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Hello, My dog is scratching herself all over the body causing irritation and scars in her armpit area and belly, she also excessively bites and licks her paws. Should I be worried? Also should I seek professional advice on what's wrong with her or does she need medical attention?

Hello, My dog is scratching herself all over the body causing irritation and scars in her armpit area and belly, she also excessively bites and licks her paws. Should I be worried? Also should I seek professional advice on what's wrong with her or does she need medical attention?

Updated On April 9th, 2020

Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Female | 25 lbs

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

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Poor Navy! This scratching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatment, I can give you one for her. First, I would give her 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 her 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 she is up to date on her flea treatment, I recommend taking her 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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