, the best advice would be to take her to your veterinarian to be examined. He will be able to determine if the hair loss is a sign of an allergy or inflammation.
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56 My Pomeranian has some kind of a rash on both sides of his lower back near his tail and his is always biting at it. What should I do? A common cause of skin irritation and itching in dogs is fleas. They will often be found where the hair is thinner such as the abdomen and the area at the base of the tail. Some dogs are allergic to the flea bites and get a rash and a reaction that can be quite severe. Not only must you check and treat for fleas, but a veterinary visit would help determine if additional medication is needed to clear up his rash.
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57 My female chocolate lab excessively licks and bites herself. When I say excessively I mean every 2 minutes or so. I am extremely worried. She is spayed and will be a year old on the 30th of this month. Thanks for your help. There are several possibilities when a dog licks and bites at their skin excessively. One possibility is skin parasites such as fleas and/or ticks. Another possibility is allergies. A dog could be allergic to things in their environment or even to their food. Finally, a dog might have a skin infection that is causing them discomfort. The best way to determine what the problem is would be with a veterinary visit.
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58 My 5 year old golden retriever licked all of the fur off of two of her toes in one day. The skin looks fine, but I am afraid it will soon become raw from all the licking. What could be causing this and what should I do? Often when a dog licks one portion of their body that intently something is wrong. It could be either an allergic response, a minor injury or even a foreign object lodged in the foot. Although it may appear minor now, if left unattended it could become something more serious. The best way to find out what it is and how to treat it would be with a veterinary visit.
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59 My 8 yr. old Dalmatian constantly bites her nails. It's not like they are too long though. Any thoughts on why she keeps on doing this and what does it mean? Is it necessary for me to try and get her to stop? If so, how? When dogs chew and lick on their feet it may be a sign of irritation. Dogs can have fungal infections in their nails which may cause itching and irritation and lead to the chewing behavior you describe. A dog may also chew and bite at their feet if they have allergies. A veterinary visit should be able to sort out what is causing the problem and prescribe appropriate treatment.
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60 My puppy was given to us by our friends. She came with a rash on her. She itches all the time and has scabs. It looks almost like dandruff. We thought it to be fleas, but when bathed she had none. It has been two weeks and we have been using a medicated shampoo with tar everyday and it seems to be helping a little, but now my dog is starting to itch and believe it or not I have broken out in a rash also. It's almost like fleabites, yet there are no fleas anywhere. What could this be? There are several different types of skin diseases that are also transmittable to other dogs and people. Fleas are a possibility and so are different fungal and mite infections. The best way to determine what is causing both your itching and your dog's problems would be a veterinary visit. Using various skin tests, your veterinarian should be able to determine what is causing the itching and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
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61 My dog constantly chews his front paws but there are no signs of inflammation or bugs. What can I do to relieve this irritation? There are several reasons that a dog might chew on their paws. Naturally inflammation, infection and foreign objects can be concerns. In addition a dog might chew on their paws due to an allergy to either something in the environment or in their food. Finally, some dogs chew on their paws because they are anxious or do not have other appropriate outlets. A visit to your veterinarian should help sort out which of these options is the reason that your dog is chewing his paws.
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62 My dog (basset hound) has red sores and spots on his underbelly and he is going bald in spots on his coat. On these spots the hair is just peeling off. Do you know what this is? A dog may show reddened areas on their skin and hair loss due to allergies or an infection. If the spots are spreading it could be a skin infection. The best way to treat something like this would be by visiting your veterinarian. She can determine what type of infection it may be and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
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63 I have a toy fox terrier that is now two years old. Last summer and once again this summer he has something irritating his front and back paws. They are obviously of discomfort to him, and he spends much time "nibbling" on them until they're raw. I wash them twice daily and apply a cortisone type cream. Nothing seems to be helping them heal. Help! When a dog continually chews or scratches an area, he may have an allergy. It is not uncommon for dogs to have allergies to grasses and pollens and these become more evident in the spring and summer. Washing them and applying creams usually does not do much to treat the problem. A veterinary visit would help determine if it is indeed an allergy and then prescribe appropriate treatment.
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64 I have a 3 yr old golden retriever who spends a lot of time scratching which causes raw spots, plus he shakes his head even after being patted on his head. What could be the problem? Irritation to the skin can be caused by many things. Be sure that your dog does not have any fleas, ticks or other external parasites by giving him a careful examination. He also might be scratching because he suffers from allergies. Dogs can be allergic to things in the environment and to the food they eat. Finally, certain types of skin infections can cause skin irritation as well. The best way to determine which of these is bothering your dog would be to take him to the veterinarian for an examination.
