Severe Itching & Hair Loss in Dogs

Allergies and Irritants

• Your dog may have an allergic reaction to exposure to antibiotic ointments, poison ivy, metals, rubber, wool or plastic. He may also have a reaction to contact with chemicals such as dyes, cleaners or carpet deodorizers. You may see small bumps or blisters on his skin, and it may be red from his repeated scratching. Chronic cases result in hair loss. Treatments include steroids or antihistamines and restriction of contact with the allergen or irritant.

Inhalants and Food

• If your dog inhales something she is allergic to such as dust mites, pollen or mold, she may react by licking certain areas that are accessible, such as her feet, to relieve the itch. She may have inflamed, itchy ears and her skin may be red. Infections and hot spots can also develop along with hair loss. The same type of reaction may be the result of a food allergy. Treatment is administration of antihistamines or medicinal shampoos and reducing her exposure to the allergen.

Mange

• Demodectic mange is the result of an infection from the demodex mite. This usually occurs when your dog has a deficient immune system. It results in scaliness, blisters, redness, ulcers, darkening of the skin, itching and hair loss. Infections from the scarcoptic mite involves similar symptoms. Treatment for both types of mange involves a medication called Amitraz, which is administered by dipping the dog in the solution.

Drugs

• Sometimes a reaction to a drug or injection can occur. This happens more frequently with sulfonamides, penicillins and cephalosporins and can occur anytime within two weeks of administration of the drug. Symptoms include redness, swelling, blisters, ulcers, crusts, itching and hair loss. The drug should be discontinued immediately, followed by treatment of the symptoms.

Flea Allergy

• Your dog may be allergic to fleas. This occurs when she is allergic to the saliva of the flea. Symptoms include redness, itching, hair loss, blisters, crusts, scales and, in some cases, infection or hot spots. She should be treated with steroids and antihistamines to relieve the itching and appropriate flea control on both the dog and her environment is necessary to avoid a recurrence.

Pelodera Dermatitis

• Pelodera dermatitis occurs by infection from the larvae of a non-parasitic worm that is present in organic material such as straw. It only affects the areas of the dog that touch the ground and results in itching, hair loss, redness, blisters, crusts and scales. Treatment includes removal and cleaning of his bedding, using an antibacterial shampoo and administration of steroids to control his itching if necessary.