Puppy With Itching Skin

Causes

• One of the first signs of allergies is itchy skin. It's especially apparent in puppies that may have sensitivity to a particular food or shampoo, seasonal changes in the environment and/or a flea bite, which can cause a severe allergic reaction in some puppies. It's also common for some dog breeds such as terriers to have dry skin, irritating the dog and making his skin uncomfortable. Certain skin diseases, such as primary seborrhea, epidermal dysplasia and ichthyosis, occur in young dogs. Mange is another skin disorder that occurs in puppies. A puppy with mange has tiny mites living under his skin causing irritation.

Symptoms

• It's time to seek veterinarian care when the dog scratches continuously for one or more days in a generally localized area. For example, a dog with fleas normally scratches and licks his hindquarters. A puppy with allergies scratches and licks his legs and paws. He may even scratch his face. Allergies can also cause ear infections. Puppies with skin infections or dry skin may develop hot spots---areas on the body that are actually warm to the touch---due to extreme redness and inflammation. In addition, you may notice the puppy's skin flaking or his hair falling out. Thinning hair can also be a sign of mange.

Diagnosis

• Since allergies are the most common cause for itching in puppies, veterinarians usually recommend allergy testing. Testing consists of a food trial where the puppy's regular diet is replaced with one consisting of protein and carbohydrates. The dog is monitored for three to four weeks for signs of a reaction. The diet is modified until the food allergen is identified. A blood test also may identify allergies, but the results are usually less conclusive. Puppies with seasonal allergies may only show signs a few weeks out of the year when the trees are growing and flowers blooming, triggering a temporary allergic reaction in the puppy.
  Small reddish bumps over the puppy's body generally point to a flea bite, in addition to persistent scratching.
  In certain cases, a veterinarian performs a skin biopsy---a small sampling of the puppy's skin---and sends it to a lab for testing. A skin biopsy can determine whether the puppy has a skin disease.
  
  Through a skin examination a veterinarian can tell you whether your puppy has mange.

Treatments

• Allergies are manageable and when identified can be treated with steroids to lessen the allergen's effects. Some puppies can take allergy shots to diminish the irritant's effects over time. Limiting the puppy's exposure to the allergen is the best itch remedy by changing his diet or restricting his outdoor playtime during allergy season. There are specially formulated shampoos and creams available to treat young canines with contact allergies or dry skin conditions to alleviate itch.
  While most skin disorders are treatable, many aren't curable. Oral medications and skin lotions can provide the puppy temporary itch relief, but he'll likely need to use them regularly for the rest of his life.

Prognosis

• With proper treatment, your puppy can lead a normal, itch-free life. Even in young canines with more severe skin diseases, itch relief is possible with some adjustments made to ensure he receives the extra care he needs.