My dog won't stop scratching and biting himself. What's wrong?

Question

My dog is a 4 year old Welsh Terrier, and for 2 years he has been harming himself- scratching and biting his paws, inner legs and anywhere he can reach. We’ve been to the vets multiple times but it’s very expensive and nothing is helping! When he is on steroids it stops, but he isn’t himself. It is not allergies as he is on antihistamine tablets and special food. It’s all year round. Nothing gets him to stop- I would really appreciate any help at all! Thank you! Pet's info: Dog | Welsh Terrier | Male | neutered | 4 years old

Dr. Elizabeth · Accepted Answer

These issues for Wilf could be several things including allergies to fleas, allergies to something in the environment, food allergy or endocrine disease. Without knowing further information, it's hard to know how best to advise. Parasites are often ruled out with an oral medication like Simparica. Food allergy is best ruled out with a proper diet trial using a hydrolyzed protein diet. 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. If your normal veterinarian cannot determine the underlying cause, I recommend referral to a dermatologist. Wilf may need a blood or intradermal testing to look for environmental allergies since not all dogs respond to antihistamines, some need immunotherapy. Also, if you have not conducted a proper diet trial with the hydrolyzed protein, this would be a good idea. 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 Wilf wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

My dog won't stop scratching and biting himself. What's wrong?

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