Dog Itchy Skin

Dog itchy skin can be caused by allergies to external stimulants such as pollen, food, fleas, etc. However, dog itching can also be an indication of some deeper underlying physical problems.

Perhaps one of the most frustrating dog health problems that most dog parents face is skin irritation that causes intense itching.

It is not difficult to notice that a dog is itching. The signs are obvious:

The dog is scratching, biting, or even chewing on his skin.
He is constantly licking and chewing on his paws.
He often scratches his ears and shakes his head, somtimes vigorously.
His skin is red and his coat looks patchy.

Conventional treatment for dog itchy skin is very often the use of antibiotics, steroids, and/or topical anti-itching cream (often containing steroids). While these medications can provide temporary relief for the dog, very often there is a relapse of the symptoms shortly after the pills, creams and other treatments are discontinued. The problem is, these medications provide relief by simply masking the symptoms, without addressing the underlying factor that causes the dog itchy skin.

If you have a dog with an itching problem, it is advisable to work with a holistic vet who is willing to get to the root of the problem by careful examination, diagnostic tests and sometimes even repeated trials and errors. Only by getting to the root cause can we device the best course of action to tackle the itch.

What gives a dog itchy skin?

There are a zillion possibilities that can make your dog itchy. As such, it is sometimes not easy to find out the cause. However, by grooming and checking your dog daily, by carefully observing your dog's behavior, and by working closely with a holistic veterinarian, it is possible to get to the root problem.

Let's see if we can identify the most common culprits that may cause dog itching.

Basically, the itchy feeling can be from either an external or internal origin.

External Causes for Dog Itchy Skin

Fleas

Yes - the lowly flea is possibly the first thing that comes to mind when we see an itchy dog. Fleas may be spotted crawling or jumping on and off your pet, but often the best way to see if your dog has them is by combing him with a flea comb. You can also check your dog's favorite napping areas for flea excrement (tiny black bits).

If you find fleas on your dog, try not to use strong chemicals to get rid of them! It can cause more harm to your dog than you think. Visit our page on Natural Flea Control to see how we can get rid of these annoying bugs in a safe and environmentally-friendly way.

Ticks

Ticks suck the blood of our dogs and can cause intense itching as well! Unlike fleas, ticks do not live permanently on dogs, so it is more difficult to ascertain if your dog's itchy skin is caused by ticks. The best way to check for ticks is to give your dog a massage after an outing to a place where it may be possible for your dog to pick up a tick or two.

Visit our page on Dog Ticks for more information on how we can deal with these blood-sucking creatures.

Mange-causing mites, ear mites

These teeny weeny creatures can cause your dog a lot of agony. They are also hard to spot - They can only be detected by a microscopic examination of skin scrapings. Visit our page on Canine Mange to see how we can deal with mange mites. See also our pages on Dog Ear Infections and Dog Ear Mites if you suspect your dog's itch is caused by ear mites.

Allergies

A common allergy that affects dogs is Flea Bite Allergic Dermatitis. In addition, dogs can be allergic to numerous other things, such as bites of other insects, and airborne allergens (pollens, molds, house dust). Dogs can also develop itchy skin if they get in contact with something to which they are allergic, such as plants, detergents, pesticides, etc. Finally, dogs allergic to their food will also develop itchy skin.

Visit our page on Common Dog Allergies for more information on dog skin allergies.

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Internal Causes for Dog Itchy Skin

A compromised immune system.
Various skin problems, such as hot spots.
Other underlying diseases, such as liver disease, systemic yeast infections, hormonal imbalance, and some types of cancer.
Emotional problems, such as anxiety and stress, depression, or boredom.

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Tackling Dog Itch in Three Ways

Many holistic veterinarians believe that itching in dogs is a sign - an indication that the dog's physical condition is not as good as it should be.

To treat dog itchy skin, therefore, natural remedies and supplements should be used to tackle the problem in three ways:

Alleviate the itch.
Boost the immune system.
Treat the underlying root problem.

While working with your vet and trying to determine the exact cause that gives your dog itchy skin, there are a few things that can be done to relieve the dog itching and boost the immune system.

Visit our page on Natural Itch Relief for Dogs for more information on how to use various natural remedies, such as herbs, vitamins, and fatty acids, to help alleviate dog itching.

D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).

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Information on this site is for educational purpose only.
It is not intended to replace the advice and treatment of a veterinarian.
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