Itching is a common issue that lots of dogs experience on their many adventures. While itching and scratching are normal, an excessive amount can be super concerning for our best friends. Itching could indicate several skin conditions and issues that need veterinary attention. Ignoring and letting it go away on its own can prove to be dangerous for your dog’s health. 

Stopping your dog from itching starts by using the right remedy, be it at home or at your veterinarian’s clinic. But first, let’s talk about what causes dog itching.

What Causes Dog Itching?

Before starting treatment, it’s important to know what causes your dog's itching. It can be a mild cause or something much more serious. Knowing what the cause is helps us choose the right treatment options that will stop dogs from itching.

Allergies

Allergies are by far one of the most common causes of dog itching. Like humans, dogs can develop an allergic reaction to several allergens, such as the environment and food.

Food Allergies

Some dogs might get an allergic reaction when they eat foods that don’t agree with their bodies. Itching can occur in various areas, such as the tail, neck, ears, and body. In more severe cases, gastrointestinal issues can occur, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. 

Common types of foods that dogs can be allergic to are chicken, dairy, wheat, eggs, and soy. It all depends on your dog’s specific genetics, as not all dogs are allergic to these types of foods.

Environmental Allergies

The environment can also house lots of allergens that can cause itching in dogs. These include pollen, dust, dirt, and mold. These allergens are super common outside and can easily cause inflammation and itching in dogs. 

Be sure to look out for the signs of itching on the parts they use the most for playing outside, which are the nose and paws. Their tails and belly could also be affected.

Parasites

Parasites are another common cause of dog itching. These pesky critters are carriers of dangerous diseases and can cause infections.

Fleas

Fleas are tiny parasites that love to cling to our dogs and suck their blood. Their saliva can cause itching in dogs as well as a severe infection when left untreated. You’ll notice small dark spots in your dog’s body when it’s infected with fleas. You’ll also notice some hairless spots and flea dirt.

Along with itching, you may also notice your dog’s scooting, wherein it drags its bottom on the ground to relive the itch it feels.

Ticks

Ticks are another common parasite that can latch onto your dogs and cause severe irritation and itching. They do this by sucking blood on your dog’s legs, face, or chest. You’ll notice these ticks when they start to grow big and visible. 

Besides itching, ticks can carry diseases that could cause some serious damage, such as Lyme Disease. It’s important to check your dog’s skin after passing through a grassy area and complete its flea and tick treatments to keep it healthy.

Mites

Mites are tiny creatures that can get into the skin of dogs and cause itching and irritation. These parasites also cause a variety of conditions such as hair loss, dry skin, and mange. While two types of mange affect dogs, the outcomes are similar. Dogs are observed to excessively scratch their bodies with red and irritated skin at the ears and belly.

Infections

Bacteria and fungi can cause infections that could trigger itching in dogs. These infections can range from mild to complicated cases. 

Bacterial

Bacterial infections are a common occurrence in dogs and another cause of itching. These bacterial infections can come from open wounds, allergic reactions, fleas, and poor grooming. Besides itching, bacteria infections can cause symptoms such as: 

• Dry skin

• Hair loss

• Foul odor

• Lethargy

• Redness

Fungal

Fungal infections in dogs can also cause itching and irritation. Conditions like ringworm and yeast infections are common issues dogs face when it comes to their skin. These issues affect a series of areas around a dog’s body, such as its paws, skin, ears, and fur. Some of the common symptoms are: 

• Hair loss

• Dry skin

• Brittle nails

• Itchiness

• Irritation

Dry Skin

Dry skin can also be the cause of dog itching. The dry and scaly skin can be super uncomfortable for our canine friends, which makes them want to scratch and meddle with the areas.

Stress and Anxiety

In some cases, dogs may scratch and lick themselves excessively because of the stress and emotions they feel. Dogs may have physical responses to the psychological issues they experience. This behavior can be come a habit if the stress has dealt some serious long-term effects on your dog. 

