Why is my dog scratching excessively at night? Fleas, dry skin, or allergies?

Question

My dog has been scratching excessively for the last two nights and only at night. Fleas or dry skin? If dry skin, what can I do to help her? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 8 months old

David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS · Accepted Answer

Dry skin is usually not the reason of the itchiness, it's part of more complicated condition that causes both itchiness and dry skin. Scratching can be caused by various reasons such as fleas, mites ,fungal infection, bacterial infection and allergies. the first 4 needs to be ruled out before we start treating for allergies. in order to do that first de-flea Luna with a high quality flea treatment such as advantage spot on, if it doesn't help - take her to the vet in order to check for/treat the other possibilities. If everything is ruled out, then an allergy treatment can be started. Usually an hypoallergenic food is a good way to start together with anti histamines. if it doesn't help - the best solution is a medication called Apoquel which treats allergies with great success and without side effects.

Why is my dog scratching excessively at night? Fleas, dry skin, or allergies?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?

My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?

My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?

My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?

My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?

Share