The histamines cause the itching. Atarax, another anti-histamine, is available by prescription. Some dogs need stronger medication to break the itch cycle. Veterinarians may prescribe a steroid drug such as prednisone to depress the immune system so that histamines are not produced. Steroids have several potentially serious side effects, so should be used sparingly and only under veterinary supervision.
Some dogs develop lesions as a result of constant scratching.
These lesions can become infected and require antibiotic treatment. Skin parasites Mange mites, fleas, and ticks can cause disease in dogs. Demodectic and sarcoptic mange mites live under the skin and cause irritation and hair loss. There is some suspicion that susceptibility to demodectic mange mite infestation is inherited because the disease manifests in puppies and dogs that may have compromised immune systems. This mite burrows under the skin to lay its eggs.