Your dog may be suffering from a flea allergy even if you haven’t noticed fleas. [3] X Research source Gail Kunkle and Richard Halliwell, “Flea Allergy and Flea Control,” in BSAVA Manual of Small Animal Dermatology, 2nd edition, ed. Aiden P. Foster and Carol S. Foyle (Gloucester: British Small Animal veterinary Association, 2003). Your dog may be allergic to flea saliva and severe skin disease can develop after only one or two bites.
Some of the benefits of bathing an itchy dog include the following:[6] X Research source Unclogging hair follicles by removing dirt, oil and other debris. Decreasing yeast and bacteria on the surface of the skin, which are frequently cause skin itching. Removing potential allergens from the coat. Moisturizing the skin. Improving the health of the skin. If you have applied a topical flea preventative or plan to apply one, read the medication’s label directions with regard to bathing. Some products require that the dog has not been bathed for 24 to 48 hours before application, and most recommend waiting to bathe a dog for a specific period of time after application.
Your vet will probably also prescribe medications to treat the itchiness caused by the infection. These may include corticosteroids or antifungal medications. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Look for special pet wet wipes that are designed to combat dog yeast infections. There are several available without prescription. Wipe the areas most affected by the infection (such as paws or armpits) with the wipes twice daily.
In studies, antihistamines helped less than 30 percent of treated dogs with itchy skin caused by environmental allergies. [9] X Research source Anita Patel and Peter Forsythe, Small Animal Dermatology (Philadelphia: Saunders/Elsevier: 2008). Antihistamines may or may not be less effective at treating other causes of itching. They’re best used as preventatives for dogs with known allergies and in combination with other therapies. [10] X Research source Anita Patel and Peter Forsythe, Small Animal Dermatology (Philadelphia: Saunders/Elsevier: 2008). Here are the current dose recommendations for OTC antihistamines:[11] X Research source Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): 1 mg/ lb twice a day. Chlorpheniramine in dogs less than 45 lbs: 4 mg three times per day. Chlorpheniramine in dogs over 45 lbs: 8 mg three times per day. Fexofenadine (Allegra): 1 mg/ lb once or twice a day.
Make sure you don’t feed anything but the specific diet during this period of time, no treats, no table scraps. Take care when re-introducing food to your dog. Once you have determined what your dog is allergic to, reintroduce the food and watch for symptoms to reappear, confirming your diagnosis. [13] X Research source
Parasites, including lice, mites and fleas. Bacterial and yeast infections. These only occur when the skin is damaged or made vulnerable by some underlying disease or allergy. Food allergies. [14] X Expert Source Cameron ThompsenDog Trainer Expert Interview. 31 March 2022. Environmental allergies. Hypersensitivity to tick or insect bites. [15] X Research source Less common causes include autoimmune diseases, endocrine diseases, certain cancers and others. [16] X Research source
For example, if you have a cocker spaniel, you may learn that he is likely to get food allergies at some point in his life. You’ll most likely notice itching on his ears and feet if he does have a food allergy. [18] X Research source
Itchy skin in a dog may be a symptom of any number of health problems. This means that diagnosing and treating your dog’s specific problem requires a step-wise approach. This will rule out causes of itching starting with the most common and progressing to rarer potential causes.
How long the dog has lived with you. Where you got the dog. How long the dog has been itchy and whether the problem has improved, gotten worse, remained constant or tended to wax and wane. Where on the body the dog seems to be itchy. The dog’s current and past diets and any treats, table food or other food you give the pet. Where the dog spends its time (in the house, in the yard, roaming the woods, swimming in pools or natural bodies of water, etc. ) Contact the dog has with other animals, including other household pets, wild animals in the yard or the woods and other dogs at the kennel, the groomer, the dog park or other places. Whether or not other pets or people in the household are itchy. Whether or not the dog has had problems with itching in the past. Whether or not the itching seems to be seasonal. The dog’s medications, including flea and heartworm preventatives, prescription medications, topical ointments and shampoos, over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Any symptoms other than itching. Any steps, including bathing, supplements, diet, drugs, topical therapy, clipping and others, you have taken to try to control the itching and the dog’s response to these interventions.
While some vets discourage it, other vets will recommend allergy testing for your dog. Testing is very expensive and may not be accurate since the tests were initially designed for humans. [20] X Research source For this reason, elimination diets are usually used to determine allergies. [21] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
When dealing with an itchy dog, it is important to be patient and follow your veterinarian’s plan, including giving the dog all prescribed treatments. [23] X Research source Karen A. Moriello, “How to Stop Itching in Shelter and Foster Home Dogs. " In the long-run, your dog will have the best chance of making a full recovery if you follow a careful plan and rule out causes of itching in a logical order.
If your dog is allergic to dust, be sure to vacuum the rugs, curtains, and upholstery in your house at least twice a week using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. You should also wash your dog’s bedding once a week. [25] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source If your dog has a pollen or airborne allergy, your vet might give an allergy injection. This will help build your dog’s resistance to the allergen. Bathe your dog every two to three days to remove the allergens from his coat.
In the meantime, try washing and grooming your dog at least once a week. Ask your vet if you should use a flea shampoo.
