Why Dogs Itch

The health-related expression frequently mentioned by veterinarians for extreme dog itching is pruritus. Scratching in canines generally is not cause to worry, however, if it gets to be excessive it may possibly be a sign pointing to a more critical problem. There are a few distinct skin disorders in dogs that can perhaps be the reason why dog itch. If a dog's scratching is causing the development of further skin problems such as swelling and reddening of the skin, skin abrasions and fur loss, or you notice the dog biting or licking at his or her paws, then the animal should certainly be sent to a veterinary clinic for diagnosis as these are all signs and symptoms of a far more serious skin disorder. If allowed to go untreated, the canine's itching and scratching may perhaps cause skin infections. While any breed of canine can develop pruritus, Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels and Westies tend to have a greater rate of incidences than other canine breeds.

The Reasons Why Dogs Itch

Scratching in canines materializes due to a chemical response that happens at or directly underneath the surface of the skin. In cases where it's extreme, it is generally a sign that the canine is contending with one of a number of skin problems of a far more serious nature.

Extreme itching might be a sign of these skin conditions in canines:

• Flea bite dermatitis is the most common source of allergies in dogs. As a flea bites an animal, it deposits a modest amount of saliva underneath the skin causing a chemical response that leads to scratching in canines.
• Inhalant allergies are the second most typical source of itchiness in dogs. This allergy is like asthma and hay fever in people. When the canine breathes in substances such as molds, pollen and dust, it incites an allergic reaction in the immune system of the dog. This kind of allergy could also lead to breathing conditions in addition to being the reason why dogs itch.
• Yet another kind of allergy that is less common but could cause itchy skin in dogs is a food allergy. Food allergies are triggered by the animal ingesting food or a food constituent that it is sensitive to.
• We can also include scabies in our list of skin disorders in dogs that can be a possible reason why dogs itch. Dog scabies, clinically known as sarcoptic mange, is caused by a mite tunneling right below the skin of the dog. The mite feeds on material on or just under the animal's skin creating uncontrollable and incessant scratching.
• Yeast and bacteria infections can also be causing an animal's itching episodes. Infections are normally brought on by open sores and wounds that are not suitably being cleaned. Mites in the ears commonly produce this kind of skin problem in pets.

Identifying Skin Conditions in Dogs

Finding out the reason why dogs itch has generally turned out to be quite a challenge for most veterinarians and pet owners. To locate the cause of the problem, a number of examinations and treatments could possibly need to be run and diagnosis could take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. Based on the animal's physical signs and health-related history, a veterinarian will perform a series of lab exams that frequently involve the taking of blood samples, scrapings of the skin, taking culture samples and performing a skin biopsy.

How to Treat Itching and Scratching in Dogs

Even when the rudimentary source of a canine's itching and scratching is still unknown, there are formulas available to heal the dog's skin and stop the scratching. Your vet might possibly suggest using antihistamines, shampoos, skin creams or perhaps even immunotherapy in less severe instances. In even more extreme cases, he might recommend treatment utilizing steroids. Steroids have been known to cause harmful side effects such as excessive urination, shortness of breath and excessive thirst, and prolonged use may perhaps lead to the emergence of diabetes or Cushing's disease, so if you do decide to try them, do so with extreme care. Most dogs might possibly need lifetime treatment for their skin condition.

All Natural Dog Itch Remedies

Numerous small animal clinics are currently recommending natural itchy dog remedies as a safe and soothing type of therapy. It is a substitute to taking corticosteroids and other types of drugs that might possibly cause dangerous side effects. There are quite a few safe and effective homeopathic and herbal dog skin formulas that provide pets a lot of needful relief by rejuvenating the canine's hair in addition to soothing and cleansing the dog's skin.

Resources for This Article:

• The Likely Causes Of Scratching And Itching In Canines And Ways To Treat It
• The Reasons for Itchiness in Dogs and Methods To Treat It
• Coping With Itchiness In Dogs And Locating Treatments
• What Causes Itchiness in Canines and Finding Treatments
• The Probable Causes of Itchy Skin in Dogs and Forms of Treatment