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My pug is itching like crazy, but has no fleas or rash. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | neutered | 3 months and 4 days old | 17 lbs

My pug keeps itching but doesn't have fleas or a rash?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 15th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petcoach! Scratching can be very frustrating when you don't see a reason why! If it is not fleas and there are no other outward signs (rash, pustules, missing hair) it still could be allergies. Hunter could be allergic to the protein in his food (the meat protein not necessarily grains) or to something in the environment. Fleas can also be subtle. It can only take ONE flea bite to set off an scratch response especially if the dog is allergic to flea saliva. So be sure he is on a good flea preventative. I would reach out to your Vet and see what they recommend for Hunter, he is little and young so a lot of drugs are not right for him.. You could try bathing him to see if that helps. I've attached a link of one I would recommend. Good luck and I hope this helped. https://www.chewy.com/virbac-epi-soothe-pet-cream-rinse-16/dp/105972?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=f&utm_content=Virbac&utm_term=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxfr1rNTZ1QIVT7nACh2_4AGpEAYYBSABEgLUuvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 18th, 2018

    I am sorry to hear about Franklin! There are many possible causes for itching in dogs. We can have itching due to external parasites such as fleas, and even if you aren't seeing fleas on your dog just one or two bites can then make them very itchy. We can have allergies to things like pollen and grass (often worse in the spring) or food ingredients. Skin mites and yeast or fungal infection can also cause itching. If Franklin isn't already on a flea preventative I would talk to his vet about starting a flea preventative such as Comfortis or Nexgaurd. You could also try bathing with a colloidal oatmeal shampoo and creme rinse such as Epi-soothe, and starting a fatty acid supplement which can make the skin less inflammed/itchy. You can pick these up at a pet store, your vet's office, or online. If the itching doesn't improve or Frankline develops sores or redness, a vet visit is recommended. You can read more about itching at https://www.vin.com/veterinarypartner/default.aspx?pid=19239&species=All&id=4951477

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