Dog Itching Causes and Solutions

As a child, your mother might have told you to stop scratching your mosquito bite as it would only make it worse. It all comes down to the body histamine response.

It is a vicious cycle as scratching irritates mast cells, which produce histamine during inflammatory and allergic reactions; scratching compounds the problem by further intensifying the itch.

If we compare humans and dogs we shall find that dogs have ten times as many mast cells in their skin as we do. That means that dogs experience a lot more itching with any kind of allergic response.

Nothing makes you more frustrated than seeing your pet uncomfortable, so soothing your dogs' itchy skin takes priority. The two main things that give a dog itchy skin are pests and allergies, both of which can be seasonal. Need help diagnosing him?

Schedule an exam with your veterinarian. Even if your dogs' itching seems minor, you shall want to make sure you are on the right track and using safe products to curb his discomfort.

Fleas and Ticks:
Once you notice your dog itching, check for fleas and ticks first. These blood-dependent pests use dogs as hosts all the time and can latch on anywhere. Ticks can go unnoticed for some time until they become fully engorged and large enough for you to spot and remove. 

Keep in mind these irritating insects can and do carry a variety of dangerous diseases, so it is important to check for them during tick season and any time your dog enters a potentially infested area (anywhere outside, mind you).

Fleas are less dangerous but just as uncomfortable. Infestations of this kind can cause severe itching and skin reactions, sometimes requiring veterinary care. Certain dogs can have allergic reactions to flea bites that cause very painful hot spots, hair loss, swelling, and even infection. 

Spotting them is sometimes easier than ticks if you check regularly, but in long-coated and dark-colored dogs you might need some extra help. Brush through your dog's coat with a clean flea comb to be sure if you are dealing with a flea occupation.

Flea dirt can be spotted on your dog or in his most common resting areas such as beds and crates. If you bathe your dog and notice a reddish-brown color in the water, fleas are almost always the cause.

Checking your dog for fleas and ticks is not just a benefit to him, but it can also benefit you and your family. Fleas especially can migrate hosts and infest your whole house. As much as you dont want your dog to be itchy, you dont want you or your family to feel the same effects.

It can also be a good idea to check yourself or your children for fleas or ticks after an outdoor excursion for your health, but also to avoid them spreading to your pup too. 

Preventing Pests:
The best treatment for fleas and ticks is prevention. Because these pests can be so uncomfortable and dangerous it's recommended that flea and tick preventatives are used as frequently as your vet recommends.

Keeping these pests away is much easier than trying to clear up an infestation that already exists, and it will keep you and your dog more comfortable in the long run.

Be sure to check with your vet to make sure any medicated shampoos and preventatives are the right dosage and are safe for him to receive as well. There are many options available when choosing pest prevention topical medication, flea and tick collars, sprays, as well as long-lasting shampoos.

And if you do find fleas and ticks on your pup, call your vet immediately for treatment recommendations, and be sure to wash your dog's bedding, as well.

Food Allergies:

Just like people, dogs can be allergic to just about anything. If you dont find any fleas or ticks and your dog still has itchy skin, you might be dealing with an allergy of some sort.

Before you start any treatment, it's best to check with your vet to rule out what your dog might be allergic to. Food allergies, however, are one of the rarer allergies among dogs.

Finding the Culprit:
Food allergies, while rare, do happen and elimination foods can prove necessary to find out what ingredient(s) your dog is allergic to. You can work with your vet to do novel or hydrolyzed protein food trials to evaluate for food allergies and to make sure you avoid the trigger protein but also that your dog is being served proper nutrition.

Over-the-counter limited ingredient foods may not have the quality control to avoid cross-contamination of ingredients, so you and your vet may want to choose a limited antigen therapeutic food that is consistent with the needs of your furry companion.

Environmental Allergies:
If your dog is still itching, but he doesn't have fleas or a food allergy, he may have some environmental allergies to things like pollen or dander. A nutrition change may not do much in the way of relief, but your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic food to improve your dog's skin health. And your vet will have the best suggestions when confronting environmental allergens

Depending on the severity of your dog's itchiness, treatment can range from minor to extensive, going beyond just one method. Simple oral medication might be ideal during the worst parts of the year, along with regular grooming.

Desensitization allergy injections may help a percentage of dogs. Of course, steroid injections and stronger medications are suggested if your dog's itching persists. Regardless of the cause, you'll want to seek your vet's assessment before taking matters into your own hands.

Protecting Your Pooch:

Eliminating the source of environmental allergies can be extremely difficult, but not impossible. Dogs need to go outside and exercise, though, so keeping them away from pollen completely is just isn't practical. For dogs with itchy skin, wiping down or washing their feet and underbelly after going outside to do their business is a great way to reduce irritation.

If your dog has been out playing all day, consider giving him an entire, full-body bath. There are numerous shampoos and conditioners, and even medicated wipes that are designed specifically to remove pollen and reduce the irritation it brings. Keep in mind, however, that too many baths can backfire, causing your dog to have dry, itchy skin that needs its relief.

Visit Your Vet:

There are many reasons your dog might be itching, but the two most common ailments are pests and allergies. Regardless of the reason, seek veterinary attention right when you notice your dog itching. Dont give any medications before your vet's examination and instruction. Although the treatment might be quick and simple, the last thing you want is to make a serious decision that causes its adverse reaction.

Whereas fleas and ticks are best treated with prevention (which can be purchased in a variety of forms), food allergies are treated with limited ingredient foods to eradicate the offending ingredient. Environmental allergies are tougher to treat but can be easily managed with diligence and expert advice from your veterinarian.