Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog is constantly scratching, not food allergies. What's next?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog is scratching and licking constantly. We first thought a food allergy but have tried numerous brands of grain free (including the blue buffalo brand), I only bathe him monthly to avoid drying his skin out but wipe him down every night since he has free range of a large yard. We have tried fish oil but he gets bad diarrhea. I just don't know what else to do and I feel so bad for him

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 9th, 2016

Poor pup! It sounds like you are trying a lot to help him. He could have environmental allergies, fleas, or mites causing the itching. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, he will need a spot on treatment such as Advantage or Revolution. You will need to disinfect the environment as well. If he is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking him into the vet for an exam. The vet can do blood tests and skin scrapings diagnose allergies or mites. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. I recommend taking him into the vet tomorrow during normal business hours.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 18th, 2017

    If Diesel does not have fleas, then he may have allergies causing this constant scratching. Food allergies are not common in dogs, so it may be an environmental allergy causing his scratching. I would recommend having him seen by a vet for this, as dogs will allergies can benefit from medications such as steroids or Apoquel. Have him seen by a vet tomorrow to diagnose what is causing his scratching so he can be treated. I hope this helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Lotus Altholtz

    Veterinarian, Board-Certified Lab Animal Medicine Specialist

    Published on February 24th, 2019

    I recommend seeing a different vet for a consult re: environmental allergies and starting a prescription Apoquel allergy medicine trial and or trying Cytopoint, a monthly allergy shot. Licking of the paws is often a symptom of environmental allergies. I also recommend having the vet express Marley’s anal glands as allergic dogs often have anal glands filling up frequently. Lastly I recommend starting him on an Ora flea/tick preventative such as Nexgard, Simparica or Bravecto (all much more effective than topical flea/tick preventatives) to rule out flea bite dermatitis. Keeping him on VetriScience Derma Strength natural anti-inflammatory chews will likely help as well! Good luck!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 7th, 2018

    This is probably due to a severe allergy, although it could also be fleas or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat Hazel Rojas with a high quality flea treatment (e.g. Advantage), then get her to the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try discovering the cause of the allergy. Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair the skin lesions (steroids and antibiotics). simultaneously you should start her on a prescription hypoallergenic diet for at least 2 months. Hopefully you will see some results after all this, if not you and your vet should consider putting her on a long term allergy treatment (Atopica or Apoquel).

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored