Dog's Irritated / Itchy Skin (Licking it Bald)

Dog's Irritated / Itchy Skin (Licking it Bald) - Flea Allergy Dermatitis

by Christine G.
(Austin, TX)

My 7lbs./5 year old, male chihuahua has been licking/biting his legs excessively - more so on the front legs, but has now started on the back legs as well for about two weeks now.

-->

His legs look dry and irritated, the fur is sparse where he's been licking so much and he has the "dirt" spots on his underbelly (from fleas, I'm presuming. There are a lot of cats at my complex that are indoor/outdoor cats).

I do find a few fleas when I check his fur, but the scratching seems excessive for the number of fleas I'm finding on him. I've been bathing him about twice a week and have applied Advantix. It's not helping.

What can I do to ease my poor dog's discomfort and rid the fleas (if that's what it is) at the same time?

Thanks for you time and help.
~Christine

Comments for
Dog's Irritated / Itchy Skin (Licking it Bald) - Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Click here to add your own comments

My Online Vet Response to Itchy Skin-licking it bald
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Christine,
You did not include a picture, but it sounds like your little Chihuahua has a clear case of Flea Allergy Dermatitis. It only takes one flea to make a dog with an allergy to fleas scratch non-stop.
-->
Advantix is not a very effective repellent for fleas.(It is more useful to repel ticks.)It is also not a very holistic treatment, either. And bathing twice a week may be drying out your little one's skin. Make sure you are using a mild shampoo with oatmeal, which is helpful for itchy skin.

Check out our page on flea allergy for more details.
http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/dog-skin-conditions.html#Parasites

And also the page for Flea Control.

Note that fleas are parasites and are attracted to sick animals. If you are able to improve your little one's health by improving the diet, decreasing vaccinations, and removing stress, and by also contacting a holistic veterinarian for other alternative treatments, the fleas will no longer be attracted to him.

See our section on diet (includes good homemade and store-bought diet options), then go to Alternative Dog Care - Locate a Vet in Your Area to find a holistic veterinarian near you.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

X Close Editor

Rating

Submitted by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Title

Comment
 <span style="clear:both;"> <div class="AdSenseBoxMid" id="mid_add">  <script type='text/javascript'> GA_googleFillSlot("OPD-sbi-c2-template-CONTENT-midleft-300x250-wrap"); </script> </div> </span> Hi Christine, You did not include a picture, but it sounds like your little Chihuahua has a clear case of <a href="http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/dog-skin-allergies.html#flea_allergy_dermatitis">Flea Allergy Dermatitis</a>. It only takes one flea to make a dog with an allergy to fleas scratch non-stop.  </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </span> --> Advantix is not a very effective repellent for fleas.(It is more useful to repel ticks.)It is also not a very holistic treatment, either. And bathing twice a week may be drying out your little one's skin. Make sure you are using a <a href="http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/dog-skin-rash.html#Treatments">mild shampoo with oatmeal</a>, which is helpful for itchy skin. Check out our <a href="http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/dog-skin-conditions.html#Parasites">page on flea allergy</a> for more details. http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/dog-skin-conditions.html#Parasites And also the page for <a href="http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/natural-flea-control-for-pets.html">Flea Control</a>. Note that fleas are parasites and are attracted to sick animals. If you are able to improve your little one's health by improving the diet, decreasing vaccinations, and removing stress, and by also contacting a holistic veterinarian for other alternative treatments, the fleas will no longer be attracted to him. See our <a href="http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/10-best-dog-food.html">section on diet</a> (includes good homemade and store-bought diet options), then go to <a href="http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/animal-care-dog-holistic.html#Locate">Alternative Dog Care - Locate a Vet in Your Area</a> to find a holistic veterinarian near you. Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below. Take care, Dr. Carol Jean Tillman DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask a Vet Online via My Online Vet (SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED FOR NEW QUESTIONS)

Want to ask our veterinarians a question but haven't subscribed to My Online Vet? Click here to learn how or click here to go back to the Ask a Vet Online Library of questions.

Want monthly "News You Can Use" and important Organic Pet Digest new content updates? Click here to sign up for our FREE Dog Care Monthly newsletter.

For additional research, search for your topic...

Also see...

OPD's Site Map of Dog Care Topics

Back to Organic Pet Digest Dog Care Home Page

Disclaimers: The information contained in this web site is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as nor should be relied upon as medical advice. Rather, it is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a pet owner/site visitor and his/her local veterinarian(s). Before you use any of the information provided in the site, you should seek the advice of a qualified professional.

In the spirit of full disclosure, we wanted to let you know that we proudly support this website through advertising and affiliate marketing. In other words, when you click on a link that takes you outside of this website, we often earn a small commission. These small commissions allow us to keep the site up and running and to continue offering it completely free of charge to you. Rest assured that all content, recommendations and advice are created before, and are independent of, any sponsorship or affiliate relationship. Click here for more info.

Vet Care

Food & Treats

Illnesses & Remedies

Health & Wellness

Pet Friendly Travel

Grooming

Product Reviews

OPD Community