My dog has bites and is itchy, but no fleas. What could it be?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to self-trauma from him biting/chewing at his skin.This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

  

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  Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 31st, 2019

  Chewing at the paws is actually a sign of allergies in dogs. He could have an allergy to something in his food or something in the environment. Discuss with your veterinarian on treatment options for pets with alleriges. There are several medications that can be prescribed to help with this. If it is a mild allergy, then your vet may suggest antihistamines to try first. I would also recommend wiping Buddy's feet with baby wipes when he comes in from outside. This helps remove any possible allergens from his haircoat and can help reduce some of his symptoms if he has an environmental allergy. Here is more information on allergies in pets --> https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951475 I hope that you are able to manage Buddy's allergies well soon! Best of luck and take care.

  

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  Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on December 8th, 2016

  Poor Jasper! There must be a reason he is biting his paws. Maybe he has an allergy that is making him itchy and/or an infection associated with the allergy. Talk to your vet about trying an anti-histamine, corticosteroid, and/or an antibiotic and see if that makes a difference. If that doesn't help than maybe he has an anxiety causing him to bite and lick at his paws and your vet could try a medication, like Trazodone to see if that helps. If your vet is not able to help than you could find a different vet and get a second opinion or take him to a veterinary dermatologist. You could also put him on a hypoallergenic food (like z/d or d/d) and see if that helps. Hope his problem is diagnosed and treated soon!

  

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  Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 7th, 2018

  Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Licking / chewing at legs could be due to allergies, stress or an obsessive compulsive behavior. If he does not do this consistently and the legs look healthy (no irritation or swelling) then I would just keep an eye on this behavior. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. If the chewing / licking worsens I would have a veterinarian examine him so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful