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09/06/07

Why does my dog scratch even when clean?
Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM

My dog scratches his under body all the time even
though he is clean and is bathed one time every two weeks.
What’s happening?

VR
Jakarta, Indonesia

Several things could be going on here. Allergic reactions are a leading cause of itching in pets. Your pet could be reacting to fleas (the all-time number one cause of skin problems in warm climates), his shampoo, or his bedding. As well, food or pollen allergies could be playing a role.

However, there is another problem that is common in Indonesia and other tropical countries and it could be causing your dog’s symptoms. It is called scabies.

Scabies is caused by a type of parasite that infests the skin. This leads to severe itching, especially on the abdomen and lower portion of the body. Based on your description of your dog’s problems, I am worried that your dog may have scabies.

Scabies can spread to people. I recommend that you have the matter checked out for your dog’s sake as well as your own.

Fortunately, scabies is treatable, either with special dips (shampoos) or with medications. So are most of the other syndromes that might be causing your dog’s problems.

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< Previous Is it wise to switch a dog’s food regularly? How do you cut an uncooperative dog’s nails? Next >