My Maltese dog has severe itching, Benadryl doesn't work. What's next?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | unspayed | 8 years and 9 months old | 5 lbs
My maltese has a really bad itching problem. We thought at first that it was fleas causing it, but as she's gotten older and as we've done treatments, she doesn't have any fleas, and her scratching is still horrible. She does it to the point to where she makes herself raw and bleed and we've tried everything from skin treatments, to allergy medicine and itch sprays/creams. Our vet always tells us to just give her benadryl, but even it doesn't work. Is there anything else we could try? TIA.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 20th, 2018
It sounds like poor Cheyenne is very uncomfortable! I'd recommend getting her an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist. They are experts in allergies, and they can run tests to identify exactly what is causing her allergies and therefore prescribe the best treatment that will hopefully give her some relief. Speak to your vet about a referral to a veterinary dermatologist. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on June 28th, 2017
This looks like a skin condition secondary to allergies and she likely has a secondary skin infection. You can try 1/2 tablet of an adult Benadryl (25mg) to see if this helps with itching. I would also contact your vet for an exam as she will likely need some oral antibiotics and she may need some stronger allergy medicine like apoquel to help her. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on February 28th, 2018
Continue the baths with a medicated shampoo once to twice a week. His skin does seem infected with possible bacterial and yeast. Your vet can check his thyroid to make sure that is not low as that can make infections worse You can try to keep neosporin or cortisone cream in the bad spots to provide some relief. His skin appears dry. Adding omega 3 fatty acids and fish oils tibthe food can help. Also you can apply vitamin e to the skin to help
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 3rd, 2017
You can give her 50mg Benadryl (two 25mg adult tablets) to help her. If she isn't feelin better by tomorrow I would see your vet. Your vet can prescribe a stronger allergy medicine if needed. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Good evening what is a good product for my dog chewy to stop itching my vet told me Benadryl
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