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My puppy won't stop itching; what's causing this persistent skin issue?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 1 day old | 22 lbs

My 3 month old lab puppy scratches all the time. I have been to the vet and he said mange the first time. Puppy pyoderma the second time and he is back to mange again. My dog is not losing his hair and my other dogs are not catching mange, if that is what he has. I have changed his food, wash his blankets in just hot water, given him antibiotics, steroids, Benadryl, 2 different internal flea and tick meds and he gets no relief. He gets fish oil, coconut oil, raw goats milk and he still itches.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA

Veterinarian

Published on September 7th, 2017

The only way to definitively diagnose mange (Demodex) is by skin scrapings which should be repeated every 2-3 weeks during treatment until 2 negative skin scrapings are found. Make sure that the flea and tick medication prescribed will also treat mites (milbemycin or moxidectin) and keep in mind that the dosage frequency is different for mite treatment than it is for flea preventative. Treatment needs to continue for 1-2 months after there is a negative skin scraping. Steroids are usually contraindicated in treatment of Demodex. Demodex mites are not contagious to other animals so your other dogs may not be affected.

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Finn. Skin problems can be frustrating. There are two types of mites that can cause mange and only one is contagious. Labs also tend to be prone to allergies or stops, especially more dilute colors like chocolate labs or silver labs. If Finn isn't responding to therapy you may want to discuss referral to a veterinary dermatologist or allergy work up next. https://vcahospitals.com/montgomery-road/services/primary-care/allergy-and-itchy-skin-relief I hope Finn is better soon. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach! Commonly, puppies with mites will develop secondary skin infections such as pyoderma. This skin infection can make them quite uncomfortable. Generally, I like to have my puppies with mites come back for multiple visits every 2-3 weeks for repeat skin scrapings post-treatment to ensure the mites are no longer present. If you have not been going in for recheck appointments to see if the mite infection is resolving, I would recommend doing this and continue treatment for mites until Finn has 2 negative skin scrapes (test used to check for mites). If the mites have resolved and so has the skin infection, it might be time to visit a dermatologist for a second opinion, especially if Finn has gone through all of the treatments you have mentioned. On a side note, if Finn is still infected with skin mites, he should not be given a steroid as this can lower the immune system and make the mites worse. I hope this helps! I hope Finn finds relief soon! Please feel free to contact me with any other questions or concerns you may have. I am also available via phone or text consultation.

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