Itchy Dog? Find Out Why and What To Do
Food allergies. Some dogs are allergic to certain foods, such as beef, chicken, or dairy products. This can cause itching, as well as other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Seasonal allergies. Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to pollen, mold, and other environmental factors. This can cause itching, as well as other symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes.
Skin infections. Bacterial or yeast infections can also cause itching in dogs. These infections are often secondary to other skin conditions, such as flea allergy dermatitis or atopic dermatitis.
Hormonal imbalances. In some cases, itching can be caused by a hormonal imbalance, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease.
If your dog is itchy, it’s important to see a veterinarian to determine the cause. Once the cause is known, your veterinarian can recommend the best treatment.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help relieve your dog’s itching:
Bathe your dog with a medicated shampoo. There are many medicated shampoos available that can help to soothe itchy skin.
Apply a topical medication. Your veterinarian may prescribe a topical medication, such as a cream or ointment, to help relieve itching.
Give your dog an anti-inflammatory medication. Your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication, such as a steroid, to help reduce inflammation and itching.
Avoid using harsh soaps and detergents. Harsh soaps and detergents can irritate your dog’s skin and make itching worse.
Keep your dog’s nails trimmed short. Long nails can make it easier for your dog to scratch itself, which can further irritate the skin.
Provide your dog with a comfortable bed. A comfortable bed can help to reduce itching by reducing friction between your dog’s skin and the bedding.
Groom your dog regularly. Regular grooming can help to remove mats and tangles, which can irritate the skin.
If your dog’s itching is severe or does not improve with treatment, your veterinarian may recommend additional testing or treatment options.
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