Why is my dog itching her ears and paws? Is it allergies or fleas?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on April 22nd, 2018

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). The Royal canin ultamino is great for food allergies. If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 10th, 2017

  Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Trisha! It's hard to say 100% in the pictures but Trisha may have a skin infection which can make scratching worse. She likely has underlying allergies. I can tell from the pictures that she likely licks excessively too (the fur around her vulva is red brown which is salivary staining). Plus you mentioned that she is an itchy dog in general. This time of year can also be hard on dogs with allergies. Allergies can be from food allergies (especially if allergy symptoms occur year round) or environmental allergies or atopy (also year round but can be exasperated by food or environmental allergies). I always tell my clients that a lot of dogs need to be on a few medications plus a diet change to keep them comfortable. First things first, she needs to be checked by your vet for infection. If she has a bacterial skin infection she will likely be put on an antibiotic. To rule out food allergies as the cause of her scratching I recommend changing her diet to a novel protein. Avoid chicken and choose either venison, duck or a fish. She need to EXCLUSIVELY eat just that protein, which means no table scraps or treats that don't contain the protein that you choose. You need to give the diet 2-3 months. Then I usually tell clients that their pets will then be on an antihistamine, likely apoquel (for the scratching), Omega 3 fish oils and maybe a medicated shampoo long-term. Allergies are frustrating and most pets need to be on something life long to keep them comfortable. I recommend starting with an appointment with your Vet Monday. i wish you the best and hope that Trisha feels comfortable soon!

  

  3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Maria DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 31st, 2017

  Poor Trisha! Itching is always so uncomfortable! Due to your location and time of year, there could always be a concern for allergies. Frontline plus is good and I always recommend keeping on flea prevention all year round to eliminate the possibility of fleas, especially in a dog that itches a lot. I would recommend talking to your veterinarian about the possibility of allergies in Trisha. There are great new options from daily medication to injections monthly that can help Trisha get some relief. I hope she is feeling much better soon! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful