A difficulty, though, is itching. Pruritus can manifest in various ways, including your dog licking, scratching, or chewing at its skin until it becomes raw and inflamed or develops recurring infections. Pruritus, just a fancy word for itching, is a common issue with several origins and impacts many dogs.
When Dogs Scratch, What Causes it?
If you have an itchy dog, there could be several causes. The most prevalent reasons dogs scratch their skin are listed below.
Fleas
Fleas are a typical source of itching and are typically easy to spot and identify. Even though it could happen anywhere on the body, the itch is usually worse above the tail. The presence of fleas or flea filth on your dog’s fur or surroundings is another possible symptom.
Any dog can experience itching due to a flea infestation. Unfortunately, flea allergies make certain dogs even more susceptible. Even though the dog and its surroundings are flea-free, a dog with a flea allergy can experience itching after only a few bites.
Insects and Other Parasites
Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mange can all irritate your dog’s skin. These parasites can be transmitted to dogs by their surroundings or interacting with other dogs.
In addition to causing itching, parasites can cause other, more severe health problems. Lyme disease is one of the diseases that ticks can spread. There are several diseases that fleas can spread, including tapeworms. Additionally, if they get a ride home on your beloved pet, they could infest your house.
Infectious Diseases of the Skin
A vicious cycle of itching and infections can develop in dogs with allergies. More germs on dogs’ skin with allergy-related irritation worsen inflammation and itching. Because the skin is constantly damaged, they are more likely to get skin infections.
Environmental Allergy
Your canine can be allergic to things found in the environment, such as pollen, mold spores, or dust mites. Some people experience seasonal or even year-round allergic irritation due to environmental allergens. Facial, abdominal, and paw skin abnormalities are common in dogs with environmental allergies.
Contact Allergy
Your dog may be allergic to chemicals it encounters regularly. Items such as plants, shampoos, household cleaners, and insecticides can fall into this category. Itching is a common symptom in dogs that suffer from contact allergies.
Feeling Anxious
Anxiety dogs may lick, chew, or scratch excessively even if they aren’t itching.
Dogs aren’t necessarily itchy if their scratching worsens when no one is around or after being frightened. Maybe they’re just nervous.
Bored
The effects of anxiety and boredom on dogs are comparable. If your dog is bored during the day, it may resort to destructive behaviors like licking, gnawing, and scratching. As time goes on, this behavior has the potential to become obsessive.
When is it Necessary to Take an Itchy Dog to the Vet?
Excessive biting, scratching, or licking of the skin should prompt a trip to the vet for your canine. An underlying condition can be the cause of persistent itching. See a vet if you see any persistent itching in your dog.
Your vet must take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination to diagnose your puppy’s itching. They will then be able to determine the underlying cause and prescribe medication to alleviate it permanently.
How Can One Alleviate a Dog’s Itching Skin?
Medication for your dog may be helpful if you can determine what’s causing his itching. Certain drugs require prescriptions from veterinarians. However, several OTC drugs are suitable for dogs and can alleviate their problems.
But, before administering any medication to your dog, you should always consult your vet. Regardless of whether a medication is safe for dogs, it is crucial to administer the correct dosage while being mindful of possible adverse effects.
The Final Word!
Your puppy can be suffering from food allergies, fleas, or skin allergies if they’re itching and scratching all the time. You can try several at-home therapies, including anti-itch shampoos and specific diets, to alleviate your pup’s itching. It’s best to talk to your vet before you attempt to relieve your dog’s itching on your own. When you take your pet to the vet, they can diagnose the condition and recommend treatment options.
