folks, I’m really starting to get worried about my dog, Bella. For the past week or so, she’s been scratching like crazy, especially in the evenings, and I’ve started noticing red patches on her belly. It’s around the time the weather’s changing, so I’m wondering if it’s some kind of seasonal allergy or something? I've switched her food a couple of months ago but didn’t notice any issues until now. I try to keep her away from grass as much as I can, but it’s like nothing is helping. Have any of you dealt with this kind of thing before? I’m feeling pretty clueless about what to do next, and watching her so uncomfortable is really stressing me out. Any suggestions or advice would be amazing!
Thanks for reaching out! It sounds like you're dealing with a possible skin allergy in your dog, and that can definitely be concerning. Skin allergies are quite common in dogs and can be caused by a range of factors such as environmental allergens (like pollen or dust mites), food sensitivities, or even contact with certain materials or products.
You might notice your dog scratching more than usual, licking or biting specific areas, or having red or inflamed skin. Sometimes, there may also be hair loss or flaky skin involved.
For at-home care, you can try gently bathing your dog with a hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based shampoo to soothe the skin. Make sure to rinse thoroughly and dry well. Additionally, washing your dog’s bedding regularly helps minimize allergens. If you suspect a food allergy, consider discussing an elimination diet with a vet to identify the culprit.
Keep an eye out for symptoms that worsen, such as open sores, excessive redness, swelling, or if your dog seems in distress, as these require prompt veterinary care.
I recommend setting up a video consult with Dial A Vet so we can get a better understanding of what's going on and suggest more tailored advice.
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's
not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely.
For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our
content guidelines.