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Why is my dog still scratching, licking, and scooting after treatment?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Cocker Spaniel | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 7 months old | 19.5 lbs

My 1 year old cocker spaniel was diagnosed with yeast dermatitis in July, the vet tried 2 antibiotics, shampoos and a steroid. He still scratches and digs often, (not as much as before) and now scoots his butt and licks his areas often. He does pee on his front legs every time he pees, by cleaning his legs it keeps his skin moist and I'm affraid we are keeping his inf. Going. We changed his food from generic chicken to purina smart one fish. But still digging and scrat. and licking. Any ideas?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

Published on January 5th, 2017

Sounds like Jack has skin allergies or what we refer to as atopy in dogs. As far as the licking and scooting, he may have an anal sac infection or inflammation. You need to have your veterinarian check his anal glands and discuss referral to a veterinary dermatologist for intradermal skin testing. The skin test determines exactly what Jack is allergic to and allows your veterinarian to formulate a vaccine that can treat him long term,. The goal here is to prevent chronic or recurring skin infections.

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