My dog has itchy skin. What can I use to soothe her scratching?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  Published on December 21st, 2017

  You can try a few things to see if it helps Luna's skin. You could switch her food to Royal Canin or Nutro as these diets have additional additives for skin. You can also add in an essential fatty acid and washing her in an oatmeal shampoo as well as conditioner (use one for dogs). If you have any other questions, please post again!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 21st, 2019

  The cause of Luna's skin problems could be several things including allergies to fleas, allergies to something in the environment, food allergy or endocrine disease. Each one of these problems is detected and addressed differently and I recommend to discuss with your veterinarian which one to start hunting down first. Parasites are often ruled out with an oral medication like Simparica. Food allergy is best ruled out with a diet trial using a hydrolyzed protein. Endocrine diseases are detected with blood work. Environmental allergies are a little more difficult to detect but a response to therapy or a blood test can give an indication. Once you figure out and address the underlying cause, the lesions should not come back. There are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they may not address the underlying cause. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing her diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. Also protect the area from trauma by having Luna wear an elizabethan collar at all times if needed I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful