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Constant dog itching: vet visits, food changes, still no relief?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 50 lbs

He can not quit itching like something is biting him but there is nothing there wr have two other dogs that do not itch. He has been to vet got shots cortisone or something switched food, nothing works.please help!

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren M. Jones, VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 9th, 2017

Poor Deogi! Intense itching could be due to a number of conditions, with some of the more common causes including allergies (often to fleas, food, or environmental factors), ringworm, or mange. Make sure that Deogi and your other two dogs are all receiving a high quality flea preventative regularly, such as Nexgard, Bravecto, or K9 Advantix II. Dogs with flea allergies can become intensely itchy after just a few flea bites, so it is best to make sure that this is not an issue. It can take a minimum of 6-8 weeks to determine if a change in diet has been effective in managing itching or other skin changes. Consider talking to your vet about a diet trial with a prescription-based hypoallergenic diet because food allergies are often a result of an allergy to the protein in the foods. You can also try bathing Deogi every few days with an antimicrobial/anti-itch shampoo ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27980 ) because this may provide some relief. Also consider wiping his feet each time he comes inside to remove as much pollen/plant material as possible. If this itching continues, Deogi will need to go back to his vet for further evaluation and diagnostic testing to get to the bottom of this issue. I hope that all goes well!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on September 30th, 2018

    It's important to find the reason for the itching to be successful at treatment. Common causes are fleas, mange, lice, infections (bacterial or yeast), ringworm, allergies (fleas, food, environmental), among others. For severe itching, Fluffy may need prescription medications like prednisone or Apoquel. The vet may need to check for mites. Make sure Fluffy is on a good quality monthly flea preventative.

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 18th, 2017

    Intense itching is usually due to one of two things: 1) Mange - an infestation of a microscopic mite. 2) Allergies - These are most commonly caused by environmental allergens (i.e. pollens) and can arise suddenly. It is definitely worth visiting the vet for this condition. They can identify what the exact cause is and help keep him from getting worse. They will at-least be able to give him medication that will make him itch less. In the meantime, you can give cool water baths to help give a little relief. I hope that helps and Rhett gets better soon.

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 27th, 2019

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Kobe. He will need to see a veterinarian to determine the source of his itching. It can be due to external parasites such as fleas or even internal parasites such as intestinal worms. Allergies to his diet or environment can also cause intense itching. After his veterinarian examines him, then treatment can be prescribed. There are anti-itch medications for dogs, but the primary problem needs to be addressed as well. In the meantime, you can bathe him with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula to soothe the skin. He may need to wear an E-collar as well to prevent any self-trauma as well. I hope this information helps!

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