Have you been concerned about your dog’s itchiness lately? While itching is common among dogs there could be some underlying factors triggering the condition. Moreover, an itchy dog can appear irritated due to the discomfort it causes. Any condition that troubles your pet can interfere with its overall growth and should be treated. The earlier an issue is identified, the faster it could be controlled.
Here are some common reasons that could be causing your pup to itch more than often.
It could be seasonal
Among the most common reasons that can cause itching in your dog are allergies or pest attacks. While these could be caused by seasonal changes, it is always a good idea to consult a vet if you are not sure about how to treat it.
Pests such as fleas and ticks easily make dogs their host. These parasites can latch onto your dog’s skin to suck on their blood. Identifying ticks may not always be easy, especially if your pup is a furrier breed. Once these pests grow to a visible size, only then the ticks may become noticeable. Both fleas and ticks are carriers of diseases and it’s imperative to keep a close check on your pet.
Compared to the ticks, fleas are lesser dangerous, although can cause severe itching in your four-legged companion. Flea bites can be painful for your pet. If you notice swelling or hot spots on the coat of your itchy dog or heavy shedding from a specific spot, make sure to check for fleas. Some dogs develop allergic reactions to these insect bites. If your dog has a thick coat, brushing might help you locate flea infestation faster.
Prevention is the key to keeping your dog away from pests
Regular brushing can prevent flea to a great extent. You can use a special comb for the purpose. However, also make sure that you check your pup’s bed and crates to check for fleas as those are spots where the pests love to nest.
Using medicated shampoo to wash your furry buddy’s coat can work well. If your dog appears restless, you can either take him to the vet, and see if any topical medication can be used to drive the flea away. There are sprays, tick collars, and kinds of shampoo that can keep fleas at bay.
Your dog could be allergic to certain food groups
If your pet is free of pests but still scratching itself too much, it may have developed an allergy. Food allergies are common among canine. It may not be easy to identify the source of an allergy always, so it would be good to discuss the case with your vet and see if he can point out the allergy-causing ingredients in its diet.
Sometimes dogs may accidentally ingest food that’s don’t go down well with their digestive system and hence cause an allergy. There are exclusive tests that your vet could suggest for the identification of specific food items that might be the culprit behind the itchiness. Here’s a guide on how to check for ticks in your pet @ https://www.wikihow.pet/Check-Your-Dog-for-Ticks.
Allergies aren’t restricted to food sources and your fluffy friend might be allergic to other things in its environment. For instance, pollen and dander have been identified as common allergens.
Your vet can help you identify such environmental allergens. From oral medication to putting your pet through therapy, it could be treated depending on the severity of the problem. However, put it through any medication would not mean that it will never develop allergies again.
Remember, dogs like to go out into the open and it may not be possible to prevent all forms of allergies but then you can keep them away from things you can identify as potentially harmful.
So, if your puppy is whiffing around a flower bed, just distract it if you know it is allergic to pollen. Follow this link for information on dog’s skin allergy remedies.
After every walk, make sure that your dog’s feet are thoroughly wiped down and its fur brushed. This way you can prevent factors that may cause itching.
There’s nothing better than discussing the problem with your vet as he should be able to examine your pup closely and suggest the right solution to rescue it from such a discomforting situation. Your affection and care will aid in the healing process when your pet is battling any unwelcome health conditions.