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Why is my dog scratching, losing fur and weight despite vet care?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Husky | Male | unneutered | 1 year old | 40 lbs

My dog has been scratching to the point where he rips out his fur and makes himself bleed, he lost alot of weight, i took him to the vet and they said it was allergy, at first they gave him steroids and it didn't work then they gave him pills for two weeks and it helped a little but came back worse once he was off them, I bought him a cone so he wouldn't hurt himself but he finds away around it and it gets bad, he has no fleas, he started to eat better bu he just doesn't gain weight?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 16th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry that Zero is so sick! I would make sure that your Vet has done a skin scrape to check for mites under a microscope. Even if they don’t see any mites I would treat anyway. Nexgard monthly will get demodex and injectable ivermectin will get scabies. Sometimes if an animal is spending all of its time scratching they can lose weight. After treating prophylactically for mites I would try a prescription diet for food allergies, allergy test and make sure any skin infection is treated. Cytopoint and apoquel are good choices for skin allergies. I hope this helps! Good luck!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 31st, 2017

    Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am worried that your Yokyok could have a virus called Distemper Virus. If he is not vaccinated this is more of a worry as well. This is a very bad disease that may not be fixable. I would suggest getting Yokyok seen by a vet right away. Otherwise, he could have worms and mange. You can try deworming him, and see if that helps him put on weight, and also get a product for fleas and mange/mites. This may help with the skin. Yokyok however looks very sick and if there is a vet in your area I would recommend having him seen as soon as possible. Best of luck with Yokyok.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 31st, 2017

    Yes, he is definitely unwell and should be assessed by a vet to determine exactly what is going on. I would be suspicious he may have sarcoptic mange which causes such severe itching that they will lose sight from the pain and effort

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