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Why is my puppy biting her back raw and bleeding? What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 8 months and 1 day old | 120 lbs

my dog is biting herself up to the point where her back is raw and bleeding her and the other pups play fight alot idk if that can be a reason why she is the way she is but she just keeps biting at it and i dont want to leave it untreated her name is bella she is 9 months old

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 10th, 2019

Poor Bella sounds very itchy! 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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