All feature product are chosen at the discretion of the GreatPetCare editorial squad and do not think over a direct endorsement by the author or reviewer .
Sometimes , when a dog is itchy , it seems all - consuming . Instead of snuggling or playing , he is preoccupied with scrape at his ears or back , biting his mitt , and scratch against anything in plenty .
Being itchy is uncomfortable for dogs and unsettling for pet parents . Determining the cause is n’t always straightforward . It could be anything from ironic skin to food allergic reaction . It ’s significant to find out the root grounds and get your doggie the help he needs to start feel better .
Keep read for an overview of what causes Canis familiaris to itch and sugar , and how best to palliate fretful hide .
Dog Itching: An Overview
Your dog may be itching because of a figure of dissimilar conditions . The primary reason , according to Dr. Amber Karwacki , partner doctor atHeart + Paw , is from an underlying allergy .
“ Dogs can be supersensitive to theenvironment , intellectual nourishment , orfleas , ” she says . Secondary outcome of these allergy — includinghot spots , yeast infection , and bacterial infection — can make your dog ’s itching even worse .
Dogs may also feel scratch due tomange , louse , ormites . Some itching can be behavioural and triggered by tension and anxiety , according to Dr. Karwacki .
Uncontrolled itch and scratching can cause redness , hair loss , flaking , bumps , and pelt wounds , among other symptoms . To fancy out what is causing your dog discomfort , it ’s best to take him to the veterinarian .
Why is My Dog Itching? 7 Common Causes
Below are some unwashed case of itching in dogs and the symptoms that are often associated with them .
Dry Skin
Excessive washup can result to dry skin / itchiness . Dr. Karwacki recommend bathing your hotdog only once monthly to debar juiceless skin . juiceless wintertime air may also increase dryness in your dog ’s skin . Using a humidifier can increase the moisture level of your family . Pet parent can also ascertain the hotdog is drinking enough water to stay put hydrated .
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Did you know that it only accept one flea to causeFlea Allergy Dermatitis ( FAD)in some dogs ? FAD is an hypersensitized chemical reaction to a flea ’s spit and it is a leading cause of skin allergies in dogs . When fleas are feed , they shoot a low amount of saliva into the dog ’s skin , and the antigens or proteins in the spit cause an antsy reception in sensitive dogs . Red or inflamed skin , neglect while of pelt / hair’s-breadth , and reduplicate scratching or biting of the skin are vulgar symptom of flea allergic reaction . Strict flea ascendancy is key to keeping your favourite from contract FAD .
Mites
Mites are bantam creatures , usually around a mm long , that can burrow into the frank ’s skin and causemange . Some types of mange are also highly contagious , transplant to other dog when they come into close inter-group communication . Common symptoms of mange admit hairsbreadth loss in bandage or all over the coat , dandruff , ruby peel , swelling , crusty patches of skin , and overweening scratching and biting . agree to Dr. Karwacki , mite contagion is often diagnose by a forcible exam and tegument scrape which can be performed by your veterinarian .
Environmental Allergies
Similar to humans , dogs can be allergic to many everyday allergens such as pollen , dust , dander , and sess . Common symptoms of environmental allergy include scratching , licking paws , and rubbing the aspect . An allergy testadministered at the veterinary clinic can aid your veterinary surgeon place the source of your bounder ’s allergies .
Food Allergies
Dr. Karwacki says that dogs are most unremarkably supersensitised to gripe or chicken in commercial-grade dog foods . If your dog has a intellectual nourishment allergy , consult with the veterinarian to name the lawsuit and find out an appropriatedog food that can help with allergy .
Hot Spots
live spotsare junior-grade to an underlying cause , such as environmental , food , or flea allergy , says Dr. Karwacki . Small orbit of redness , bare-ass hide , and excitation / lump , accompany by hair loss , are indicators of blistering speckle . With continued licking , the impacted skin becomes moist and highly painful , and it begins to spread to other area of a dog ’s torso .
Yeast or Bacterial Infections
Excessive scratching / licking , do by any of the above , can cause yeast and bacterial infections of the skin in your detent . These infections can be discover by taking a cell culture from the infected region and examining it microscopically at the clinic / lab .
Diagnosing Causes and Treating Itchiness in Dogs
To bump the right treatment for dogs suffering from itchy pelt is to first identify the implicit in lawsuit . Pet parents can sour with their veterinarians to diagnose the cause of itchiness .
“ A thoroughgoing history is very important for diagnosing itch in your dog , ” say Dr. Karwacki . This include information about the dog ’s daily routine , dieting , and behavior .
Your vet will first perform a physical examination and may also recommend skin scrapings , fungal cultures , bacterial cultures , blood examination , a food for thought trial , or other testing to get to the bottom of the fidgety peel status .
Products to Help Relieve Your Dog’s Itching
It ’s important to call your dog ’s itchy tegument and uncontrolled scratching as before long as potential . Not only will it offer your itchy ducky some much - needed alleviation , but it will also help prevent secondary stipulation like hide infections .
Once your vet has determined the beginning cause of your dog ’s itching , they will recommend a discussion plan that ’s tailored to your click ’s need .
For itchy , dry skin , a soothing shampoo may do the conjuration . “ If there is no secondary contagion of the skin , ethical drug shampoos are a great first footfall , ” commend Dr. Karwacki . However , if your click ’s scratching and licking have cause hot spot or barm infection , your vet may order an oral or topical antibiotic drug for the infection and an oral or topical steroid for the inflammation . To help zip the healing , you may need to commit in an e - leash or protective causa to keep your dog from work out or scratching the infected area .
If your veterinarian suspects food allergic reaction could be causing your dog ’s itchy tegument , they may suggest transition to a diet that ’s free of ingredients most probable to activate an allergic reaction .
In cases of environmental or seasonal allergic reaction , Dr. Karwacki prescribes anti - allergy medicine to relieve and control itchy hide in heel . These could admit unwritten medicinal drug , such as Zenrelia ( ilunocitinib tablet ) , or an allergic reaction shot like Cytopoint .
Zenrelia is a fast - dissemble , once - daily unwritten medication for dog 12 month and older that ’s easy to administer at habitation . It works by interrupting the trunk ’s immune reply to allergens , providing itch relief within 24 hours . Zenrelia is more low-priced than vie dog allergic reaction medicine , making it a expectant solution to serve console your pup ’s itchy skin .
Read the entirepackage insertbefore using Zenrelia , including the Boxed Warning .
If your dog does n’t care to take Master of Education or you ca n’t dose your dog consistently , ask your vet if an allergy shot would be a secure fit . Cytopoint is an injectant give at your veterinarian ’s power that provide long - lasting relief for up to 8 weeks .
And if parasites like fleas or mites are the culprit , your dog will ask to undergo handling to kill the pests . But to ensure they do n’t get re - infested ( and start itching all over again ) parasite prevention is the best way to protect your pet . count for oral or topical solution that protect against a potpourri of pests to help keep your whelp detached of itchy pests and the diseases they can transmit .
