How can I recognise itching in my dog?
Itching in dogs is usually easy to recognise. You may notice your dog licking, biting or scratching more than usual. Your dog might also rub its head or body against surfaces or roll around on the ground more often. Head shaking can also be a sign of itching.
The skin often looks red and may smell unpleasant. Wounds may also develop. Dogs also tend to shed more hair and may have a dry, flaky coat, sometimes even with bald patches.
Fleas are, of course, a common cause of itching in dogs. But unfortunately, they’re not the only cause.
If your itchy dog has fleas, you’ll definitely need to treat them. Take a look at our selection of flea & tick treatments for dogs.
However, there are many other causes of itching.
What causes itching in dogs?
Itching in dogs can be caused by many different things. Below are the most common causes:
- Itching due to a skin infection:
- bacteria
- yeasts
- fungi
- parasites (fleas, mites, ticks)
- Itching due to a hormonal condition, such as:
- an underactive thyroid
- Cushing’s disease
- Itching due to an allergy
- Flea allergy
- Contact allergy
- Food allergy
- Atopy (environmental allergy)
A skin infection may also result from a hormonal disorder or allergy. Since these causes can overlap, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of itching right away.
What can I do to reduce my dog’s itching?
The best way to reduce itching is to address its underlying cause.
If parasites such as fleas or mites are to blame, you can often treat your dog easily with a parasitic treatment that targets fleas, ticks and/or mites. In our range, FRONTPRO is a great option.
Bacterial or yeast infections can also be treated quite easily with a product like Dr. Ann’s Chlorhexidine Shampoo. More severe infections or fungal conditions may need additional treatment with medication prescribed by your vet.
If the itching is caused by a hormonal disorder or allergy, treatment is more complex. First, the root cause must be identified. In the case of a hormonal issue, blood tests are needed for a proper diagnosis.
Flea and contact allergies tend to cause itching in specific areas. With a flea allergy, this is often on the lower back near the tail. Contact allergies usually affect the underside of the body, such as the belly, armpits and paws.
Diagnosing food or environmental allergies is a more involved process. It’s done by ruling out other possible causes of the itching.
You can also read our blogs about the elimination diet and atopy.
Which products can help relieve my dog’s itching?
Regardless of the cause, there are some products you can safely use to help relieve your dog’s itching.
Soothing shampoos and mousses
You can wash or massage your dog with a calming shampoo or mousse, such as Maxani AtopOat Mousse, Douxo Calm Shampoo or Dr. Ann’s Hypoallergenic Shampoo.
Skin care products that strengthen the skin barrier
Dogs with itching often have dry skin, caused by a weakened skin barrier that loses moisture more easily. You can support the skin with supplements such as Dermoscent Atop 7 and Virbac Allerderm Spot on.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have a positive effect on skin health and support dry skin and dull coats.
Excellent products include Pet’s Relief Atopi-3 and Doils Skin.
Itch-relieving supplements
There are herbal supplements that can help your dog feel less itchy. Examples include Puur Derma and Sensipharm Omniderma.
If your dog has itching, there’s plenty you can do to help them. Just keep in mind that supplements need time to take effect usually 10 to 14 days for best results.
Is the itching severe? Are there wounds or bald patches? Always consult your veterinarian.
If you have any questions about this blog, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
