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Itching and scratching are common problems in dogs. But that doesn’t make it any easier to see your pet suffer. Below are some of the most common causes of itching and scratching in dogs and how best to help manage and avoid it from happening in the future.
Hormonal Problems
The imbalance of your dog’s hormonal development will make it more vulnerable to skin infections. For instance, a fall in thyroid hormone can cause skin itching. Apart from scratch, you can find changes in the texture or color of your dog’s skin. Hormonal disorders may usually be detected by a blood test.
Food Allergies
Pets may have food allergies much like humans, but their symptoms may be different. Some dogs may get rashes, swelling, or hives. Other pets may react by biting, scratching, or rubbing, causing secondary infections from bacteria, yeast, or fungus. A veterinarian may effectively control your pet’s immediate distress and devise a special diet program to determine the cause of your pet’s food allergy.
Yeast Skin Infection
Yeast is a natural skin and ear inhabitant—in low numbers. But occasionally it may overgrow and cause inflammation, resulting in scratching red or flaky skin, or a pungent smell. It appears that increased warmth and moisture in the skin increase the chances of infection with yeast, particularly under the skin folds of your dog and in the ear canals. Yeast skin infections can be treated with some topical shampoos or oral medicines.
Fleas
Scratching followed by licking and biting is an indication of a dog with fleas. Fleas are external parasites that can take shelter on the skin of your dog. It’s normal for dogs to be allergic to flea saliva, leaving a dog’s skin irritated with itching.
If your dog has fleas, the gums can become pale or skin loss can occur as a result of extreme scratching. Fleabites can cause redness, inflammation, and scabs. Dogs with fleas will sometimes bite or itch the base of their tail, and you might also be able to spot fleas or flea dirt.
Parasites
Fleas are not the only parasites that can cause itchy skin in dogs. Mites and ticks can also cause negative skin reactions in dogs, resulting in bruises, hives, bumps, and redness. Extreme skin reactions from mites and ticks may also cause severe licking and biting, skin loss, and lesions. Untreated parasite infestation can cause worsening symptoms, leading to infected lesions and even tapeworms, whereas untreated tick bites may cause Lyme disease.
Your vet will assess the underlying cause of itching and might be able to recommend a prescription or over-the-counter drugs or bathing items for the treatment. They may also provide you with a rapid testing kit like Vetscan Flex4 that would help you diagnose the disease in just 8 minutes. The key to providing the most successful cure for your dog’s itchy skin is a thorough diagnosis.
Once you have consulted your veterinarian, feel free to try any natural remedies since most of them are non-toxic and organic. It’s also good to note that reputable pet insurance companies, like Bivyy, help cover all of your pet’s health-related needs, from routine care to illnesses and even emergencies. Invest in your pet’s health and your own peace of mind.