Itchiness in Dogs – Causes & Solutions

Seeing your beloved dog constantly scratching, biting, or licking their paws can be disturbing for you as a pet parent. While an occasional scratch is generally not something to worry about, persistent itching is often caused by an underlying health issue. There can be various factors that contribute to itchiness in dogs, and understanding them is necessary to provide your dog with much-needed relief.

In this blog, we will discuss the common factors that lead to itchiness in dogs and ways to address them.

Read on to find out more!

• Allergies

Allergies are one of the common factors that lead to itchiness in dogs. Canines tend to be allergic to environmental allergens, like mould, grass, dust, and pollen or certain food ingredients. The allergens cause the body to release chemical called histamine, which results in severe itching. Such allergic reactions can be managed with the help of anti-allergic treatments like Apoquel for Dogs. The treatment helps manage food allergies and treats pruritus caused by atopic dermatitis and allergic dermatitis.

• Parasite Infestations

Parasite infestations caused by organisms like fleas, ticks, lice, and mice tend to cause severe itching in dogs. Parasitic treatments like NexGard for Dogs and Bravecto for Dogs work effectively to treat several types of parasite infestations and help relieve itching. You may seek your vet’s advice to decide on an appropriate treatment for your dog.

• Bacterial Skin Infections

Bacterial infection in dogs is triggered by the overgrowth of normal skin bacteria. The infection causes intense itching, accompanied by small red bumps and inflamed skin. Such infections can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your vet.

• Hot Spots

Hot Spots are red and inflamed skin that tend to develop on a dog’s body. It is generally caused by an underlying allergy. Hot spots cause severe itching, leading to self-trauma like excessive scratching, licking, and chewing. The sensitive and painful bumps can be treated with anti-itch treatments and appropriate antibiotics.

• Yeast Infection

A common reason for itchiness in dogs, yeast infection is caused by the overgrowth of the fungus Malassezia pachydermatis. The infection results in musky odour, hyperpigmentation and darker skin on the armpits and groin. It can be treated with the help of oral antifungal or topical remedies.

• Ringworms

Ringworms are fungal infections that cause uncontrolled itching. The infections also trigger scaly skin and hair loss. It is contagious and can even be transmitted to humans. Ringworm infections can be managed with the help of topical or oral antifungal treatments.

• Dry Skin

Just like humans, even dogs tend to suffer from itchiness due to dry skin. Also, pups whose oil glands haven’t grown yet may experience dry skin. Other factors that can contribute to dry skin in dogs include malnutrition and dry weather. To manage dry skin in dogs, omega-3 fatty acid supplements can be used. In addition to supplements, topical products like moisturising lotions, shampoos, and conditioners can help relieve itchiness.

• Skin Cancer

Though not very common, itchiness in dogs can also be a result of skin cancer. It is generally accompanied by scabs, bumps, oozing lesions and hair loss. There, if you notice a non-healing wound or a discoloured region on your dog’s body, seek immediate medical advice. Skin cancer is generally diagnosed with a biopsy and can be addressed with chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.

Concluding Note

Though a common phenomenon, you should never ignore itchiness. If you see your dog is itching more than usual, you should look for signs that may be contributing to the issue and seek veterinary help if required.

At BudgetPetSupplies, we carry a plethora of skin-care products for dogs that can help relieve your pet from itching. Check out our online store to explore a wide range of pet essentials from the comfort of your home.