Dog Itching? A Guide to Treating Your Pup’s Itchy Skin
Table of Contents
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A dog itching and scratching all the time is no fun!
It’s not fun for them, for you, or for your vet bills! Knowing and understanding the causes of itching in dogs can help prevent the itch in the first place. Or at least, how to deal with the itching and scratching once it starts.
Why Is My Dog Itching? The Many Causes of Itching
There are many, many causes of an itchy dog. Most of the itchiness, however, can be narrowed down to allergies and parasites.
Is Your Dog Itching Because of Parasites?
When you do your check over, look for signs of parasites. If your dog has fleas or ticks, you should be able to see their bite marks or the fleas or ticks themselves.
Not all parasites can be seen by the naked eye. Check for fleas, but hopefully, your dog is up to date on their preventative flea treatment.
If ticks and fleas have been eliminated, you might be dealing with mites. Mites are microscopically small, so you will need your vet to check for them. Mites can do a lot of damage to your dog’s skin. Mange is caused by mites. Demodectic mange is limited to dogs, but certain mites can also infect humans resulting in sarcoptic mange or Cheyletiellosis. Anyone who has seen a dog with mange will agree that mange does not look fun.
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Itchy Dogs and Their Allergies
Itchy skin can be caused by a long list of allergens. The process of finding the allergen triggering your dog’s skin allergies can be a tedious one. Especially if you are not willing or able to fork out the money for allergy testing.
One of the best ways to find the trigger is by removing as many potential allergens as possible. Then slowly add them back one by one, until you find the culprit.
Atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis are the banes of many a dog’s existence. They start with a small itch but have dogs scratching themselves raw and bloody over time. Your vet should be able to talk you through these skin dog allergies though!
These are some of the more common triggers:
- Grass
- Pollen
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Carpets or other fabrics
- Mould
- Dust (and dust mites)
- Perfumes or other sprays
- Cleaning products
Food allergies are also a common cause of itchy skin. Your dog could be allergic to any number of ingredients in his food, so ask your vet for advice on diets for dogs who are sensitive to food.
Other Causes of Skin Problems
- Extreme weather conditions. They can cause dry skin, and as many of us know, dry skin can be itchy!
- The Dreaded Yeast Infection. Yeast infection in dogs can cause your pet to itch and smell quite bad.
- Hot Spots. Catch them early and they can be contained, but once they get going, they are a nightmare!
My Dog is Itching. Should I Be Worried?
You should be proactive.
Give your dog a good check-over. You might be able to see the cause of the itch, and the best-case scenario: It’s a quick and easy home-remedy fix.
You should monitor your dog closely and do your research. The more you know about the potential causes of your dog’s itchiness, the better the chances that you will know when you need to be proactive and take them to the vet.
Fleas or No Fleas? Dog Itching: No Fleas
Fleas. Everyone hates fleas. But fleas are not always to be blamed for the itch. For a dog, itchy bites can come from a number of parasites. Ticks, fleas, mites, mosquitoes.
The list is, unfortunately, another long one.
Dog Itching but No Fleas: Here’s What You Should Do!
Parasites are only some of the reasons why dogs itch. If you suspect that something is biting your dog, causing them to itch, take them to the vet.
Ask your vet for advice on the best way to keep parasites at bay. This will also give your vet the opportunity to see whether there is a different reason your dog has itchy skin.
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7 Tips for Diagnosing an Itching/Itchy Skin
Look for any of the following indicators to see whether your dog is having skin problems:
- Scratching
- Red, inflamed or irritated skin
- Small Bumps
- Extremely dry skin
- Rash
- Hair loss
- Bad smell
From A to Z: Dog Itching Remedies
Luckily, the ways to treat a dog’s itching skin are as numerous as the things that cause it.
Always discuss treatment plans with your veterinarian, and if you want to try home remedies, be sure to ask your veterinarian to guide you. Many skin allergies can be treated naturally, but in some cases, your dog may need modern medicine.
Talk to Your Veterinarian About Antihistamines for Dog Itching
Antihistamines can treat the symptoms of allergies in dogs as well as they can in people. They can do wonders to stop itchy reactions in their tracks.
Dog Itching Medication Your Vet Might Recommend
These are some of the popular medications recommended to treat the symptoms of allergies of the itchy kind:
Your veterinarian will be able to assess whether a certain medication is safe for each individual dog. They will talk you through the recommended dosage, side effects, and the signs of a potential adverse reaction to the medication.
Home Remedies for Dog Itching and Scratching
There are a bunch of home remedies to deal with minor cases of allergic skin diseases. Pup parents who deal with allergies and skin infections often will know when it’s safe to treat their pet without consulting a vet.
