Every doggie has a habit of itching and scratching, but when you find that your furry friend is itching a lot more than usual it is time to find out the exact cause of the problem and then a possible way to treat it. It is quite difficult to define excessive itching because each and every dog itches accordingly, but given that you own the dog since a long time you would be aware of any abnormality.
If you find that he is scooting his butt across the floor all the time, licking his genitals excessively or is losing patches of fur then it is a cause for concern. Even a bad mosquito bite or poison ivy can make skin issues worse.
Why Is My Dog Itching & Scratching ?
It is generally observed that the general cause of itching in dogs is parasitic, environmental and nutritional i.e.; food allergies. But it is not easy to diagnose a dog because there are lots of irritants and causes that can cause dogs to itch.
Common Causes Of Itching In Dogs
- Allergies (food, seasonal, and environmental)
- Contact dermatitis
- Fleas (can cause allergies in dogs)
- Hot spots
- Mange
- Ringworm
- Sensitivity of grooming products
- Skin infections
- Stress or hormonal changes
It is easier to spot fleas in house, but the other causes can be very difficult to detect. All the common causes mentioned above can cause itching in dogs and so it is quite difficult to provide a home remedy. Many of the skin problems in dogs look alike hence; it is quite challenging to find the right diagnosis for it.
Hence, it is not possible to rule out all the possibilities so it is advised to take your doggie to the veterinarian. He/she will conduct fungal cultures, allergy tests, bacterial cultures, skin biopsies, blood work, and skin scrapings and then rule out every option one by one and then come down to the exact cause of itching in your pooch.
Relief for Your Dog’s Itchy Skin
Once the cause has been found, it will be easier to give the correct dog treatment and relieve your tyke from the irritation caused by excessive irritation.