Every dog scratches sometimes, it’s completely normal. However, when scratching becomes compulsive, then it is a clear sign of an underlying issue. Compulsive scratching is a condition where the pooch scratches to the point of hurting itself. When this happens, you need to pay very close attention to your little furry friend.
Scratching is in most cases caused by fleas. But there are several other causes too. First, your pooch will scratch compulsively due to allergic reactions to the food they are eating, or environmental factors such as pollen and mold. Scratching may also be a symptom of contact dermatitis, a skin irritation condition triggered by pesticides, soaps, and other chemicals. Your pooch will also scratch because of dry skin, anxiety, and pain.
It is important to address compulsive scratching as fast as possible. In this post, we will give you some invaluable information to help you out. We start by highlighting common triggers of compulsive scratching in dogs. We then give you a few tips to identify symptoms of compulsive scratching in your pooch. You will also get some helpful suggestions on how to treat the problem, including a list of recommended products that you can start using today.
Other than fleas, compulsive scratching in dogs can be caused by three main reasons. Here is a simple breakdown of each of them:
Allergic reactions will cause significant skin irritation for your four-legged furry friend. This eventually leads to scratching and itching. Allergic reactions are normally caused by the dog food the pooch is eating.
Environmental factors may also trigger these reactions. Mold and pollen in particular are very risky. Dogs also deal with seasonal allergies each year, especially during springtime.
Contact dermatitis is a skin disorder in dogs, characterized by hypersensitivity, inflammation, and significant skin irritation. The condition is caused by allergens and chemical substances in the environment. Contact dermatitis affects all dogs, but some breeds are more susceptible than others. Common symptoms include severe itching, skin inflammation, soreness, and scaling.
Your four-legged canine friend will also scratch and itch due to dry skin. Skin dryness in dogs is also caused by environmental factors. However, dogs that live in areas with low humidity are extremely susceptible to dry skin.
The good news is that dry skin is easier to diagnose. Common symptoms include increased flakes of dandruff in the pooch’s undercoat. Extreme cases of skin dryness will also lead to cracked and tough skin, inflammation, and hair loss.
To emphasize, just because your dog is scratching does not always mean its suffering from these conditions. A certain level of scratching is normal. You should only get worried when the pooch is scratching uncontrollably all the time.
It is important to distinguish between food allergies and food intolerance. Food allergies occur when your furry canine friend reacts to certain substances in the food it’s eating. Food intolerance on the other hand occurs when the poor pooch is unable to properly digest food.
Before we discuss common signs of allergic food reactions in dogs, let’s, first of all, give you a list of allergens commonly found in dog food. Typically, foods rich in protein pose the highest risk of allergies. We are talking about things like beef, pork chicken, lamb, eggs, or fish.
Some dogs are also very sensitive to dairy products while others may experience allergic reactions from whole grains like wheat and soy. Nonetheless, allergic reactions vary significantly from dog to dog. The most important thing is to keep track of what your pooch is eating and determine which foods, if any, cause the allergies.
Several signs of food allergy in canines will manifest themselves in the short term. First, your pooch will experience itching due to skin irritation or inflammation. Paw biting and obsessive licking are also very common. You may also want to inspect your pooch’s ears for chronic inflammation.
Skin infections are often caused by untreated skin allergies. However, infections can also be caused by bacteria. Common signs of skin infections include:
Before we get to the signs of a flea infestation, it is important to note that symptoms of flea and dry skin are notoriously similar. For instance, your four-legged furry friend will scratch compulsively if they have fleas and do the same as a result of dry skin.
So, don’t jump into any conclusion. Instead, do a closer inspection just to be sure what you are dealing with. Here are a few tips that will help you detect flea in your pooch;
There are several unique signs of dry skin in dogs. Some of these signs, like excessive itching, could be a reaction to flea bites. But if you can’t spot flea or flea dirt, then you are dealing with a different skin issue. For dry skin, check out for the following symptoms
Compulsive itching makes your pooch so uncomfortable and irritable. The great news is that some readily available effective remedies can address the issue. We analyzed lots of itching remedies in the market and came up with three of the best solutions that you can start using today. Here they are:
Let’s start with the Pawfectchow Allergy Relief for Dogs. This allergy relief is formulated to address both internal and external symptoms of allergies including compulsive itching. The chews are 100% natural too and perfectly suited for dogs of all ages and breeds.The anti-allergy treats also come packed with immune-boosting ingredients and are so delicious your dog will love them.
Make sure to also check out the Curaseb Antiseptic Chlorhexidine Spray. It is very effective in treating skin infections in dogs and cats. The anti itch dog spray also provides instant relief for itching. It is loaded with aloe and Vitamin E, both of which are very effective in nourishing your pooch’s skin. The spray is also great for treating dry skin and redness.
Finally, we wrap up with the Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo.Scented with refreshing citrus and lavender, the shampoo offers immediate relief for itchy skin. It is 100% natural too and comes loaded with beneficial essential oils that will help manage fleas and other pests. Its soothing effects help to wash away allergens from your dog’s skin without leaving any dryness.
SPOTLIGHT: Worried that your pooch is scratching a little too often? Consider getting specialized dog shampoos for itchy skin. Here are our recommended list of 7 of the BEST.
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Yes, dogs can transfer itching to their owners. If your four-legged furry friend is suffering from bacterial skin infections, it will easily pass them to you. Skin infections in dogs caused by fungus or yeast are also transferable to humans.
As a result, it is common for dog owners to feel skin irritations when their dogs are suffering from itching and skin infections. Additionally, your four-legged furry friend may be a carrier of skin-irritating pests like fleas. Flea bites in humans are known to cause skin redness and itching too.
You can protect yourself against transferable dog skin conditions in several ways. First, have the dog treated as fast as possible. Using homemade remedies or over the counter solutions is highly recommended too.
Secondly, always wash your hands with soap after handling your dog. If you have kids, make sure they develop this routine as well. Although we love spending time playing with our furry buddies, the last thing we want is to put ourselves at any risk of disease. Something as simple as washing your hands goes a long way.
Proper hygiene is also vital for the pooch. Make sure you bathe your dog with shampoo regularly. The same also applies to the dog house or where the pooch sleeps. It has to be cleaned and disinfected with safe natural products regularly. Finally, ensure your dog is up to date with all the vaccines.
Can You Give A Dog Benadryl To Stop Itching? Yes, Benadryl is a very good medication to use for itching in dogs. It also provides relief for mild and moderate allergies. The most important thing is to get the dosage right. Generally, 1 milligram for every pound of body weight is considered standard but be sure to talk it out with your vet.
Can I Put Hydrocortisone Cream On My Dog? Absolutely, you can. Hydrocortisone Cream contains Hydrocortisone acetate, a substance that will help break the cycle of itching for your poor pooch. The cream will also calm inflamed skin. It is a handy product to have on your cabinet if you own a super sensitive dog.
Can I Put Aloe On My Dog? Aloe is generally healthy for your dog’s skin. But you don’t want to apply it directly on the pooch. Use it as a complementary treatment. For example you can mix it up with water and apply on affected patches of skin for relief.
Pete Decker is the Lead Editor at The Goody Pet. He is a passionate wildlife educator and loves to share his experiences on pets. During his free time, you can find him cozying around his 2 adorable Labradors (Tobi & Kobi).
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