vetinfo4dogs.com


Advice on dog itching and relieving symptoms of your dog’s itchy skin

also see Itch Control

also see Hot Spots

also see Mange

also see Dog Skin in Health and Sickness

also see Dog Itching 

also see Dog Head Lice Myths

Advice on Dog Itching

As a pet owner, you want the best for your animal and also want the best answers for problems such as a dog’s itchy skin, especially when you know your pet is uncomfortable.

Excess dog scratching can be a sign of a huge number of canine health issues including mange, lice, fleas, ticks, parasites, fungus, cancer, liver disease or even anxiety.  Dog itch is not a problem every once and awhile, but excess scratching can lead to inflammation or infection so you should stay on top of heavy canine itching and look out for problem symptoms.  Besides the obvious sight of dogs itching, you should watch your pets for excess licking, chewing, redness of the skin or ears, hair loss, and head shaking.  With such a large number of potential reasons for these symptoms, however, going to a veterinary doctor or even a veterinary dermatologist is necessary for a correct diagnosis.

Bacterial and yeast infections frequently cause canine itching, especially a certain type of bacterial infection known as a hot spot.  Hot spots are a type of skin infection that causes common but painful sores, especially for dogs with thick hair.  To prevent the spread of the infection, trim the hair around the infected spot to dry the area and watch the hot spot to make sure it does not get worse and require a trip to the vet’s office.  Apply hydrocortisone spray or antibiotic ointment to speed healing and offer relief, but be sure to check with your vet first before using these products.

Mange is another common cause for heavy dog itching and is caused by mites.  Bring your dog to the vet if you think mange might be the problem.  Symptoms include hair loss and dry, scab-like marks on the dog’s skin around the eyes, ears, and joints.  A skin test and medication is needed to diagnose and treat mange and can be prescribed by your veterinary doctor.
 
If allergies are the cause of your dog's itching, solutions may include flea prevention and control products, drugs such as antihistamines or allergy shots, or a diet change if food allergies are suspected.  Healthy eating habits can also prevent canine itching, especially a diet rich in omega fatty acids.

An at-home remedy for your dog’s itchy skin is a cool water bath-- not warm or hot water-- especially a bath using an oatmeal shampoo to ease superficial symptoms.  Psychological issues like separation anxiety can also lead to excess dog itching, and these symptoms may be relieved through training and calming methods.

also see Dogs Mating: The Process and how to Recognize a Pregnant dog

also see Dog Seizures: What are They and how to Control Them

also see Acepromazine

also see Brucellosis

also see Choosing a Pet

also see Hyperthyroidism Treatments in Cats

also see Eye Problems in Cats

also see Behavior - Mounting and Humping