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65 I have a poodle, she is one year old. How many times per month she can take a bath? How often to bathe a dog really should be dependent on how dirty they are. If your dog is very dirty or muddy by all means bathe her. A poodle is often groomed to keep their coat looking a certain way and this is generally done every 4-6 weeks. If you bathe her at home, be sure to dry her well so that she does not get chilled.
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66 My Dalmatian is 7 years old. He has a terrible habit of chewing and licking the front of his forelegs/above his paws. He started this a little over a year ago. I have taken him to all four of our local Vets. I have tried betadine, neosporin, bitter apple, no-chew, teatree oil, wrapping his paws etc. I keep a cone on him to help prevent his chewing/licking however at times he takes the cone off. Even after we get them all healed up he will do it again. Our local Vets say it is a bad habit, no sign of parasites, infection, etc. Please help! There can be both medical and behavioral reasons that a dog might chew on their legs. Certainly allergies, infection and parasites are all possibilities. In some cases the licking/chewing is a symptom of anxiety. It might help to keep a journal of when the behavior takes place, this might help determine if certain events seem to trigger the problem. Some dogs will lick themselves if they are anxious when their owners depart and may be suffering from separation anxiety. Other dogs may lick as a compulsive disorder. Please return to your veterinarian and discuss some additional treatment options.
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67 I recently took my dog to get neutered and the veterinarian there noticed some spots on his legs where his hair is thinning very badly. Since then I have noticed him gnawing on his paws, legs and hind end. The veterinarian said it might be mange or an allergic reaction to fleas. He does have a bad flea problem and I have tried everything that I can think of to get rid of them, but nothing seems to help. I am hoping that you could shed some light on what I should do, and if you think that it's mange ( I think thats what they called it). Could you please explain that to me or what I can do for him if its an allergic reaction. Thank you. Mange is the term generally used to describe a skin disorder of dogs that is caused by tiny microscopic mites that live in the skin. They can cause inflammation, infection and hair loss. The disorder can be localized with discrete lesions or generalized and all over the body. One method of diagnosis is to take a skin scraping and look at it under the microscope to try and see the mites. In some cases multiple scrapings may need to be done before a diagnosis is made. Your dog could also have fleas at the same time. Fleas require treatment of both the dog and the environment in many cases. To treat your dog you can use topical preparations or oral ones. The environment can be treated by an exterminator. Perhaps returning to your veterinarian will clarify what will work best in your dog's situation.
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68 What causes hair matting in dogs and what can be done to prevent it? A dog's hair may become matted for many reasons. If the hair coat gets wet and dirty it may mat and be difficult to brush. In other situations skin irritation can cause the hair to mat. Finally, some dogs with very fine hair coats will show matting of their hair if they are not brushed frequently. If you have a dog that is badly matted it may be necessary to clip his hair coat to remove the mats without hurting him. Once this is done a regular schedule of brushing should help prevent matting in the future.
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69 My dog is itching ferociously, might she have mange? There are many skin conditions that could cause your dog to itch and scratch. The most common one is fleas and/or flea bite allergy. Another reason a dog might show skin irritation is an infestation with skin mites, commonly referred to as mange. Finally, allergies and skin infections also may cause your dog to scratch at herself excessively. A veterinary visit is likely to be the best way to determine which one of these is causing your dog distress and find the appropriate treatment regime. Your veterinarian will examine your dog and may even do a skin scraping to look for mites.
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70 I live in Northern VA and have two Pugs. The male has been chewing on his front paws to the point they are almost raw. Both front feet are very red and crusty. The areas between the pads are especially irritated. This condition is causing one of his claws to have turned red and irritated. We have tried aloe gel, neosoprin and hydrocortizone spray. All seem to help, but the condition will not go away. When a dog is chewing and licking their feet excessively, either an infection or allergy may be to blame. If the claws are involved, a fungal infection is also possible. These causes will rarely respond to topical and over the counter medication. A veterinary visit is essential to discover the cause of the problem and obtain appropriate treatment. In some cases allergies can be ongoing requiring daily treatment to keep the dog comfortable.
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71 Can I use my shampoo on my dog? Using a shampoo designed for dogs is less likely to cause any irritation to the skin. Some dogs can be sensitive to the fragrance or other elements in human shampoo. The one exception would be a baby shampoo without fragrance added. However, if your dog has any skin irritation, allergy or infection your own veterinarian should help you decide which shampoo to use on your dog.
