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My dog has a skin condition. He is itchy and his skin is flaking off. He itches constantly all day long. His hair is falling out. The biggest problem areas are all along the top of his back down onto his tail. What do you think is his issue?

My dog has a skin condition. He is itchy and his skin is flaking off. He itches constantly all day long. His hair is falling out. The biggest problem areas are all along the top of his back down onto his tail. What do you think is his issue?

Updated On March 1st, 2020

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 7 months old | 30 lbs

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

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Poor Max. This scratching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, I can give you one for him. First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If he is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking him into the vet for an exam tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

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