Itchy Dog Skin: How To Recognize The Top 5 Causes
At some point, all dog owners will have to deal with itchy dog skin. We’re not talking about the casual scratch here. We are talking about serious scratching and biting all the time. Your poor dog is suffering from a lot of itchy skin and it’s your job to help him.
There are a number of things you can do to relieve itchy dog skin. but the relief is temporary because you are treating a symptom and not causing it. What you need to do is find the underlying cause of the itching and there are many possibilities. Some of these causes can be diagnosed at home and some will require a visit to the vet.
Common causes of itchy dog skin include:
- Allergic reaction
- poor nutrition
- To eat
- fleas
- excessive bathing
- Anxiety
Just like humans, dogs can have allergic reactions. to just about anything they come into contact with. If you notice that the itch appears at the same time of year, year after year, then it could just be pollen. If the itching just shows up with no clear explanation, think about what’s new in the dog’s environment. Did you wash his bedding with a new detergent? Did you use a new shampoo the last time you gave him a bath? Was your carpet recently steam cleaned? Did you put fertilizer or herbicide on the lawn?
Finding out what the dog is allergic to is a game of trial and error. There are vets that specialize in canine dermatology but they cost a fortune.
If you’re feeding your dog discount dog food you want to check the ingredients and see what Fido is getting. Many low-end dog foods are low in nutrition and high in filler. He wants to see that there is a supplement of vitamin E and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (fish oil) that not only help stop the itching but also help the immune system. Compare the ingredients in your dog food to a premium brand like Iams and consider trying the higher priced food.
Scabies is caused by moths And while there are telltale signs, the only way to be sure it’s mange is to have a vet scrape and test it. Mites are not visible to the naked eye. Mange can lead to other serious foggy health problems and should be treated as soon as it is suspected.
fleas they’re pretty obvious because they’re jumping from your dog onto your carpet.
About bathing your dog iIt’s a bit misleading. It’s not the water that hurts; is the shampoo you may be using. Human shampoos and some dog shampoos will strip the natural oils from a dog’s skin and coat and create itchy skin. Using the wrong shampoo along with the number one mistake most dog owners make, not rinsing the dog well enough can cause itchy dog skin all over the body.
Then there is the scratching and biting that has nothing to do with an actual itch. Dogs sometimes revert to this behavior when they are anxious. If the dog is itchy before you leave in the morning, but then is fine when you get home, then the itching may be associated with separation anxiety.
Finding the exact cause of itchy dog skin it will take time to resolve and eliminate various causes. Meanwhile, your furry friend wants some relief. Fortunately, there are plenty of commercial products available, but even better, there are a number of remedies that use products you may already have in your kitchen.
Your dog considers you his lifeguard and wants you to take care of your dog’s itchy skin. Do the right thing and take the time to attend to their needs.