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72 Dolly is my two year old yellow lab. I also have her sister (the same age). Dolly is the shyer one and has developed a sore on her leg that she constantly licks. I can't find anything, and it seems to be just a nervous habit she has. What should I put on it? Thank you. There are numerous reasons dogs may lick at a particular part of their body. Dogs may lick due to allergies, skin irritation or infection, for attention, anxiety, lack of appropriate outlets for play and exercise or a compulsive disorder. It would not be appropriate to try and treat this problem at home until the underlying cause is known. The first step would be a veterinary visit to rule out skin infection or irritation. Once that is treated the licking may resolve and not return.
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73 My dog just got fleas. I gave him a flea bath yesterday and now he is chewing and scratching worse today. He has kept us up all night. We never had fleas before, what can we do? Although you might have removed the fleas on the dog when you bathed him, there still could be fleas in the environment. In addition, some dogs are allergic to the bite of the flea and suffer terribly with redness, itching and sores. In many cases a veterinary visit is needed to get appropriate treatment for both the fleas and the skin irritation. If your dog is still uncomfortable a veterinary visit would be the best way to get him relief.
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74 I have a 7 year old Rottweiler who seems to have a skin problem. She is constantly scratching and licking mostly her stubbed tail and hind quarters. Can you tell me what seems to be the problem? There are many reasons a dog may scratch and lick at their skin and coat. The most common one is fleas. Fleas can often be found where the hair is the thinnest and that is near the tail and on the abdomen. Some dogs are very allergic to flea bites and may become quite irritated from only a few fleas. A dog may also suffer from skin infections or allergies to food or something in the environment and that may also cause itching. The best way to determine what type of skin irritation is bothering your dog would be to take her to your veterinarian for an examination.
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75 Why does my dog shed so much? What can I do to prevent it? She is a golden lab mix. She stays inside almost all the time. Generally dogs will shed some of their hair coat year round with a larger amount released spring and fall. Regular brushing and monthly bathing are both ways to help control shedding. Excessive hair loss can be related to diet. Be sure that your dog is eating a complete and balanced diet such as Purina ONE Lamb and Rice Formula. Finally, a dog may shed excessively due to allergies and skin disorders. If you feel that these are a factor, please visit your veterinarian for further help.
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76 We have a 4-year-old female black Lab. Lately she has been nibbling or biting around her anal area. She now has some bald spots right around her rectum. What could be causing that? Is it possibly ringworm? Any number of things can cause dogs to chew at their anal area. In some cases they may have infected or impacted anal glands which are causing them discomfort. In other situations they could have a contact irritation that bothers them. It is also possible that they have intestinal parasites or skin parasites. A visit to your veterinarian would help sort through the possible different diagnoses and come up with a treatment plan.
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77 My friend has a Great Dane that is 6 yrs old. It has gotten small red bumps behind the ears and over the sides of its body. How can we determine the cause, food, perfumes, soaps fleas, etc also the dog is not itching or losing hair. A sudden appearance of a rash if often the sign of an allergic reaction to something in the environment. Finding the cause can be difficult and elusive. Many dogs do have reactions to bites from fleas, spiders and bees which will cause swelling and perhaps hives. In other situations a dog may have an allergic skin reaction to food. Even without itching or hair loss a rash should be looked at by your veterinarian so that an appropriate treatment may be prescribed.
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78 Our German Shepard puppy is 14 weeks old. He seems to be developing a dry hairless rash on the top of his head and another in his armpits. He does not seem bothered by them even though they are dry and flaky. Is there an ointment you recommend to keep them from becoming bigger and possibly infected? What sort of things may cause these rashes? If your puppy is losing his hair and the areas are getting larger and more numerous these are problems that require veterinary attention rather than treatment at home. Common reasons for hair loss include allergies, infection, skin parasites and fungal infection. Your veterinarian may do some tests to determine the cause of your puppy's hair loss so that the appropriate treatment can be prescribed.
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79 What should I do for hot spots on my 4 year old Boxer? Hot spots are acute, moist dermatitis infections of the skin. They can appear rather suddenly and be very painful. Although it is tempting to try and treat them at home, they usually require veterinary attention. Keeping the area dry and clean is a good first step until veterinary care can be obtained. If they occur frequently, an underlying allergy or fleas may be causative and need to be identified and treated. If that happens, the hot spots may decrease in frequency and perhaps even stop.
