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Why is my dog so itchy with scabs and hair loss despite many shampoos?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 3 years and 11 months old | 7 lbs

Dog is itchy and has some scabs and has lost majority of hair in lower back and stomach. This has been ongoing problem for a month we have tried many different shampoos. We have tried shampoos with Hydrocortisone, natural shampoos, medicated for extreme itching, and skin infections and none seem to work.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on September 1st, 2017

I'm so sorry you are having this problem with Boo. It sounds like you have tried everything topical that should work, so it is probably time to look at treating him internally. I have attached a handout below about allergies and itching. You didn't mention if you have treated Boo for fleas or had him evaluated for mites. Both of those need to be considered as well as allergies. If you treated him with a topical flea product (even a water proof one), it has likely been washed off with the multiple baths. I think it's time to talk to your vet about what your options are for internal treatment. There are a number of older and newer medications out there (some prescription and some over the counter) that may be helpful. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2604 Please let me know if that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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