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My dog scratches, licks paws, rubs butt, and sneezes. Is it allergies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 9 years and 1 month old | 14 lbs

Dog scratches face/ears + licks her paws. Also rubs butt on floor. Not constant or severe nor does she cause trauma to the skin. Head shaking as well. Taken to vet 3 weeks ago and given MalAcetic Otic for ear infection and Revolution. Vet did not think she had scabies but just in case gave the meds. 2nd dose of Rev. given 5 days ago. Since she had no sores or scabs + is not scratching intensely, how will I know if she had scabies and the revolution worked? Sneezes/runny nose. Could be allergy?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 29th, 2017

It could be definitely allergies. You should have seen some type of improvement (even a small amount) in Lola if it was scabies. I would talk to your veterinarian about allergy medication. There are some great options now including daily pills (Apoquel) and monthly injections (Cytopoint). I would also have her anal glands expressed to see if she feels more comfortable and stops rubbing her butt on the ground. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on November 30th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely 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. 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). 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!

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