Dogs will itch. They will scratch. They will howl in frustration. It can be tough to watch your beloved pet being slowly driven crazy by some unknown malady. There are many things that can help Fido's itching but getting to the bottom of the source can be a bit trickier.
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Identification
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Medication needs for itchy skin vary depending upon the cause. The first step to treating this frustrating symptom is to get a diagnosis from a licensed veterinarian to determine the cause of the itching.
Treatment
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Antihistamines are a common class of drugs given to dogs with itchy skin. These drugs reduce the amount of a naturally occurring chemical that is known to cause itching sensations.
Alternatives
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Many alternatives are available to oral medication. Among the options are anti-pruitic shampoo, dietary changes, regular grooming and environmental changes.
Warning
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Although some antihistamines used in humans contain the same active ingredient as those used in dogs, it is never a good idea to give a dog medications formulated for humans. The active ingredients or dosage may be harmful.
Considerations
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Itching is just one symptom of a larger problem. Temporary measures can be taken to stop itching, but to eliminate or reduce it as much as possible the cause must be addressed.
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