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My dog keeps scratching herself raw and has open wounds. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 60 lbs

I have a labrador mix who has been scratching herself for about 5 years. Recently she has scratched herself do much and hard she has opened up wounds on her ear and leg. She regularly gets a bath, about once a month, we've tried flea and tick shampoo, spray and powder. To no avail, i am worried. What can i do?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on July 19th, 2017

Poor Lucee! Excessive itching to the point of causing wounds like this can be caused by a number of different skin conditions. Some common possibilities would include allergies (food allergies, or an allergy to something in the environment), a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so it's important to get a diagnosis first. I would recommend taking Lucee to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to. He/she can do some simple skin tests to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate medication to treat it. In the meantime, you can try bathing her in an aloe and oatmeal dog shampoo to soothe her skin - this will not treat the underlying medical problem causing the itching, but it may help to make her a bit more comfortable until you are able to see the vet. You may also need to place an e-collar (plastic cone) on her to prevent her from continuing to scratch and bite herself, since this will only make things worse.

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