Many dogs itch for a variety of reasons. Sometimes an itch is caused by an allergy; sometimes it is caused by an infection or insect bite. If your dog is experiencing chronic itching, it may be difficult to discern the cause of the itching. In some cases, it may be necessary to bring your dog to the vet to test for and diagnose the cause of your pet's itching.
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Causes
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There are hundreds of possibilities for why a dog is feeling itchy. Some common causes are insect bites by fleas, ticks, mites, lice and parasites. The dog could be experiencing an allergy to something in its food, the air, the home or outside. An infection caused by bacteria could cause long-term itching. In some cases, diseases of organs like the liver, cancers and immune system problems can cause a dog to itch.
Symptoms
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Your dog may have a skin condition if it is spending more time than normal itching, chewing, biting or rubbing at an itchy region. Sometimes there will be missing patches of fur due to rubbing. The skin may be swollen and pink due to an infection. Raw sores, raised skin plaques, bumps and bites are also symptoms.
Treatments
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Only a vet should diagnose and prescribe treatments for a dog's itching. However, if you are waiting on a diagnosis for your dog's itching or cannot see a vet, cool water baths can help soothe the dog's itching. Adding soothing agents like Epsom salt and baking soda will aid in the soothing. Sometimes an antihistamine can be effective if your dog is experiencing hay fever or a particularly itchy bite. Consult a vet for proper dosages before giving your dog an antihistamine. Sometimes a skin tonic with herbal soothers can help soothe chronic itching. Some herbal supplements can help reduce itching, speed up skin healing and promote skin health.
Nutrition
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Sometimes a dog's itching is due to an allergy to an ingredient in its food. Dogs, like humans, can be allergic to foods, and prolonged consumption of the ingredient could present long-term itching in your dog. Switching to a dog food formulated for dogs with sensitive skin or food allergies can improve your dog's health and possibly reduce or eliminate food-related itching problems.
Prevention
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Regular grooming and bathing of your dog is a powerful preventive measure. Grooming allows you to inspect your pet for any abnormalities in the skin, fur or nails and can alert you to potential problems. A dog's fur is the key indicator of the dog's overall health. If the coat does not look full and healthy, your pet may be missing certain nutrients in its diet. A balanced diet with all necessary nutrients can help keep your dog's skin healthy. Avoid using harsh pesticides and other pest control chemicals in areas where your dog lives so that it does not roll in it or come in contact with it. Use vet-recommended flea and tick control medications to keep your dog pest free.
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