Q: I have a 6 yr old min pin who has scratched himself bald on his back. No new food, no new treats no new shampoo or flea treatment. Will 1% hydrocortisone cream hurt him as a temporary itch stop?

A: Pets can abnormally lose hair and be very itchy from a number of different causes ranging from infection (bacterial, fungal) to external parasite infection (fleas, mites) to allergic reaction or other underlying medical conditions.
Here, in Florida, flea allergy hypersensitivity is often seen, and pets are frequently itchy in the area around the lower back, base of tail, and hind legs, although they can also be generally itchy all over the body.
I would recommend scheduling an appointment with a Veterinarian to determine the cause of your pet's itching and hair-loss. Your Vet may recommend additional diagnostic tests based on their physical exam findings that day. Your doctor will discuss these other tests with you at the time of your exam.
Hydrocortisone cream is a non-specific anti-inflammatory agent. While this cream may not hurt your pet, it will not treat the underlying cause of the itching. Hydrocortisone cream may reduce the severity of your pets itching, but make sure you wash your hands after you apply the cream. I do not advise this treatment as a long-term approach to treating the hair-loss or the itching you are seeing.