My pitbull scratches and chews raw despite flea meds and food change?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• 

  Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 9th, 2019

  Pets can scratch for many reasons including parasites, allergies and skin infections. Check the area he is scratching for any signs of pathology such as redness, dry skin or scabs. Have him examined if these are seen. You can also check him for fleas: https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-check-your-pet-for-fleas-and-ticks/ You can treat him for fleas and I recommend to ask your veterinarian about an oral product like Simparica because it's one of the best on the market. You can also try giving him an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for pets but it may not correct the underlying cause. This can however improve over all skin health. There are two brands of food, Royal Canin and Nutro, which are aimed at skin health and they may help as well but again, they may not affect the underlying problem. Have Jimmy examined if the itching continues beyond 2 weeks. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• 

  Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on December 17th, 2018

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While that is possible, that would be rather unusual. This is possibly due to allergies. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• 

  Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 21st, 2017

  He could definitely have seasonal allergies and you could talk to your vet about using an anti-histamine, corticosteroid, or a new allergy medication called Apoquel. If he has a secondary bacterial skin infection then he will also need an antibiotic to treat the infection. You could also use Free Form Snip Tips to help keep his coat and skin healthy. https://www.bayerdvm.com/show.aspx/productdetail/free-form-snip-tips-and-liquid

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful