Canine Itch Symptoms & Cures

If your canine is acting strangely and you're not sure why, consider that he might have an itch he just can't seem to scratch. There are many things that can cause your dog to itch, but all of them can be treated so you can spend more quality time with man's best friend.

  1. Symptoms

    • Although scratching is the most common way for your dog to deal with itch, it is not necessarily the only behavior he might exhibit. He might rub parts of his body against stationary objects, such as furniture or trees, or try to persuade you pet him in areas that are bothering him. Rashes, hair loss and areas of redness are also symptoms of canine itch.

    Treatment for Allergies

    • Just as humans can have allergic reactions, so can dogs. An allergic reaction can be caused from environmental factors, such as pollen or certain plants, or from chemicals found in the home. If your dog's itch is being caused by some sort of allergy, the best way to treat this is to remove your pet from areas where he can be exposed to the allergens. If this is not possible, a veterinarian can administer allergy shots, usually once a month. There are also soothing shampoos made specifically for dogs with allergies that can relieve some of the itch. Bathing your dog in cool water can also alleviate some of the symptoms.

    Treatment for Fleas

    • A small blood-sucking insect, the flea lives on pet bedding and any surface that your pet frequents. Although it's commonly thought that fleas actually spend their entire life cycle on your pet, this is untrue as the flea only jumps on your pet to feed. Vacuuming floors, carpets and furniture is the most effective way to rid your home of fleas, which will greatly reduce the number found on your dog. Flea treatments are available from your veterinarian's office in the form of drops and shampoos that can kill fleas and stop them from biting your dog.

    Treatment for Mange

    • First appearing as red bumps on the edges of the dog's ears and eventually causing hair loss and a widespread rash, mange is a parasitic infection of burrowing mites that can be fatal if left untreated. This infection is contagious and can infect other animals and humans and should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as the infection is detected. The most frequent treatment for mange is an oral medication that can be mixed with your dog's food. Weekly baths with cool water and a gentle shampoo will help reduce the chance of a secondary infection in your pet.