Itchy Scratchy

As a pet parent, there’s nothing worse than watching your furry friend constantly scratching, biting, and licking themselves in discomfort. While occasional scratching is normal for dogs, excessive itching can be a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention.

Why Does My Dog Itch? 

There are many reasons why dogs itch, including allergies, fleas, skin infections, and even boredom or stress. Allergies are one of the most common causes of itching in dogs and can be triggered by a variety of things, including food, pollen, dust, and more. Flea infestations can also cause itching and irritation, leading to hot spots and skin infections.

Leading Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

There are a number of reasons why your dog may start scratching, licking or biting at their fur. Some of the more common dog skin problems include:

Parasitic Bites

Bites from fleas and mites are one of the most common sources of itching in dogs, and one of the easiest to treat. You can also proactively give your dog medication to avoid fleas, mites, or ticks in the first place.

Please use natural flea prevention to avoid infestations. I suggest brands such as Vet’s Best or Tropiclean.

WHY USE ONLY NATURAL PREVENTION? Because most of the commonly found chemicals found in flea repellent products are cause for serious concern; including permethrin, tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP), cyphenothrin, phenothrin and propoxur, all of which have been scientifically proven to be harmful to dogs, cats and humans. My general rule is; “If you wouldn’t put it on or in your body, then you shouldn’t allow it on your FURbaby!”

Environmental Dermatitis

This is a skin irritation that develops due to contact with certain substances, such as grass, dirt, and plants. Symptoms include itchy/dry or cracked skin, rashes, blisters, redness, or swelling.

Suggested ways to alleviate this condition include antihistamines or oatmeal baths. Your vet may recommend a cortisone cream or other alternative depending on the severity.

ZYMOX makes an amazing line of dermatological products to soothe and heal allergy-related skin issues. Did you know that most pets who have allergies also have ear infections? Focused on the health and wellness of small and large animals of all ages, Zymox products utilize the Power of the LP3 Enzyme System and have been Resolving Ear, Skin, and Oral Conditions for Over 25 Years.

Nutritional Dermatitis

This is a relatively uncommon issue for dogs, however, it is possible that they may have an allergic reaction to something in their food. Typically, nutritional dermatitis results in skin irritations and scratching, but digestive issues may happen as well, such as diarrhea or vomiting. If your dog is displaying either type of symptom, it’s best to make an appointment with your vet.

Skin Allergies

Some dogs are prone to allergies, making this a somewhat common reason to visit the vet. Allergens that cause itching can be found in pollen, dander, plants or insects, among other things.

Aside from itching, some of the symptoms of skin allergies include excessive grooming or licking, watery eyes and sneezing, rashes, and inflamed skin. Your vet may be able to diagnose what is causing the allergy and will recommend treatment as well as ways to prevent future allergic reactions.

Urgent Cases

If your dog’s itching persists for more than a few days, you should make an appointment so your vet can diagnose the issue and treat it. Prolonged itching can cause excessive scratching and biting at the itch which can create a self-inflicted injury. This can become serious if left unchecked.

Apoquel is a prescription medication that can help relieve itching in dogs. It works by blocking a specific enzyme in the body that causes inflammation and itching, providing fast relief without the side effects of traditional steroids. Apoquel is safe for long-term use and can help manage itching caused by allergies, flea infestations, and other conditions.

• Tips for Pet Owners: While Apoquel and other prescriptions can help relieve itching, there are also many natural things pet owners can try at home to help their dogs feel more comfortable:
• Keep your dog’s coat clean and well-groomed to prevent skin irritation. Bathe in moderation so as not to strip all the natural oils from the skin. Use a hypoallergenic colloidal oatmeal shampoo such as the PAWsome products from Natural Dog Company.

• Identify and eliminate potential allergens in your dog’s environment, such as certain foods or plants.
• Keep in mind any chemicals such as carpet cleaners, non-natural candles and atomizers used in your home. They can be toxic to your pets. The only fragrance you should use in your home should be made of bees wax, soy, and include ONLY certified organic Essential Oils. 🐾Some of the oils that fall into this “pet-safe” category include:
  Lavender
  Chamomile
  Myrrh
  Ginger
  Rosemary
  Bergamot
  Frankincense
  
• CLICK HERE to view a list of natural oil fragrances and aromatherapy for dogs and cats. Keep in mind that cats are much more sensitive to the effects of essential oils than dogs are, and “natural” is not the same as safe. Consult your veterinarian with any product before using it around your pets.
• I am a huge fan of the PET-POURRI posse who make a safe odor-eliminating candle and products that are made with essential oils and plant-based ingredients to freshen pet odors—100% guaranteed safe for your pet’s. They have the fresh pet market locked-down with their pawsitively patented funk-lock.

• Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to reduce stress and boredom. Always have something healthy and yummy available to keep your pup engaged. NEVER GIVE YOUR DOG RAWHIDE! Instead, consider collagen sticks, Bully sticks, or NO HIDES. NO HIDES by Earth Animal were actually created by a Veterinarian as a safe and 100% digestible alternative to Rawhide.

• Consider a high-quality (perhaps grain-free or even Raw) diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat or for a more consistent dosage try adding Wild Caught Salmon Oil or daily supplements to their diet.

Itching can be a frustrating and uncomfortable issue for dogs and their owners, but with the help of these simple tips, it’s possible to manage and prevent itching. As always, if you’re concerned about your dog’s itching, it’s important to speak with your veterinarian to determine the underlying root cause and develop an effective treatment plan.

If you are a Big Bear Lake local come see me at Olivers Emporium in The Village and I will give you a tour of all the products in this article. Otherwise, for My Gentle Reader‘s (lol) convenience, I have linked all the products for you.

XOXO

Vet Tech Groomer Girl

Mindful Paws PR