Why is my dog so itchy with red, flaky skin patches in summer?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 10 years and 4 months old | 40 lbs
Hello, My dog during the summer gets a really bad itchy red flaky patch on his lower back near his tail, around the back of his legs, his lower stomach and around his bum. He's constantly itching and we've tried medicated shampoo, washed him and brushed but it won't go?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 24th, 2017
Hi there and thank you for your question. The first thing that needs to be completely ruled out first is a flea allergy. It only takes one flea to induce a flea allergy. Having Sam on a efficacious year round preventative will very beneficial. If after a few months of using a flea preventative and the patch does not dissipate or improve, then I could be suspicious about a seasonal allergy (like grass or pollen or rag weed, etc). A veterinarian can be able to determine what other environmental allergy he has through an allergy test. Once that has been determined, Sam can be on the appropriate treatment (allergy injections or certain medications can help). First rule out flea allergy though by having Sam on a month to month preventative!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 3rd, 2018
Hello and thank you very much for your inquiry. Because you are experiencing seasonal type of itching, this helps to narrow down our possible list of diagnoses. The possible causes of your itching are: flea allergy dermatitis, environmental allergies, and contact dermatitis. The first thing that I would absolutely recommend is that you have your dogs on a prescription veterinary flea preventative every single month including the winter months. Flea bite dermatitis can be worse in the summer if use dart flea preventative’s then and skip the rest of the year. Next, take a wet wash cloth and wipe down both of your dogs every morning and every night from head to tail to feet just to remove possible allergens that may have collected on them that would cause the itching. Lastly, if those two things do not work, then you are veterinarian will be able to give an anti-itch injection that should last for the duration of the summer and make your dogs feel a lot better. Thanks a lot for your question. Have a great day.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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