If your dog is exhibiting one or all of the following signs,

 

• Scratching, biting and chewing at the skin or its paw

• Excessive face-rubbing

• Hair loss

• Sneezing, coughing and asthma

• Recurring ear infections 

• Excessive grooming

 

then most likely he is plagued one of the following causes:

 

Contact Allergy (Sensitive skin)

• Certain plants or even grass

• Plastics or even metals

• Shampoos, soaps, detergent, disinfectant etc.

​ Food Allergy

• Certain dog food diet may induce allergy, especially from the protein source. One way to test if food allergy is cause of the scratching is to put the dog on a hypoallergenic diet for 2-3 months.
   

 Insect Bites

• Flea bites – Flea can be passed from one dog to another. It can also bite humans around the legs and cause intense irritation. Fleas can be rid off using Frontline Plus.

• Tick bites – Ticks are especially active in places where there are large quantity of greenery & warm. They not only cause skin irritation but can also transmit life threatening blood-borne infection such as tick fever. Ticks can be easily rid off using Frontline Plus.

•  Ant bites or any other biting insects

 

Skin Problems

• Ringworm – This infection attacks when the immune system is low and can be spread from dogs to human. A combination of antibiotics and shampoo is required as treatment.

• Demodex (Mange) – These are mites that exist in the hair follicles of the dog skin and attack when their immune system is low especially in the very young, very old or sick dogs. There will be hair loss and secondary bacterial infections. A combination of shampoo and medication/ injections is required to treat this condition over a few months.

• Scabies – These are mites that cause intense skin irritations to the dog and can be spread from pets to human upon contact.

• Cheyletiella – These are bigger sized mites that bury themselves into the skin layer and cause irritation and itchiness. They look like “drandruff” on the body. It can also be spread to human upon contact. Pest control is also needed to clean up the home environment.

 

Action to take:

Bring the dog to the veterinarian. Their advice will range from taking medication such as antibiotics, steroids, anti-fungal, anti-itch to changing shampoo and diet and rendering injections.