My dog has dry, itchy skin and hair loss. Could it be allergies?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 11 months old | 82 lbs
I've took my German shepherd × border collie mix to the vet for her skin problems, they're not ticks, nor fleas. She had really dry skin, itches alot, I've tried giving her a better diet and come omega vitamins. Then they said it was allergies to the outsides, then inside tr hey keep bs.. can someone please help? All of her hair is basically gone and red sores all over her body
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 6th, 2019
Allergies can be frustrating to diagnose and treat, for the pet, the pet owner, and the veterinarian! It is the most common cause for itching in dogs. Medications like Apoquel can eliminate the itch due to allergies, though it won't work if there is a secondary bacterial or yeast infection. Food allergies won't be treated simply by a better diet, they need to be strictly on a prescription hypoallergenic diet without other dog or human treats, and even then it can take 3-6 weeks to see positive effects. Until then, anti-itch medications, steroids, or shampoos/topical mousses can be used to minimize the itch and treat any present infection. I would recommend continuing to work with your vet to find the best solution to Toes's itch issue.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 1st, 2020
There is likely an underlying problem. The vinegar may help temporarily but it will not fix the underlying condition. There are a few reasons for chronic itching and they 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 itching 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 his diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. Also protect the area from trauma by having Maverick wear an elizabethan collar at all times. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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