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Why is my dog constantly itching, scratching, and chewing her skin?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 3 years and 4 months old | 65 lbs

My German Shepherd has been having itchy skin on and off in varying places for a couple weeks. It seems to get better and then it gets worse in a different spot. She itches insanely at times. Soemtimes chewing, licking and scratching. The area doesnt seem to cause her any pain, but does feel almost like she's sweating. Her mood and behavior is still normal. Just itchy.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 10th, 2019

Poor Siggi! This itching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatment, I can give you one for her. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If she is up to date on her flea treatment, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. I hope this helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 17th, 2019

    Poor Dakk! This itching could be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, I can give you one for him. First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If he is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking him into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Best of luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 17th, 2019

    Jackie's itching could be several things including allergies, skin mites, flea bites, ringworm (which humans can get) or a bacterial infection. 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 his diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. You can wash him with an oatmeal type pet shampoo and conditioner. Treat him for fleas to be safe. If the itching doesn't start to get better within about 2 weeks or if it gets worse, have him examined by the veterinarian who may prescribe medications. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on March 19th, 2017

    Poor Max! There are a number of different skin problems that can cause excessive itching and flaky skin like this. Some common possibilities would include allergies, fleas, a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so I would recommend taking him to the vet for an exam when you are able to - he/she can do some simple skin tests to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate medication to treat it. In the meantime, you could try bathing him in an aloe and oatmeal dog shampoo to help soothe his skin - this will not treat the underlying problem, but it may help to give him some temporary relief until you are able to see the vet.

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