According to the book Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, skin problems are one of the most common conditions that vets deal with. One of the most common of these skin problems is itching. Dogs scratch themselves for a variety of reasons. However, persistent scratching is often the result of an underlying problem.
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Scabies
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According to the Pet Center (See Reference 1) one reason that dogs itch is because of sarcoptic mites. Sarcoptic mites are also referred to as manage or scabies.
Fleas
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More obvious reasons for itching is fleas and ticks. Other insects including deer flies, gnats, and chiggers can also irritate a dog's skin and lead to itching.
Skin Allergies
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In the book the Allergy Solution for Dogs, the author explains that if a dog is scratching regularly but doesn't have any signs of skin lesions, then the dog probably has an allergy. The technical term for skin allergies is atopic dermatitis or atopy.
Allergy Causes
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Some of the most common causes for allergies in dogs are environmental stimuli. Examples include pollens, ragweed, mold, and dust mites located in the house.
Cancer
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Another reason for itching is the more serious problem of skin cancer. According to Pet Place (See Reference 2) the skin is the most common site of cancer for dogs. Dogs with skin cancer will experience discomfort and itchiness.
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