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80 My 4 year old mixed Collie/Chow is constantly scratching and chewing and she is bald in one spot on her back. She does not seem to have fleas so what is the most probable other cause of her itching? There are multiple reasons dogs may scratch themselves excessively. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites and even one flea causes intense itching, so even if you do not see fleas they still could be the culprits. In other cases a dog may have allergies to other things in the environment and even to his food. Finally, skin infections can also cause soreness and itching. The best way to determine which of these is causing a problem for your dog would be an examination by your veterinarian.
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81 Can constant paw-licking be related to dietary deficiency or allergy? The two main reasons that dogs will constantly lick their paws are allergies and compulsive disorders. Allergies are by far the more common cause. A dog can be allergic to things in the environment such as grasses, trees and pollen which cause the itching sensation. In other cases, a dog may be allergic to his food. It is unlikely that a dietary deficiency would cause the licking. Your veterinarian will likely be able to determine the cause and then prescribe appropriate treatment.
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82 I have a two yr old Rottweiller who has a bad sore on the back of his front leg. It started as a bald spot from him chewing but now it is an open sore with some puss in the middle. What can I do to treat this at home? An injury to the skin can often result in the dog licking the area and creating a lesion. If that lesion becomes infected serious consequences are possible. A veterinary examination and treatment are necessary for the best results. Often oral antibiotics are necessary to get to the infected area and promote healing.
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83 Cody is my two year old Aussie. He has a shiny coat, but has started to shed excessively. He has also been chewing at his skin, which is causing sores. I have not noticed any parasites and his skin is somewhat dry. Do you have any suggestions that may help Cody? There are several reasons a dog may chew at their skin and shed more than usual. Fleas are often the most likely culprits even if they are not readily evident. Another possibility is a skin infection or an allergy. A veterinary visit might help sort through the options and determine the appropriate treatment.
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84 My dog Nala has been constantly chewing on her paws and the skin at the base right before her tail. At first I thought it was an itch, but she does it ALL the time. I just want to know what can treat it and where I can get it. There are multiple reasons that a dog may chew on their paws and skin near their tail. Infection, irritation, allergy and skin parasites are the most common causes. Until a definitive diagnosis is made, the correct treatment is not known. If the problem is ongoing, a veterinary visit is the best way to determine what is causing the problem and then prescribe appropriate treatment.
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85 I have a 2 month old puppy, Border Collie and Pit Bull mix. For the last 2 weeks she has been scratching a lot and has sores all over her body. She has also been losing her hair. Is she allergic to something or does she have a thyroid problem? Could you please let me know. If dogs are itching and also have sores on their skin they may have an infection. Another possibility is skin parasites such as fleas and ticks. Although endocrine dysfunction is possible it is not as likely a differential diagnosis in a young dog. A visit to your veterinarian should help determine the cause of the itching, sores and hair loss. Then your veterinarian can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
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86 My poodle received a grooming today. He got all his hair cut very low due to the severe matting. He has been acting strange: He runs quickly and jumps as if something is itching or chasing him. Is this normal after a grooming is done? If his coat was very matted his skin could have been irritated and in combination with the grooming and bathing he may have some discomfort. In some cases it subsides after a few days. In other situations a veterinary visit is needed to treat the irritation.
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87 My white German Shepherd continually sheds excessively, both in clumps and just hair. Is there something I can give him to lessen or stop the shedding? Many German shepherds have a dense undercoat and will shed that out twice yearly. Shedding can often be reduced by weekly grooming. In other situations bathing the dog will help remove the loose hair and keep shedding to a minimum for several months. Finally, some dogs have skin disease or allergies which increase their shedding and need veterinary attention.
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88 I have a 5-yr old Shepard mix and one day recently her nail/claw fell completely off. After it fell off she was left with a small nail that was underneath her original nail. Could you please tell me what could have caused the nail to fall off? She doesn't walk on tar/concrete alot, mostly grass. From time to time a dog may shed a nail and it may fall off with little trauma. In other situations a nail may become injured after getting caught on something. When that happens it can tear away from the nail bed and fall off. If there is no bleeding, swelling or inflammation, she may have just shed her nail. If the area is red or tender she should be examined by your veterinarian.
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89 Why does my Labrador lick, scratch, and chew so much? There are several reasons a dog may lick and scratch their skin. In the course of normal grooming a dog will lick and scratch themselves to remove dirt and other material from the skin, coat and feet. A dog may also scratch and lick due to an allergy to something in the environment or his food. Finally, dogs will scratch and itch from skin parasites such as fleas and ticks. A veterinary visit should help determine the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
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