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My dog keeps biting his paws and tail. Is it allergies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 6 months old | 12 lbs

My dog keeps biting his back paws and chasing his tail. I already checked his paws for anything stuck between his toes, but its all clean. He does it too often for it to be normal, I think anyway.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 1st, 2017

Hello, sorry to hear about Dodger. It sounds like he may have allergies which are causing him to be very itchy. Allergies in dogs can be associated with flea allergy dermatitis, environmental allergies, and food allergies. This can be controlled with allergy medications, religious flea control, and a food trial to assess for food allergies. The first step is to have Dodger examined by your veterinarian for any evidence of fleas. If none, your veterinarian can prescribe you medications to control his itchiness. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 19th, 2019

    Oliver sounds very itchy. This itching could be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, I can give you one for him. First, I would give him 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 his 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 he is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking him 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 Casey Smallwood

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 9th, 2018

    I'm sorry to hear about Milo and his itchiness! Typically, biting near the base of the tail is a sign of itchiness and can often indicate fleas even though you cannot see any. In addition, he may a multitude of conditions such as concurrent skin infection or allergies that are making him extra itchy. It is recommended that he see your regular vet to not only start on an appropriate flea/tick control regiment but also address the other issues. Your vet may elect to check his skin or hair for any signs of infection as well as prescribe medications for any possible infection, start on a medicated shampoo, or even start an allergy medication to help with the itching. I hope Milo starts to feel better soon!

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