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My dog keeps scratching her belly and has red spots. Is it allergies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 11 lbs

My dog keeps scratching the side of her belly with her feet, I can tell she’s itchy and uncomfortable and she ends up with red spots . This occurred couple months ago but a lot more severe and she got allergy shots . I just want to know what this could be

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 12th, 2017

Poor girl. This is what appears to be a skin allergy which can be to something in the environment or something in her food. The top food allergens are chicken, turkey, beef or lamb. I would suggest a prescription diet which is controlled and proven effective for food allergies. My top picks are Royal Canin Ultamino, Royal Canin skin support, or Hill’s Z/D ultra. California natural by Natura can also be tried without a prescription card. Here is a website link with more info on food trials in pets to rule out a food allergy. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2499 For immediate relief I would recommend a topical shampoo (Duoxo calm shampoo) and allergy medicine (ie Apoquel) from your local vet. It can take anywhere from 6-12 months on average for allergy shots to start becoming effective in pets and usually around 75% of pets respond to these. I hope this helps and best of luck getting Simba relief from her allergies. Take care.

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