Information on Dog Itching

A dog's constant itching is irritating to both pet and owner, and identifying the cause can be a challenge. Once the cause has been found, the solution is often a simple remedy that can be applied at home.

  1. All-Over Itching

    • If your dog is scratching all over its body, but there are no obvious red, scaly or pus-filled areas, its diet probably is lacking in nutrients. This can be rectified by adding an omega-3 supplement to its daily diet.

    Fleas

    • Fleas crawl on the skin under the hair, causing irritation, and a single flea bite can itch for several days. There are a number of over-the-counter solutions, such as spot-on treatments, collars and sprays.

    Mange

    • Mange is caused by microscopic mites and is easily curable by a vet if caught early.

    Hot Spots

    • A hot spot usually appears above the base of the tail as a red, irritated and scaly area. Hot spot treatment is sold over the counter at department and pet stores.

    Fungal

    • Fungal infections, such as ringworm, can appear on the skin as a scaly dry area. A vet can identify and treat fungal infections.