Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog acts like bugs are in her fur. Is it fear or a health issue?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 2 years and 1 month old | 25 lbs

I think my dog has a paranoia of bees/wasps/flies, she keeps whipping around and freaking out like there is one in her fur, even when there isn't. When she was younger, one got stuck in her fur and she had a hard time getting it out, and she has been paranoid of them since. How do I make her not paranoid?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on December 23, 2018

While that is a possibility, I would also be concerned that there is something causing her some pain, such as an irritated patch of skin, a sore muscle, or even an internal problem, especially if she whips around, flinches, or seems otherwise in distress at times. It's a good idea to rule out any issues with a checkup from your vet just to make sure this isn't the case.

If she checks out healthy, trying to distract her or redirect the behavior to something else (such as chewing on a favorite toy or treat) may help to break the habit and distract her away from it. If she actively scratches or bites the spot, an Elizabethan (cone) collar or t-shirt can also help keep her from irritating the area further.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog is scratching her neck non-stop. Is it fleas or something else?

If your dog is scratching that often, I would be concerned something is irritating her. She could have fleas or an allergy causing irritation, but we would also be concerned about itching in the ears (can look like they are scratching the neck when they are trying to get the ears) or the oral cavity (teeth). You can try looking at the ears (into the ear canal) and mouth for any signs of pain/discomfort/discharge/odor. If these are present, a visit to the vet is in order. If they are not, then you could try starting a flea preventative. If no improvement is seen, then a visit to your vet is needed.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog eating air and staring strangely? I have bites too!

This sounds like fly biting activity. Dogs with this disorder seem to have hallucinations: they chase flying items only they can see. You have to consider many underlying medical and behavioral reasons for this behavior. * attention seeking * ocular disease * seizures * metabolic or toxic or neoplastic diseases These all need to be ruled out but the most common reason is seizures. ( http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/flybite/flybite.html ) I suggest you seek help from your veterinarian.

Updated on September 23, 2025

My dog has skin bumps like bug bites but isn't itching. What's wrong?

Dingo's skin lesions look most suspicious for a bacterial skin infection. These infections often develop as a result of itching or licking from underlying allergies to fleas, food or the environment. Even though you haven't noticed Dingo itching herself, some dogs will hide from their owners and only scratch when they are alone. (I realize this sounds crazy - but it is quite common!) Make sure that Dingo is receiving a high quality flea and tick preventative (such as Nexgard, Bravecto or K9 Advantix II) regularly. She will need to go to her vet because these lesions typically require oral antibiotics for resolution. I hope that all goes well!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog suddenly acting scared, jumpy, and running from nothing?

It could be lots of things, a sound only Miki can hear, itching from fleas or allergies, pain, etc. If this behavior continues in 24 hours, it is a good idea to have him examined by a vet for any possible medical causes.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

Restless, biting paw, barking, tufted fur: Is my dog sick or bored?

The tuffed hair is interesting and the fact that he is restless. I would be suspicious of fleas, skin mites or perhaps allergies causing him to be itchy and that's why he won;t settle down. I recommend to have him examined by the veterinarian to get the most accurate and fastest diagnosis. They can also provide medication like Apoquel or Cytopoint to help with itching quickly. I hope this helps.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog struggling to walk, itching, and acting scared?

If he seems weak in his rear legs it is possible that he has a spinal injury or some kind of trauma. I don't think that itching would be related however - it's also possible that he has fleas or another skin condition and that the itching is what is making him walk abnormally. I'd recommend having a vet examine him to determine what is going on.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog acting strange with skin holes after flea treatment?

I recommend you get him checked by your vet - it is likely the damaged skin has become infected and very painful, hence the biting and snapping towards the area. It is likely he will need antibacterial and antifungal washes and possibly antiinflammatory medication to allow the skin to heal. An omega fatty acid supplement and rigorous flea prevention (including household flea spray to kill the eggs and larvae) are also recommended

Updated on September 23, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share