Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

How to stop my dog from licking, scratching, and biting her sores?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Bulldog | Female | spayed | 10 years and 4 months old | 45 lbs

My dog has sores all over her body.We keep cleaning them,but she will not stop licking,scratching and biting herself.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2017

It sounds like your dog may be suffering from a form of dermatitis likely related to allergy. Unfortunately this is not something you can treat at home. She will likely need antibiotics and steroids to settle the skin. A visit to the vets would be the best option.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Scratching and sores can be caused by various reasons such as fleas, mites ,fungal infection, bacterial infection and allergies. the first 4 needs to be ruled out before we start treating for allergies. in order to do that first de-flea Amber with a high quality flea treatment such as advantage spot on, if it doesn't help - take her to the vet in order to check for/treat the other possibilities. If everything is ruled out, then an allergy treatment can be started. Usually an hypoallergenic food is a good way to start together with anti histamines. if it doesn't help - the best solution is a medication called Apoquel which treats allergies with great success and without side effects.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored