2025-03-26 07:11:58

My dog's skin

My dog has always curled up in a donut shape, and because of all the fur, I couldn’t really see what was going on — but it looked like they were biting themselves. I thought maybe they were just scratching gently with their front teeth because they were itchy.

They would also bite at their paws, and whenever they did that, I would stop them with my hand, since their paws would get red. I should have stopped them from scratching their back too, but I assumed it was fine since I couldn’t see anything through the fur. I only blocked them occasionally.

Recently, I had their fur trimmed, and I noticed scratch wounds on their back, and I felt so bad for not noticing sooner. Before the haircut, it didn’t seem like there were any wounds because the fur hid everything.

Could you please tell me why they might be scratching like this, and what I can do to help?

Dr.s Diagnosis

Based on your description and the image, your dog's scratching and skin irritation are likely due to one of a few common issues: 1. Fleas: The small black specks in the fur, are likely flea dirt (feces). Even a few fleas can cause intense itching in sensitive dogs. 2. Allergies: Dogs can develop allergies to food ingredients (like chicken or beef), environmental allergens (pollen, dust mites), or contact allergens (shampoos, cleaning products). Allergies often manifest as skin problems. 3. Mites: Microscopic mites like *Sarcoptes* (scabies) or *Demodex* can cause intense itching and skin lesions. *Sarcoptes* is highly contagious to other animals and humans. 4. Dry Skin: Dry skin can cause itchiness, especially in the winter months. Here are some steps you can take to help your dog: * Flea Treatment: Use a vet-approved flea treatment. * Hygiene: Bathe your dog. Use hypoallergenic shampoo made for dogs with sensitive skin. * Diet Change: Consider switching to a limited-ingredient diet. * Monitor: If symptoms persist, the best course of action is to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.