Dog Itching? Benadryl! Yes, Dogs Can Have Benadryl!
Benadryl is something most people will have at home and is effective in treating allergy symptoms in dogs as well as humans.
Benadryl, like most other medications, is safe to use “in general”. Some dogs might be allergic to the medication or have conditions that make it unsafe for them to take, so ask your vet.
Anti-Itching Dog Shampoo
Using anti-itching shampoo can go a long way to soothe your dog’s itching skin.
There is an option for everyone!
There are dog shampoos loaded with cortisone, shampoos with all-natural certified organic ingredients, and DIY anti-itching shampoo recipes to try.
- Gently lift the dirt from your dog's coat.
- Moisturize to keep Fido's skin healthy.
- Create a softer coat, with no irritation.
A Natural Treatment! Essential Oil for Itching Dog
Many essential oils have antiseptic, anti-fungal, and healing properties and can help reduce inflammation, help heal skin infections, suppress allergies by boosting the immune system, and help treat itchy dry skin.
Look out for these ingredients when looking at shampoos, sprays, ointments or recipes for treating an itchy skin:
- Basil
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
Note: Many of these oils are safe to apply topically, but some may be toxic when ingested!
No More Itching! What Products Work Best for the Case of the Itches and Restoring the Dry Skin
Vets Preferred Premium Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
Vets Preferred Premium Wild Alaskan is the best of the best when the itching doesn’t stop because it:
- Helps relieve dry, itchy skin → no more excessive itching
- Moisturizes and soothes your pet’s skin from the inside out → helps achieve a soft, glossy coat
- Perfect for dogs struggling with seasonal allergies → less itching, runny nose, and overall irritants
- Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory → desire & ability to be more active
Honest Paws Restore CBD Dog Treats
Dogs itch.
Their digestive health sometimes fails them causing them to be nauseous or unable to eat certain foods. They might be allergic or have skin allergies with dry, itchy skin. Their coats become a little dry due to fleas and ticks.
If your dog does or has anything of the above, consider Honest Paws Restore CBD Dog Treats.
Honest Paws Restore CBD Dog Treats helps with allergies and lick granuloma. No one should have to endure pain, especially our fur babies.
With these delicious treats, your pooch has a fighting chance to feel good and lead a happier life.
Besides, most pet owners claim they would die for their dog so surely they will do anything in their power to ease their pain.
- Turmeric offers powerful antioxidant properties that support healthy aging by combating free radicals.
- Incorporating turmeric into your dog's routine for health is a good way to help maintain normal joint health.
- Naturally relieve stiff joints in dogs with our organic turmeric and hemp oil bites.
Top Home Remedies for Dog Skin Allergies Itching
Here are some other of the most effective home remedies for treating dogs who are just so done with all the scratching:
- Dog Itching Remedies: Apple Cider Vinegar? – Absolutely!
- Aloe Vera
- Baking Soda
- Coconut Oil
- Colloidal Oatmeal
- Epsom Salt
- Salmon Oil
- Teabag Rinse
- Regularly brushing your dog
When to Visit the Vet: My Dog Won’t Stop Itching!
Take them to the vet sooner rather than later. All dogs scratch occasionally, but you will know when the scratching becomes abnormal.
A Sign of Infection? Dog Skin Turning Black, Itching
Itching skin that looks like it may be turning black is a definite sign that something is wrong. Time to go to the vet.
Recurrent Episodes of Itch! Dog Constantly Itching
The problem with most allergies is that your dog will keep itching until the trigger for the allergic response is found and eliminated. In some cases, eliminating that allergen is impossible.
In many cases, it becomes a matter of managing the symptoms and doing all you can to keep your dog’s immune system, skin, and coat healthy.
The Answers to Your Dog Itching Questions!
What Are Some Home Remedies for Dog Hair Loss and Itching?
The list is long, but Aloe Vera, Colloidal Oatmeal, Epsom Salt, and Baking Soda are some of the best home remedies for treating an itching dog.
My Dog Keeps Itching. Should I Use Coconut Oil?
It might be safe to use, but you should first find the reason for the itching. Coconut oil might not bring much to the treatment party.
Can I Give My Dog Benadryl for Itching?
Probably, but you need to ask your vet whether Benadryl is safe for YOUR dog, and how to safely administer it.
Take the Right Steps: Dog Itching Relief 101
Prevent it if you can!
Medications and home remedies for itching can help ease the symptoms, but there is a lot of pet parents can do to prevent itching in the first place.
An itching dog is not a happy dog, and we owe it to our fur children to do what we can to make them more comfortable when they’re having an itchy time.