Other Conditions

Itching can also come from several health conditions, as it’s a symptom of a variety of issues. It may also come from pain and discomfort, which makes them want to scratch the affected area, such as an open wound or an irritated part of the skin.

How to Stop Dog Itching?

Stopping dog itching ranges from a variety of treatment options you can do at home. However, it’s always a good idea to have your dog checked up so we can decide on the most effective form of treatment. Once we check up on your dog, our vets can recommend the best treatment option. Here are some of the home remedies that might just do the trick in stopping dog itching:

Fish Oil

Fish oils are a very good source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These fats can improve your dog’s skin health and make it less susceptible to itch and inflammation. You can give your dogs a good amount of fish oil by giving them a supplement, either in the form of a capsule or liquid. However, foods such as sardines and anchovies are also great additions to their meals.

Adjusted Meals

When the allergies are suspected to come from the food, we suggest changing their diets. After a good checkup from our vets, we’ll suggest a variety of foods you serve at home. Some of the common foods we recommend have good amounts of antioxidants, Vitamin A, and Omega-3 fats to help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthier.

Specially formulated foods play a big role in helping your dogs through a diet change. Foods from Royal Canin and Hill’s help provide a variety of foods that can target your dog’s coat and make it healthier, relieving them from the itch.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great topical treatment to give dogs for their itch. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help maintain and moisturize their skin, which helps relieve them of the pain, itch, and irritation. 

The treatment also comes in a medicated shampoo form, which helps make it even easier for us at home. This can be used directly when bathing, helping you groom them and keep their coat healthier than ever. 

Flea and Tick Treatments

Fleas and ticks are responsible for a lot of your dog’s itching, especially if they love to play outside. That’s why our clinic has flea and tick treatments to help relieve your dogs of the itch and pain they constantly feel. 

Topical treatments come in various forms, from topical to chewable. Popular choices include Bravecto, K9 Advantix II, and Seresto for their chewables, topical treatments, and anti-flea and tick collars.

How to Prevent Dog Itching?

Preventing your dog from itching helps keep its skin and coat free from inflammation and irritation. Here are the steps we recommend to prevent dog itching: 

Regular Grooming

Grooming your dogs regularly helps keep them clean and free from allergens such as dirt, dust, pollen, and mold that could cause itching. It also allows you to detect early signs of skin problems, parasites, or infections as you bathe your dogs.

Professional grooming takes this to a whole new level with extensive services that give your dogs a deeper clean. From the top of its head to the tip of its nails, grooming services help maintain every nook and cranny of your dog’s body.

Flea and Tick Prevention

We recommend having your dog’s flea and tick prevention treatments routinely to avoid any discomfort. Preventing infestations helps prevent itching as a whole, as well as other dangerous symptoms. Flea and tick prevention treatments include topical treatments, chewables, and collars to help ward off these pesky parasites. 

Healthy Diet

A well-managed diet can improve your dog’s body and make it more resilient against itch. This keeps them well-protected while playing outside, as Omega-3 fats and Vitamin A sources can help keep their coats well-maintained.

Regular Vet Checkups

Regular checkups are also a great way to prevent dog itching and maintain the skin. Through our services and thorough examinations, we can detect any potential health problems before they become more serious.

We also offer medications and advice when it comes to dog itching and other problems your dog might be facing. 

House Management

It’s important to keep your homes free from allergens to prevent any allergic reactions. A clean home can keep your dog from itching, making them happier and more comfortable. It starts with cleaning their bedding, pillows, and toys carefully to remove any allergen that could be present. 

Cleaning all areas and maintaining them also helps prevent dog itching, as the places your dogs frequent can give them a higher chance of itching.

Conclusion

Itching is a common experience for dogs, especially for dogs who love to play outside. But with the right knowledge and treatment options, we can easily stop dog itching. With a healthy diet, topical treatments, and the right care, we can stop your dog’s itching altogether and give them the happiness they deserve.