Constant hair pulling and scratching is associated with discomfort in dogs. Although there are numerous reasons for this behavior, it's important to have a basic understanding of some of the more prominent reasons for hair pulling to prevent any suffering that your animal might be dealing with.
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Occasional Hair Pulling
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Don't confuse consistent scratching and hair pulling with normal behavior within your animal---it could cost you an expensive visit to the vet. Instead, look for inconsistent behaviors such as your dog scratching far more than it previously did---or scratching to the point of irritating his own skin.
Particle Allergens
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Dogs suffer from allergies like humans do. Consistent scratching, especially at the ears, is a sign that your dog may suffer from allergies. Mold spores, dust and many other naturally occurring substances can cause your pet to suffer.
Fleas
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The classic and most well-known cause of scratching is fleas. Spotting fleas can be a simple task under the light because they hop. Although fleas are small, you can spot them on your dog. When looking for fleas on your pet, be careful not to allow them to get on you because they manifest rapidly.
Sickness
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Skin conditions can be another cause of scratching and hair pulling. Bacterial infections or consistent rubbing on any given area can cause your dog to scratch and pull its fur.
Treatments
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Numerous treatments are available for your pet should you determine it is suffering from an unusual amount of scratching. The safest route is to approach a veterinarian who can then determine the cause.
Veterinarians often recommend keeping your dog inside if it suffers from allergies. Numerous ointments are also available for aggravated or infected skin---your vet must determine which one is most suitable for your pet. Try to use a flea treatment on your pet if it spends any time outside.
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