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My dog is biting hair off her back legs and butt. Why is she itchy?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 6 years and 4 months old | 30 lbs

My dog is biting the hair off her back legs and top of her butt. We haven't changed food or shampoo and our other dog isn't have any itching issues. We want to relieve her of the itch but don't know what is causing it

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 16th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Typically dogs scratch those areas when they have fleas. Even if you aren't seeing fleas it doesn't mean they aren't there. I recommend getting all pets in the home on monthly prevention every 30 days for at least 3 months. I would call your vet for a dose of Benadryl too. If the Benadryl doesn't help, she may need something stronger to relieve the itch. Good luck and kisses to Meka!

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4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Amber W

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on January 18th, 2018

    Storm could be exhibiting these behaviors for a few reasons including allergies, skin infection, mites, fleas, or behavioral issues. If Storm isn't already on a quality flea preventative like Bravecto, Advantix, or Vectra it would be a good idea to start right away. You may also want to get an Adaptil collar to help reduce the anxiety that can sometimes lead to this behavior. You can also try distraction by giving Storm a Kong stuffed with a treat whenever Storm starts this behavior. It would also be a good idea to have Storm examined by a veterinarian incase allergies or a skin infection is going on. She may need medication to fully resolve the issue. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 2nd, 2019

    Poor Chewie! This itching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatment, I can give you one for her. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If she is up to date on her flea treatment, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 6th, 2018

    This is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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