It's normal for dogs to scratch occasionally. Pollen, insect bites, dry winter skin or boredom are normal causes of routine itchiness and are nothing to worry about. However, obsessive scratching can be a sign that something's wrong. If a dog won't stop scratching, chews or scratches until its skin breaks, licks away patches of fur or develops raw, red areas of skin, you should investigate the cause of the dog's itching.
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Allergies
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Allergies cause a canine skin condition called atopic dermatitis. Dust mites are a major cause of canine allergies, but fleas, pollen and food sensitivities can all trigger atopic dermatitis, according to veterinarian Steven Shaw. Look for raw skin, aggressive scratching and bald patches. Treatments include feeding the dog a source of omega-3 fatty acids, like fish oil, and giving it antihistamines. Consult your vet for appropriate doses. Changing a dog's food may also help clear up allergies.
Mange
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There are two primary forms of mange in dogs, both of which can cause itching. Sarcoptic mange, also called canine scabies, is caused by a mite that burrows into the skin. Dogs with sarcoptic mange will suffer from sudden skin eruptions that develop a thick crust because of scratching, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Demodicosis is a less serious mange condition caused by the demodex mite. While it can cause itching, demodex usually shows itself as patches of hair loss in puppies and clears up on its own. However, in an older dogs, bald patches can be a sign of a compromised immune system.
Ear Infection
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Your dog's ears are vulnerable to yeast and bacteria overgrowth and ear mites, especially if the ear flaps hang down, covering the ear, according to Ear Infections in Dogs. All of these conditions can cause intense itching. If your dog's ears smell badly or produce thick, dark brown wax, it could have an ear infection. Consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment, who may recommend that you regularly clean the dog's ears with a solution designed especially for that purpose.
Excessive Bathing
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Bathing too often or with a soap that's too harsh can cause the dog's skin to dry out, leaving it itchy. Many dog owners use dish detergent to bathe their pets. Instead, veterinarian Michael Richards recommends using a high-quality dog shampoo and applying a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing, especially if you bathe it more than once a week. If the shampoo you're using still makes your dog itchy, try switching brands.
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