Why My Dog Is Scratching so Hard That She's Pulling Her Hair Out

It's not unusual for a dog to scratch itself, but excessive, aggressive scratching to the point of pulling out its own fur or hair is cause for concern. There could be several explanations for this behavior, which can vary depending upon several factors, such as time of year and your geographic location.

  1. Allergens

    • Many people suffer from seasonal allergies, and this is also true for dogs. "Excessive scratching, chewing or biting are indications that your pet may be afflicted with allergies," says Dr. Rod Rosychuk, a dermatologist at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University. Some common canine allergies include tree pollen, weeds and grasses, which are more common in the summer and fall, and dust mites and mold, which tend to worsen in the winter when pets spend more time indoors. If you suspect your dog may have an allergy, some symptoms to look for are scratching, rubbing, licking and chewing, especially its face, ears, feet and flanks. Your dog may also be allergic to its food or some type of household fabric.

    Fleas, Ticks and Mites

    • One of the most common causes of scratching is the presence of fleas on your dog. It is fairly easy to determine whether this is the cause of your dog's scratching, as fleas can be easily spotted under bright light because of their tendency to hop. When checking your dog for fleas, however, take care to ensure fleas don't get on you. In addition to fleas, your dog may be infested with ticks or mites, which can be an even greater cause for concern, as ticks also transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, while sarcoptic and demodectic mange mites and ear mites create intense irritation and itching.

    Illness

    • Beyond these obvious reasons for excessive scratching, there may be other causes, such as a skin condition. If you've ruled out allergens and insects, it's a good idea to take your dog to a veterinarian who can examine your pet to see if the cause may be due to an underlying medical condition such as cancer. In rare cases, a dog may experience skin discomfort from nerve endings that have been harmed by disease or injury. The cause may even be psychological; if your dog has experienced any prior trauma or abuse, this may result in compulsive hair-pulling.

    Treatment

    • If the problem is fleas, a flea collar or flea treatment will usually cause the fleas to leave your pet; however, you may now need to treat areas of possible infestation around your home. If the cause is allergens or something more serious, it's a good idea to visit your veterinarian, who will be able to advise you on the proper course of treatment to address the specific problem that is causing your dog to scratch to the point of pulling out its hair.