When your dog starts scratching non-stop, it’s natural to assume they have fleas. Flea problems can be fixed with medication and some serious cleaning. But what if there are no fleas and your itchy dog is still scratching?
In this post, we’ll explore four other reasons why your dog might be scratching. We’ll share what you can do to help and what treatments your vet might suggest.
Plus, we’ll offer some home remedies to ease your dog’s discomfort.
Let’s get started.
The 4 Possible Causes for Dogs’ Itchiness
Outlined below are some key causes of itchiness in dogs. It’s essential to understand these factors so we can better care for our furry friends.
1. Troublesome Parasites
Sometimes we can’t see them, but parasites could still be the culprits behind our dog’s itchiness.
Fleas are often the main cause of skin irritation, especially for those dogs with flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). Even one or two flea bites can make them very uncomfortable.
If our dog is on flea preventatives yet still itchy, we may need to consider ticks and mites. Ticks latch onto the skin and not only cause irritation but can also carry diseases, such as Lyme.
After outdoor adventures, especially during tick season, it’s crucial to check our pets thoroughly for ticks and use preventatives.
Another possibility is mange caused by microscopic mites. Dogs can suffer from sarcoptic or demodectic mange, leading to intense itching and secondary infections.
2. Food Allergies
Food allergies are less common than environmental ones but can still be a common cause of your dog’s itching.
Dogs might be sensitive to proteins found in beef or chicken, leading to itchy skin and ears. They might also suffer from digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea.
The only reliable way to diagnose food allergies is through a strict elimination diet trial under a vet’s supervision.
Standard blood and saliva tests aren’t dependable for this diagnosis, so it’s best to consult with your vet for proper guidance.
3. Environmental Allergies
Environmental factors play a significant role in causing allergies in dogs. Pollen, dust mites, and molds are common triggers.
These allergies typically cause itchy skin, especially around the paws, face, and belly.
When dealing with these types of allergies, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a vet. They can help identify specific allergens and suggest appropriate treatments to ease the discomfort.
4. Skin Infections
Skin infections are another reason our dogs might be scratching. Bacteria and yeast usually live harmlessly on the skin.
However, when the skin gets damaged, or the dog has other issues like hormonal imbalances or allergies, these organisms can overgrow.
Common symptoms of skin infections include red, inflamed patches and hair loss, which can lead to severe itching in dogs. If we notice these signs, it’s important to visit the vet promptly.
They can diagnose the issue and recommend suitable treatments like antibacterial or antifungal washes or oral medications.
Identifying and addressing any underlying problems is also crucial to prevent future skin irritation and infections.
What Should We Do for Our Dog’s Itchy Skin?
When our dogs have itchy skin, the best first step is to visit the vet for a diagnosis. The vet can identify why they’re scratching, licking, or biting at themselves.
Tests will pinpoint the issue, which then guides the treatment options available for your dog’s condition.
Treatments vary depending on the cause:
- Topical or oral medication
- Steroids
- Removing allergens in the home or diet
- Antibiotics
- Antifungals
If we know the cause, we can also help our dogs at home. For those with environmental allergies or sensitive skin, using a hypoallergenic shampoo can soothe their itchiness. Bathing them more often might also help by washing allergens from their coat.
A prescription diet can be vital for dogs with constant itchiness. We’ll need a vet’s approval for this, but such diets often contain ingredients that reduce inflammation and improve skin health.
Discussing an essential fatty acid supplement with our vet is also a good idea. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can ease inflammation and improve the skin’s condition. This might make our dogs less sensitive to allergens.
By following these steps, we can help make our dogs more comfortable and improve their skin health.
Wrapping Up
It’s clear that figuring out why your dog is scratching non-stop can be a game changer for both of you. Visiting the vet is key to pinpointing the root cause of your dog’s itching and scratching.
And early treatment helps relieve your dog’s itchiness faster. We can assist at home, too, with itch-soothing shampoos and discussing the option of a prescription diet or an essential fatty acid supplement with the vet.
By taking these steps, we can help our furry friends live a more comfortable and happy life.
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