This Week We Are Tackling Itchy Skin

What Does Itching Look Like?

• Excessive licking of their feet and paws
• Rubbing and scratching their face
• Scratching and itching their armpit regions
• Rubbing and scooting their bottoms
• Reoccuring ear infections

Why Is My Dog So Itchy?

Ectoparasites Such As Fleas, Mites, And Lice

The most common reason that your dog is so itchy is because of Ectoparasites such as fleas, mites, and lice. Fleas are not always easy to spot, and itchiness is often caused from the bite and/or their reaction to the bite. Only in substantial infestations are you lucky enough to spot one dashing across the skin. You may see hair loss or your pet biting at areas of the skin such as the base of the tail, hips, and leg areas, which may lead to scabs on the skin.

Food Allergies

Food allergies are also very common in dogs and the most common symptom is itchy skin. Did you know that 25% of dogs with a food allergy will also have symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting? Some of the most common food allergy ingredients are beef, dairy products, chicken and lamb. Food allergies are most commonly diagnosed in puppies between 6-8 months of age. They are much harder to diagnose in dogs 6 years or older as there could be many circumstances for this new found problem.

Seasonal Allergies

Do you notice your dog becoming itchy in the spring and autumn? Well this may be because your pet is reacting to the high pollen seasons. Seasonal allergies are an inherited condition that develops because of a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. This is usually apparent after exposure to certain allergens- usually mold or pollen. Dogs with seasonal allergies will usually start to display signs at 1-3 years of age. You might ask yourself how did it take this long to develop? The answer is that the mechanism of the allergic response requires previous exposure so you will not see the reaction until the first few years of life.

Skin Infections

Lastly, Skin infections are also a very common reason for your pet to be itchy. Skin infections can be bacterial, fungal, or both. Signs of skin infection are hair loss and bad odor. Common places that skin infections occur are feet (between the toes), armpits, and the groin. Most skin infections are secondary to allergies and without proper treatment of the allergies they will become recurrent.

What Can You Do At Home To Help Your Itchy Dog?

A nice relaxing scrub in the tub can prove to be very beneficial in mitigating seasonal allergies. Make sure not to use highly fragrant shampoos, but rather reach for those shampoos that are aloe and oatmeal based. These shampoos will limit the irritation to the skin caused by the more fragrant ones.

Fish Oil Supplements provide a natural anti-inflammatory effect and are safe to try at home. There is increased efficacy when these are combined with additional therapies recommended by your veterinarian.

Itchy animals can be challenging for the owners as well as uncomfortable for the pet. This article describes the four most common reasons for a pet to be itchy. The treatment goal really depends on the diagnosis. If you are concerned about your pets itchiness please reach out to your veterinarian to help with a treatment plan.