Dog scratching may be due to fleas, allergies, mites, skin parasites, skin infections, boredom or seeking attention. While dog scratching occasionally is natural, excessive dog scratching is not a normal behavior. You can stop the excessive scratching in several ways, but this depends on the cause of the scratching.
1. Lamp Shade Collar
A lamp shade collar can stop your dog from scratching, regardless of the reason why he is scratching. You can make a lamp shade collar from cardboard or buy one from a pet store. This will limit your dog’s access to the itchy zones.
However, a lap shade collar will not solve the problem and your dog will still be uncomfortable.
2. Topical Ointments and Shampoos
If the itchiness is caused by fleas or other skin parasites, some topical ointments or special formula shampoos containing insecticides will relieve the itchiness.
You should also get rid of the fleas and the flea eggs from the dog’s bedding and the house and yard to ensure that your pet won’t get infected again. This type of treatment is efficient if your pet is allergic to flea bites and the scratching is cause by flea allergies.
Mites or mange may be of two types: sarcoptic and demodectic; both can be treated with topical ointments or shampoos.
3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish oils and vegetable oils and are efficient in maintaining a healthy skin and boost immunity. If the skin is dry, it may be itchy.
Allergies are a response of a weaker immune system to different factors. The fatty acids may help in strengthening immunity and reducing the allergic reactions.
4. Cortisone
Cortisone is a steroid that may be administered orally or as a topical ointment to relieve swelling and itchiness. Steroids will give your pet immediate relief. Cortisone may be used if the dog has allergies or the itchiness has no determined causes.
5. Eliminate Possible Allergens
If you suspect that your dog may be allergic to food or other materials or environmental factors, try to detect these and eliminate them one at a time.
Dogs may be allergic preservatives used in foods, spices, corn, sweets or fatty ingredients, wool, nylon, synthetic fabrics or plants.
6. Offer More Attention
If your dog is scratching because he is bored or stressed, you need to offer him more attention and play with him, so that he spends his energy and won’t scratch excessively.
7. Fungicides
Fungi can cause itchiness; the most frequent fungal infections in dogs include the yeast infection or the ringworm. Fungicides can eliminate the fungi and will also eliminate the itchiness and stop the excessive scratching.
Scratching can be bothersome for you, but it is particularly unpleasant for your pet.
Excessive scratching can lead to skin infections, as the nails of the dog may carry numerous bacteria and the dog may scratch until he bleeds. For this reason, the cause of the excessive scratching must be identified so that proper treatment can be administered.