My dog chews fur off, leaving bald spots, scabs, and raw skin. Why?

Question

My dog has chewed all his hair off his back legs and most of lower back has a nasty scab/raw skin on bald lower back and when he eats its like somethi. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered

Angel Alvarado, LVT · Accepted Answer

Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Rule out parasites, infection or allergies. Since his chewing has broken the skin, he is at risk for a skin infection and may require antibiotics. Your vet can also prescribe a short course of steroids to break the itch cycle then can dispense or recommend an antihistamine to prevent the itchiness from returning. Some antihistamines work better than others in different dogs, so you will need to find the one that works best. A pet approved colloidal oatmeal bath can also soothe itchy, red skin. Consider adding an essential fatty acid supplement (usually a fish oil) to his diet to promote healthy skin. EFAs may also decrease inflammation. Search www.pet360.com for fish oil supplements. If your vet diagnoses allergies. Your task is to try to determine what he is allergic to and decrease or eliminate it. Discuss food elimination trials and allergy testing with your vet.

My dog chews fur off, leaving bald spots, scabs, and raw skin. Why?

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