My dog is itching but I'm pretty sure that she doesn't have fleas. What is it?

Question

My dog has been scratching herself a lot lately. She only does it when she is not being walked, pet, fed, or otherwise stimulated. She mostly does it when she is lying around. She itches like she has fleas but I keep using a special comb on her and I can't find any bugs or eggs. I've had dogs with fleas before so I know what it looks like. Once there was some dander but that's it. She has itched so much that her hindquarters are getting sore and she snaps at our other dog when he goes near her. She also licks her paws sometimes.

Obviously I will take her to the vet ASAP but I want answers now. One thing is that I got a new dog last week. He is a puppy. Could he have carried that demodex mange into the house? He is not itching like her (so I really doubt it is fleas) but I think that demodex only affects dogs with compromised immune systems. She is also a bit stressed about the new pup so that may be a factor. I haven't ruled out food allergies either.

Answer 1

I'm going through the same thing with my dog right now. First, is your dog on a flea medication? Sometimes fleas bite and don't stay on the animal, so it's a good idea to completely rule fleas out. Environmental allergies are really hard to pinpoint. Make sure you keep her clean and try to keep her nose out of flowers and things that can cause allergies.

My vet prescribed an anti-inflammatory steroid (prednisone) for temporary relief. I don't like the idea of my dog being on a steriod, so I'm going to try switching foods. I've heard great things about grain-free food like evo, but I haven't tried it with my dog yet. My vet suggested a prescription brand duck & potato, but I don't care for the brand because it is on the recall list. If you do change to a different food with better ingredients, make sure the treats you give her don't have any of the ingredients you're trying to avoid.

Good luck!

PS Gold bond powder & cream seem to help to temporarily alleviate itchiness. Bitter apple on the paws can deter paw chewing, too.

Answer 2

I can't really say what is causing her itching or whether it is a allergies, an infection, or something else BUT I can tell you what I did when my golden was itchy all the time. Feed the dog a holistic food such as Nutro Utra. Refrain from giving table food, as that could end up with an allergic reaction.
But the thing that has helped the most, I think, is the weekly bath that I give him with an iodine based shampoo. There are a few equine iodine based shampoos that are completely safe for dogs. Leave the shampoo on for a good 10 minutes before rinsing. My dog has done a 180 as far as itching goes.
Good Luck.

Answer 3

This statement made me think it might be some type of boredom/anxiety issue "She only does it when she is not being walked, pet, fed, or otherwise stimulated. She mostly does it when she is lying around."
Your dog may have anxiety over the new pet. However, it is also possible she has mange or some other skin irritation. Try to rule out skin problems first, though. If there are no skin problems found then ask your dog if the problem is behavioral. Explain when your dog tends to scratch and for how long.

Answer 4

If it's not fleas. It's probably dry skin or allergies. Try Omega-3 capsules. You can poke a hole and sprinkle the vitamins in the dogs food or just leave the capsule in the food. If it's allergies she will need antihistamines. Probably Benidryl (like we use) HOWEVER! It is VERY easy to over dose an animal on human meds so DO NOT give your dog any OTC drugs with out the OK from your vet.

Answer 5

This is not a question that can be answered like this. There is to many options on what could be wrong. Try to make the dog as comfortable as possible. If you can get some dog hot spot spray to ease the itching and pain of this until you can get her to the vet. Clean the open wounds first. then apply this should get her through the night a little more easily.

Answer 6

The most likely problem is a food allergy. This is very common in dogs and is the primary reason for their skin irritations.
Your vet will likely do a food switch to a "novel" protein diet, like lamb & rice, venison, duck, etc. Away from chicken or corn as a test.
When the primary protein source is changed and the skin is treated, then she can be monitored for reoccurance. Occasionally it requires changing protein sources more than once.
Ask your vet about this approach. I hope it helps.

Answer 7

those are the symptoms of mange and yes even if it is not a puppy it can get it from other dogs mine had it as a pup and she did not itch but lost hair in certain places. Also if you dog is licking its paws with everything you described it could be allergies my g-ma's dog did that and it was some thing in the dirt by their house some sort of mineral

Answer 8

crazy, but true, could be a form of OCD and she may do it out of boredom. check for rashes, it could also be may flies or an allergy to almost anything, but sounds like OCD. My cat has it and licks himself and plastic from bags. Don't be conned into meds if the vet suggests, try toys like a stuffed animal, something she can connect with for a sense of companionship. Works for my cat and doberman. Still talk to the vet, but be weary of meds. Once the animal is hooked, just like a person, it becomes an addiction. Meds are good for some animals, but then be prepared for $$$$$$ to shell out. Maybe look into pet insurance that covers meds.
Good Luck

Answer 9

The puppy might indeed be a carrier. But I doubt it, since he isn't ill.

You more likely have food allergies or simple dry skin: Some dogs have that.

Answer 10

She could be allergic to some kind of plant in your yard...or even something thats being used in the grass it could be a number of things if it isnt demodex then its most definitley between your yard and the food