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Why is my dog constantly scratching with hair loss? Steroids not working.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 80 lbs

Our German Shepherd dog,Jake has had this skin condition for over a year. It looks exactly like Hotspot but we've been told it isn't. He has loss of hair, scratches more or less constantly. The vet has him on steroids which have more or less stopped working. Please help or advise if you can. We are very grateful. Thankyou

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on November 22nd, 2017

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Jake! Here are my recommendations: Jake should be on a good oral flea/tick medication year round in case flea allergic (Nexgard, Bravecto or Simparcia, I would have a skin scrape performed to rule out scabies, I would have him tested for ring worm, if he is older I would have full blood work done and consider having an area biopsied. If all that comes back negative then he likely has allergies. I would then put him on a prescription hydrolyzed diet (Royal canin HP or Purina HA or Hill's z.d). Consider having him allergy tested with a Veterinary dermatologist. If he is positive for environmental allergens then allergy serum can be started. Also I would get him off steroids and try apoquel or cytopoint. A lot of allergy dogs need multiple medications and a diet for life. I also like all my allergy patients on a good Omega 3 fish oil. I like http://vrshealth.com/canine-products/omegadog/. Your Vet also should be sure he is free of all bacterial and yeast infections. I hope this helps and I wish Jake the best!

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