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My dog's skin is red, itchy, and flares up. What's the best advice?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 3 years and 8 months old | 70 lbs

My dog has always had irritated skin I’ve changed his diet which helped a bunch and a hot spot and itch relief but sometimes it just flares up so much and i get really overwhelmed & I bet he does too. He gets really red and itchy and i just don’t know what it is or to do. I’ve gone to the vets near by but all they say is it’s some type of dermatitis or whatever I just don’t know what I do what is your best advice ?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on May 23rd, 2019

Those spots on Basil 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 a 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 are unlikely to 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 Basil wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 28th, 2019

    Those spots on Charlie 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 next steps. It sounds like your vet is already ruling out flea allergy. 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 his diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. Ask your vet about an antihistamine. Also protect the area from trauma by having Charlie wear an elizabethan collar at all times. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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