Why Are My Dogs Itching? No fleas.?

Question

I have 2 dogs... both are itchy all over (neck, back, belly, feet, etc). Both dogs are otherwise healthy and 3-4 years of age.

When they started scratching, we immediately treated both of them with Advantage assuming it was fleas. But they are still scratching and we gave them the Advantage a couple weeks ago.

We keep looking through their fur for any indication of disease... but none seen. No fleas, flea dirt, hair loss, open sores, etc. Just a bit of redness at the scratching site.

Both dogs have a history of mild allergy problems. I have been treating them with Benadryl and it seems to help some.

What else could be causing the itching?

Answer 1

my cats get itchy from air conditioning

Answer 2

You have it right, it's probably just allergies, or something they are picking up from outside. Do you notice it's gets worse in the summer? Our Golden is like that, the vet has no clear indications but some summers it gets so bad she starts to scratch raw spots.

It can also be fungus, bacteria, or just itchy from grass. We spray her belly and between her legs with anti-bacterial spray regularly, this summer she's had no raw scratch spots, but she still gets itchy.  

Answer 3

Not sure what brand of dog food you are feeding them, you can also buy some fish oil that will help there coat and skin just cut the capsules open and mix in there food or you can just put a little olive oil too, also not sure how often you bath them either it might be there skin is dry and irritable. IF the oil does not help the scratching problem its always good for there coat.. I am no Vet.. if problem continues take them to the vet :P

Answer 4

besides the allergies, they probably have dry skin.  Do you bathe them alot?  If so, don't.  Just keep them brushed.

Answer 5

Don't give the dogs human Benadryl. It sounds like your dogs have a grass allergy. Take your dogs to the vet and the vet will probably give you a pill to give to your dogs. It could also be a yeast infection if they are girls. In that case, you will need to wipe the infected site with antibacterial pads. If they are boys, it ISN'T a yeast infection.  

Answer 6

It could be ringworm. If it gets worse you will notice fur loss and red circular soars. Look up ways to treat it if that happens. Keep giving them benadryl in case it is an allergic reaction.  

Answer 7

Benadryl will help the symptoms, but not cure the problem.  It is probably a food allergy.  Try a good pet store, high protein, no grain food.  Also give them some Omega3 every day.  I think it will clear up.  Please do not let the vets start giving them steroid shots !!!!!!

Answer 8

It could be caused by dry skin.  You could try to use a conditioner that mosturizes the skin when you use it.  Also, you might be bathing it too often.  Be sure that you allow for the natural oils of the dog to exist for a few weeks between baths.

Answer 9

I doubt it is anything other than the allergies..

Answer 10

it may be a skin probleme bring him to thevet you might unfortunatly have to put a cone on him

Answer 11

There are many reasons besides fleas for a dog to itch.Dirt can cause dry skin=dry skin makes the dogs itch.How often do you wash your dogs?If often it could be you are not rinseing all the soap off (thats a must do) I would get some oatmeal based shampoo and go from there at least if its some thing on there skin you will be able to remove it.If it continues then look into food allergeys,maybe there is a certain grain in there food they have a problem with such as wheat or corn if so change foods get some thing like d**k Van Pattons duck & Sweet Potatoe food.You did not say there breed?Some breeds have many skin problems like Shar Pei for example and they need fish based oils to keep there skin itch free other dogs can use things such as Mirro Coat or Grizzley oil it puts the omega 3 & 6 oils into there coats and really makes them shine on top of it.Hope this helps.Tilks Mom