Why Do Dogs Scratch and How to Care For Itchy Dog Skin

As dogs age, they suffer from a variety of social issues and yes, itchy skin is one of the most common. Dogs have a limited vocabulary, so they scratch and bite to let you know that something is amiss. Scratching is nature's way of showing us that they're itchy, and when we don't help them, they'll become more frustrated and start biting and licking to get relief. In this blog, we will discuss why dogs scratch and how to care for dogs' itchy skin.

There are many possible causes of dog itchy skin. It ranges from allergies to certain medical conditions. Here are all the possible culprits of dog scratching.

Many of the same allergens that affect humans can also trigger allergies in our pets. For example, pets may be allergic to mold spores or pollens, which are often present in pet dander and household dust. If you notice your dog scratching a lot or see signs like redness and fur loss, it might be time to seek veterinary care for specific environmental allergies.

Just like a mosquito bite in humans, a flea bite in dogs can cause allergy and itching. The most common spots of affection from pests are around the tail base, haunches, and rear end. If you are unable to find any fleas it doesn’t mean there are no fleas on the dog's body. And do take notes; one bite from one flea can make your dog very uncomfortable.

Bacterial and yeast infections can be very painful for pups. The itching is often accompanied by red inflamed skin that may have a strong odor as well as open wounds. These skin conditions are typically found around areas of the body prone to friction, like under the tail, and neck area. Over-the-counter treatments may be used to lessen symptoms of these infections, but they can only treat visible infections.

Sometimes scratching in dogs is due to a problem in diet and their diet needs a quick adjustment. Most dogs are allergic to food like chicken, beef, and dairy products. If your dog has an allergic reaction to some of the ingredients in its food, you'll need to find a different brand of food or change her diet entirely so she can stop suffering from itchy skin, which is common with pet allergies. If you suspect this may be the case with your four-legged friend, talk over the problem with your vet immediately.

Itchy and scratchy skin can be treated according to the cause of treatment. There are different topical treatments, professional vet treatment, and hygiene care. Here we will discuss some of them.

The first treatment that most of the owners go for is the topical treatment. However, this treatment provides momentary relief and does not treat the root cause of the issue. Similarly, every dog has different skin and topical treatment reacts differently on every issue. So, in some cases, a topical treatment can make the problem worse.

If the cause of scratchy skin is bacterial or yeast infection then your vet may prescribe some antibiotics or antifungal treatment. Antibiotics are necessary for these problems because if the cause of infection is not treated the itchiness will persist for a long time.

Canines suffering from allergies may be given steroids during their visits to the veterinarian, but they will exhibit some side effects that need to be taken into consideration. Dogs on steroidal medication will often experience an increase in weight gain, thirst and urination.

Hygiene also plays an important role in preventing and treating this problem in dogs. If you bathe and groom your pup on a regular basis you will be able to know what’s going on with their skin. There are different products like pet wipes for dogs available in the market that also help treat this issue. If you want to purchase pet wipes it's best to select HICC PET™ Pet Glove Wipes.

Anti-itch pet wipes are a convenient and stress-free way of giving your four-legged family member a great grooming experience. Instead of spending hours cleaning our pets in the tub, you can simply wipe them off with these handy wipes. Pet wipes simulate the petting experience and create stroking interactions that are highly positive for your dog. 

These glove wipes have an anti-microbial function that soothes the itchiness caused by bacteria and fungi. It also contains Hypochlorous pH 5 - 6.5 that is extremely safe even if your pet licks it. By soothing the skin and removing bad odors, this product also creates an interactive fun experience for you and your furry buddy too. 

Dog scratching and itching are some of the most common reasons that dog owners visit the veterinarian. Dog itching is the most common skin problem in dogs and can be caused by several different factors. We hope that by reading this blog post you will learn some of the ways you can care for itchy dog skin.

Have a cat as well? Read more: HOW TO CLEAN PETS WITH SENSITIVE SKIN?