Our Black Lab is always scratching herself. She does appear have flies or a skin condition. What could it be?

Question

Sorry she does not appear to have fleas or a skin condition. LOL

Answer 1

Fleas, insect bites, hot spots, mange, dry skin, and other conditions do cause dogs to itch and scratch a lot, but it could also be allergies.

A lot of dogs have allergies to certain kinds of foods, grass, pollens, dust, household chemicals, etc. Scratching and chewing their paws is a very common symptom of allergies.
Only your vet can accurately diagnose it as allergies.

If it is allergies and it is severe, you may have to do an elimination diet (food allergies account for about 10% of all dog allergies) or a scratch test to determine what she's reacting to. If it is mild, there are some products that can make her feel better. Here's a few:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/pet_supplies.cfm?c=3307+10629

Answer 2

Some animals will have an allergy to grass, pollen, etc. This will cause excessive scratching, even when there is no noticable cause. If they scratch at certain times of the year, but not at others, it's probably allergies. Have the vet check her out. They can give her a steroid shot that will alleviate the itchiness, before she develops a skin infection from the scratching. Good luck.

Answer 3

This time of year is big for alergies...try switching to an allergy formula dog food. Wellness brand Simple Solutions helps clear up a lot of allergy problems in dogs.

Also, it could be nervousness, that she does not get enough physical & mental stimulation. Dogs need to be played with & exercised every day, if not they often develope bad habits..for some it's barking, jumping, chewing, for others it's self-destruction, like scratching herself incesently. A lab is a high energy breed, I would try swtiching to the above mentioned dog food (can't get at Petsmart/Petco, you will need to look it up on line for a local distributor) & increasing her daily activity, even if it's just a short walk in the AM, or playing fetch first thing every morning.

Answer 4

I work at a vet clinic the most obvious thing is she has a flea allergy my dog has that go to the vet and if they suspect what i do theyll give her a shot which helps... Or try by a bitter spray they dont like the taste so they wont bite....

Answer 5

My parents' dogs had that happen to them too every Fall. Its something in the dead leaves on the ground that can irritate their skin. You could call your vet and ask for a special shampoo that could help it.

Good luck with it!

Answer 6

.she could just have a lot of loose hair .Give her a good brush .she should feel a lot better then wash and reapply flea drops that should do the trick

Answer 7

For appropriate treatment for whatever it is, you need to make a trip to the vet. Expert advice is always best.

Answer 8

A Black Lab IS NOT a cat, so please (in the future, maybe) put your questions under the correct label. it makes it so much easier.

Answer 9

has she mites