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My dog has itchy skin, bumps, and swollen paws. Is it allergies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | 2 years and 5 months old | 60 lbs

My dog is Pitbull male he has swollen Paws he's biting his tail his feet always licking scratching he's got bumps as well they they bleed scratching and biting his attitude is fine he still plays eat real good and we go everywherehe he goes everywhere I go he is my kid I'm disabled and he looks out for me and I try to look out for him I just can't afford to vet

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 19th, 2018

I am sorry to hear about your pup. One of our major rule-outs/possible causes in these cases is an allergy. We can have allergies to things in the environment like grass, pollen, dust (called atopy) or food allergies. We can also have flea bite hypersensitivity where just one or two flea bites can make a dog break out all over and itch. Often a secondary skin infection with bacteria or yeast develops in these cases, which require antibiotic therapy. There are some lower cost antibiotics available ahttp://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.htmls generic drugs at many grocery stores, so if you let your vet know your financial limitations, they can try to find the most cost effective options. Sometimes once the secondary infection is under control the itching may be managed with a lower cost drug like an antihistamine such as hydroxyzine, benadryl, or zyrtec, along with a fatty acid supplement. Being on an effective flea preventative is also crucial in these cases. You can read more about allergies at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952662 . I would look around to see if there are any low cost clinics in your area. Sometimes the human society or APL or ASPCA will have these. Some vet clinics will also take payment plans or work with companies like Care Credit to offer payment plans. You can read more about ideas to help pay for vet care at http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html

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    Answered By Mara Howard, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 3rd, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Monstle is having skin issues. Bumps like you are describing may be hives, which could be secondary to allergies. Additionally, it could be due to skin parasites (fleas or mites), an infection (bacterial or fungal) or another underlying issue. I would recommend he be evaluated by his regular veterinarian to determine what the underlying cause for the bumps is, and start any treatment (antihistamine, anti-itch medication, antibiotic, parasiticide) that may be needed to help resolve it. Good luck!

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