Dogs often scratch, sometimes for no particular reason. When the scratching persists, it is often a symptom of a serious cause. Reasons for the scratching can include: food allergies, shampoo sensitivities, fleas, skin infections and medical conditions. Allowing your dog to continue to scratch not only makes the dog miserable, it also can lead to complications such as secondary infections. Prompt treatment will usually alleviate the problem.
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Atopic Dermatitis
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Atopic dermatitis, also known as inhalant allergy, is caused by sensitivity to pollen, dust, mold, dander, mildew and bugs. When this happens in humans, they suffer from hay fever; dogs experience itchy skin. Red bumps appear on the skin's surface and sometimes the dog will bite and lick his feet. Repeated scratching can lead to hair loss. Antihistamines can prove helpful.
Fleas
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Fleas are a common problem for dogs. The flea's bite produces an allergic response in the dog, causing the skin in the bite area to itch. Continuous scratching will often result in bald patches on the dog. Consult your vet for a safe, effective flea prevention and treatment. Depending on the climate where the dog lives, she may need to be on flea prevention year-round.
Bacterial Skin Infection
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This infection occurs at the base of the hair follicles. It often happens as a secondary reaction to flea bites the dog scratches, allowing bacteria to enter the skin. Using an anti-bacterial pet shampoo may help the problem.
Shampoo Sensitivity and Residue
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Washing your dog is usually an experience that leaves the dog's skin and hair clean, and less itchy. Sometimes the shampoo itself can cause a problem, if the dog is sensitive to the dyes or fragrances in the formula. Opt for a shampoo that is fragrance-free and free of dyes. Be careful to thoroughly rinse all shampoo from the dog's fur. Soap residue left behind can cause intense itching.
Thyroid Condition
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Hypothyroidism, a disease where the thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormone, can cause irritation and itching to the dog's skin. The hair is often brittle and thin. Thyroid medication, prescribed by your veterinarian, can control this condition and alleviate the symptoms.
Ear Problems
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A yeast infection is the most common ear problem treated by veterinarians, according to The Dog Health Guide. They are caused by mast cells that produce histamines, due to an allergic reaction, causing an increased build-up of wax. Bacteria and yeast thrive in the warm, moist environment of the ear. When a dog suffers from an ear infection, he can often be seen digging at the ear with his paw or rubbing the ear against the floor to ease the itch. Loss of hair can become a problem around the ear and face as a result of scratching. Antibiotics, either drops or oral formulations, can help cure the infection and stop the itch.
Food Allergies
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Dogs can experience an allergic reaction to ingredients in their food. Many commercial dog foods list grains, which are common dog allergens, as their main ingredients. Symptoms of food allergies can include itchy skin and rashes. Dogs will often rub their muzzles against the carpet, causing loss of hair in the area of contact. Biting and licking the feet is often observed. Seek out a brand of food where meats are in the top ingredients with grains listed much further down on the list. Sometimes a dog can be sensitive to a particular meat protein also. Try switching to a dog food with a different meat ingredient.
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