Itching dogs can be a diagnostic challenge!
At the shelter we first rule out skin parasites that can cause itching, such as fleas, lice, and mange. We often need antibiotics initially to get secondary skin infections from the scratching under control.
As a safety precaution we usually treat our itching dogs with Revolution, a spot on anti-parasite treatment. We also test these patients for allergies with a blood test by Heska to identify any allergens.
If they test positive they are treated with a hypoallergenic serum to treat the allergy. In addition all of our dogs are on a unique protein (bison) food with millet and brown rice as the carbohydrate source to help eliminate potential food allergies.
If all of these efforts do not stop the itching we will use fish oil supplements, anti-histamines, and prednisone to alleviate the symptoms.