5 Reasons why your dog is itchy

Dogs love to scratch themselves and we all know there’s nothing better than scratching an itch, but there comes a point where too much scratching is a bad thing. Over scratching can lead to wounds and hair loss, and should be addressed before it gets to this stage.

So, here’s 5 reasons why your dog could be itchy.

Environment allergies

Yes, even dogs can have allergic reactions to airborne pollen or particles from grass, trees, dust, cleaning products, or mould just like humans. This can cause atopic dermatitis where dogs frequently chew their paws and get ear infections. Cats can have this problem too and they will scratch their face and neck to ease their itching. If your vet suspects your dog is allergic to something, they will need to rule out other causes first.

Food allergies

Just like people, dogs can be allergic to certain foods and food allergies account for around 20% of allergic skin conditions in dogs. Diagnosing a food allergy can be difficult and it’s important that you work with your vet to find the culprit to ensure that even when your dog is on an elimination diet, they are still getting all the nutrients they need. We have a range of dog food for food allergies so give us a call if you’d like to learn more.

Fleas

We’re coming up into flea season and fleas could very well be the reason your dog is itchy. To check if your dog has fleas, look at the base of their tail for any black spots. These are called flea dirt and are actually poo from fleas. If you haven’t given your dog monthly parasite prevention, they may have caught fleas just by coming into contact with another dog with fleas or just walking around the neighbourhood. 

The best way to get rid of fleas is to use a treatment like, wash their toys and bedding with hot water and vacuum any carpets they may have come into contact with. Then, use a proper flea treatment to kill adult fleas and eggs and stop the flea life cycle in its tracks.

If you can’t find any visible remnants of fleas or flea dirt, your dog might have flea allergy dermatitis where your dog has been bitten by one flea, which has caused an allergic reaction. 

Boredom or anxiety

Sometimes, when the root cause of itching (like those listed above) has been addressed, your dog will continue to compulsively scratch. If your vet has ruled out other causes, they may concur that your dog is scratching from boredom or anxiety. It’s the equivalent of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in humans.

This type of scratching may be treated with some extra enrichment toys for your dog, or it could be part of a more serious anxiety issue that your dog might need medication for. 

Dry skin

Some dog breeds are more prone to dry skin and require special care to help soothe their skin. Omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids, which play a role in helping maintain a healthy skin barrier, antioxidants, and aloe vera are considered as a useful addition to the management of some skin conditions. Using a medicated shampoo and conditioner can also help with dry skin, but always consult your vet before using as there is a fine line between bathing too much and bathing the right amount.

If your dog is unusually itchy, don’t wait for it to get too bad before seeing the vet. Give us a call to book a consultation so we can help keep your dog comfortable and stop that itch!