health issue that could deteriorate over time. Your dog may be itchy for a variety of reasons, and many veterinary professionals think it’s preferable to identify the source of the itch and eradicate it as soon as possible.
The most common reason dogs were taken to the vet, for the tenth year in a row, was allergic dermatitis, according to a 2021 survey on pet insurance data. Your dog may exhibit symptoms of allergic itch from this condition, such as frequent scratching, recurrent ear infections, and skin changes.
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What causes excessive itching in dogs?
Those violent bouts of itching may be brought on by allergic dermatitis or skin allergies. This means that an allergen in the environment or food causes your dog’s body to overreact, causing them to scratch.
Dogs who have allergic dermatitis feel uncomfortable, and if treatment is delayed, it may result in additional health issues. Excessive licking or scratching by a dog can harm the skin and cause wounds and infections.
Changes like hair loss, bad body odour, and inflammation may result from unattended allergic dermatitis. Even painful skin conditions and wounds can be developed. Here are a few possible things that cause allergic dermatitis and itching in dogs:
- Fleas: Flea bites cause extremely itching in dogs. They can be found anywhere on the body, but the hind legs, tail base, and back end are the most common. Remember that simply because you don’t see any fleas on your dog, it doesn’t mean they aren’t there. A single flea bite can cause extreme allergic itching in dogs.
- Environmental Triggers: Pollen, mould spores, and dust mites are examples of environmental triggers that your dog may be allergic to. Allergens can cause itchiness during specific seasons, or even all year. Allergies in dogs frequently cause itching around the face, belly, and paws. If your dog becomes itchy while outside, consider purchasing an outdoor dog bed to keep them off the ground.
- Food Allergy: A food allergy could be the cause of your dog’s itching. Some dogs are allergic to common dog food ingredients like beef, chicken, and milk. Food allergies can cause itching in dogs around the paws, face, armpits, and belly. Find out what your dog is allergic to and keep it away from them.
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Give your dogs frequent baths
Baths are a crucial factor to take into account when caring for an itchy dog. Many dog owners avoid giving their dogs routine baths out of concern that the water and shampoo will dry out or harm their skin and coat.
Dermatologists, however, point out that recently created moisturising shampoos for dogs can actually enhance the condition of their skin and coat. Bathing frequently may be necessary in cases of persistent itching, especially if an infection turns out to be the cause.
Give your dog a refreshing chamomile and green tea soak, a colloidal oatmeal bath, spray their itchy spots with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, chill and solidify high quality coconut oil, and rub it on those itchy spots after a bath, or apply natural, organically made aloe vera gel on the culprit spots to soothe itching in dogs.
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Invest in a good dog multivitamin
There are many multivitamins these days that claim to relieve itching in dogs. I’ve come to realise most of them don’t really work, and they aren’t certified by any boards either. Amid a ton of research, I find Dog is Human multivitamin chews to be the best dog multivitamin that actually improves itchy skin.
Scientists, veterinary doctors and experts make it and of human-grade ingredients under conditions fit for humans, hence the name. Multivitamins contain no artificial flavors, are hypoallergenic, and contain no GMOs.
They are chicken-liver flavoured and are made with 12 essential ingredients to provide probiotics, vitamins, and minerals, among others, to stop itching, give them shinier coats, better gut health, stronger hearts and bones, among others.
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Feed your little companion a worthy diet
If your dog’s skin is itchy, feed them moist food, whether canned, cooked, homemade, or raw. Include digestive enzymes in their diets, and opt for probiotic bacteria. Provide fresh, filtered drinking water for your dog to keep him or her hydrated.
Experiment with different oils and supplements. Fresh oils and other supplements, such as flaxseed oil, EPA/DHA from fish oil or algae, lecithin granules, nutritional yeast, and hypoallergenic B complex, benefit dogs with itchy skin. To relieve itching in dogs, add kelp powder, spirulina and alfafa, nettles, or horsetail to their diet.
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Precautionary measures
Keep an eye on your pet to make sure they aren’t licking these topical treatments or any areas of red or inflamed skin. The tendency of dogs to lick their wounds does not help and may worsen the situation.
Take your dog for a 15-20-minute walk after applying the treatments immediately to take their minds off it and prevent licking. The ointment will have soaked in by the time you return home. And most dogs will have forgotten about the treatment.
If your dog’s itching lasts more than a few days, make sure to set an appointment and see the vet. Always treat itching in dogs as a priority. It is extremely unbearable for them, and there might be an underlying health problem.
CLOSING REMARKS
As the world’s Pet Awareness Month, August should be the time when your dog has the month of their life and not itchiness. If your dog is scratching excessively at any time of year, it may be suffering from an allergic itch.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian, give them frequent baths, check their meals and what is in their surroundings, or buy a good multivitamin for dogs.
If your dog has allergic dermatitis. A prescription from your veterinarian may be the best way to make your best friend feel better.
Read Also, Get the Best Dog Training Services in Delhi
