Itching in dogs, what are the causes and what can you do about it?
Every dog, just like a person, sometimes experiences itching, so every dog scratches. This can be because the collar is uncomfortable, because there is a bug bothering them, or simply because there is an itch somewhere on the skin. Normally, this is nothing to worry about. However, if you notice that your dog is scratching more than usual, it is important to find out the cause and whether you need to take action. In this blog, we explain the causes of itching in dogs and what you can do about it.
Symptoms of itching in dogs
Itching is a reaction of the skin to an external or internal ‘condition’ and is not a disease itself but a symptom. You often quickly notice when your dog is suffering from itching or a skin problem. The most common symptoms are:
- Biting, licking, and scratching
- Shaking the head and rubbing against the ground
- Thick and greasy skin and/or open sores
- A smelly skin and/or coat
- Red skin
- Flaky skin
- Scabs
What are the causes of itching in dogs and what can you do about it?
The symptoms described above are all very unpleasant. The big question, however, is what causes these symptoms. Only if you know the cause can you act appropriately so the dog can get rid of the itching. Often it is something quite harmless like a flea bite or mites, but it remains important to address the cause. In many cases, you can do this yourself, but sometimes you will need the help of a veterinarian. Below, we list the most common causes of itching in dogs:
· Fleas and parasites
We all know that fleas can cause severe itching in dogs. Fortunately, this cause is easy to identify so the problem can be quickly resolved. However, there are also parasites that are less visible and whose cause is therefore harder to detect but can cause your dog unbearable itching. There are various mite-related conditions such as demodex, sarcoptes (scabies mite), and cheyletiella. If your dog suffers a lot from itching or other skin and/or coat problems and you cannot find the cause yourself, contact your veterinarian. The vet will determine through various tests whether a parasite is present and then prescribe the appropriate treatment.
· Environmental allergies
Just like people, dogs can also be allergic to substances in their environment. They can react allergically to, for example, pollen, house dust mites, and dander from other animals. To relieve itching, a dog may rub its head on the floor or along the wall, and may lick or bite its paws a lot. Natural food or supplements that support the skin and coat can help relieve symptoms; however, the complaints will not disappear if a dog suffers from an environmental allergy. It is possible to reduce your dog’s itching complaints through hypo-sensitization, where allergens (the substances the dog is allergic to) are administered in small amounts so the dog can gradually get used to them.
· Nutrition
Nutrition can also be a cause of itching in dogs. It is very important that your dog receives sufficient and the right nutrients. Not only for immunity but also for healthy skin. If a dog does not get enough nutrients, this can cause dry, flaky, and itchy skin. To prevent this, it is important to give your dog a complete, high-quality diet, which you can optionally supplement with salmon oil.
· The shedding of the dog
Every dog sheds. Especially when dogs are molting, they carry a huge amount of loose hair that can cause a lot of itching. It is therefore important to brush or comb the dog well weekly and to have the dog trimmed or plucked in time. This can prevent a lot of itching in the dog.
· Infections
Finally, infections. Bites from other animals or insects can cause both bacterial infections and non-bacterial skin infections (for example, ringworm). The dog will respond by scratching excessively. If you inspect the dog’s skin, you will quickly find red bumps, scabs, pus, or inflamed skin. A visit to the veterinarian is unavoidable in this case. The vet can precisely determine which type of skin infection your dog has and what the correct treatment is.
