Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog has summer skin issues: itching, scratching, fur loss. Help!

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | unspayed | 7 years and 7 months old | 55 lbs

I have 2 adult Labs, who every summer start itching and scratching. The develop what looks like "cradle cap" on their skin, and chew fur out. Any ideas on what this is and what do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Chad Brown, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 3rd, 2018

Hello and thank you very much for your inquiry. Because you are experiencing seasonal type of itching, this helps to narrow down our possible list of diagnoses. The possible causes of your itching are: flea allergy dermatitis, environmental allergies, and contact dermatitis. The first thing that I would absolutely recommend is that you have your dogs on a prescription veterinary flea preventative every single month including the winter months. Flea bite dermatitis can be worse in the summer if use dart flea preventative’s then and skip the rest of the year. Next, take a wet wash cloth and wipe down both of your dogs every morning and every night from head to tail to feet just to remove possible allergens that may have collected on them that would cause the itching. Lastly, if those two things do not work, then you are veterinarian will be able to give an anti-itch injection that should last for the duration of the summer and make your dogs feel a lot better. Thanks a lot for your question. Have a great day.

Vote icon

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 4th, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dogs. If the itching is seasonal, then an environmental allergy is most likely. This can be due to grasses, weeds, pollens, etc. There is allergy testing that can be done to help detect the offending allergens. Other options for controlling their symptoms are anti-itch medications. There are several options you can discuss with their veterinarian. Apoquel is a tablet given daily to control the itching. Cytopoint is an injection that will decrease the itching for 4-8 weeks. Depending on how long they are affected each season will help you decide between these options. I hope this information helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

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
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?
Worried about your pet degu's white pustule? A certified vet discusses this potential skin infection, explains why not to pop it, and guides your next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?
Pet still itching after treatment? A Petco vet clarifies it may not be ear mites. Discover effective solutions like Revolution or consulting an exotic vet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?
Dambo's weight loss, rough breathing, and mucus worry you? A Petco veterinarian addresses these concerning symptoms and recommends urgent professional care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?
Nike's worsening sores and constant scratching worry his owner. A certified Petco veterinarian offers expert guidance on potential causes like bacterial infections and next steps.
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