Dog Itching - Pruritus in Dogs – Causes And Treatments

Itching is a very common problem for dogs. Pruritus is the medical term for dog itching.

Pruritus can cause a dog to scratch, rub, chew, and lick its hair and skin. Pruritus is an indicator of irritated and / or inflamed skin. Intense scratching can lead to partial or full hair loss and raw skin.

Occasional scratching and licking is normal. If it becomes excessive, something should be done to help the problem.

Why do dogs suffer from itchy skin? There are a many causes and factors involved with dog itching. First of all, a dog’s skin is much thinner than human skin. Dogs scratch, lick, chew, and itch for a variety of reasons, ranging from parasite infestation and allergies to boredom.

Here is a list of some of the reason for dog itching (often, a combination of the following are part of the problem):

PARASITES – Fleas, mites, lice, ticks, and flies - One of the most common causes for compulsive dog itching, licking, chewing, and scratching behaviors are fleas, mites, lice, ticks, and flies. Although ticks are often visible to the naked eye, fleas often go unseen until there is a large infestation, and mites are microscopic. Do not assume that your dog isn’t suffering from parasites just because you can’t see them. Here is an example of fleas that were undetected by the owner.

ALLERGIES – This includes food and environmental allergies - here is a page with more information about allergies: DOG ITCHING AND ALLERGIES

When a dog is scratching and itching, it is often the result of allergies to environmental substances. Environmental triggers, including mold and pollen can cause dog itching. Dogs may also develop a skin irritation called contact dermatitis when they encounter substances like pesticides or soap. Allergies to food can also cause itching in dogs.

DRY SKIN AND IRRITATION – Dry skin can often lead to dog itch problems. A variety of factors, including weather, fatty acid deficiencies, and how you bath your dog can cause dry skin in dogs. Your pet may respond to the discomfort by scratching or licking at her skin or fur.

OVERALL DOG HEALTH – If a dog’s health is poor, it is more likely to suffer from pruritus. Other causes include bacterial infections, abnormal cell development (neoplasia), and immune disorders. Hormonal imbalances. If your dog’s body is not producing enough thyroid hormone or putting out too much cortisol, superficial skin infections can occur. You may notice bald spots, and your dog may scratch or lick as if bothered by allergies.

NEUROGENIC / OBSESIVE COMPULSIVE – If a dog is bored, or doesn’t get his psychological needs met, this can contribute to pruritus. Boredom or anxiety can be part of the problem is a dog is licking and scratching compulsivly. Dogs can have physical responses to psychological upset. In fact, some dogs develop a condition similar to human obsessive-compulsive disorder. This can manifest itself in scratching, licking, or chewing behaviors that can cause severe injury to a dog.

PAIN or OTHER factors – When trying to determine why your dog is licking, chewing or scratching excessively, be sure to consider the possibility that something is making him physically uncomfortable. For instance, if you notice your dog biting his paw repeatedly, he could have a thorn or sharp stone stuck in his foot pad. Compulsive chewing or licking can also be a response to orthopedic problems, including arthritis and hip dysplasia.

COMBINATION OF SOME OR ALL OF THE ABOVE PROBLEMS – Often, pruritus is caused by a combination of some of the above mentioned problems.

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CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT OF PRURITUS – DOG ITCHING:

Treatments given will be dependent upon the underlying cause for the condition. Parasites such as fleas, mites, lice, and flies will normally be delt with first. If a dog's diet is suspected as a cause for skin irritation and the desire to scratch, dietary modifications will re recommended. Medicine may be given orally, by injection, or as a medicated topical (external) ointment to help minimize or eliminate the dog’s desire to scratch. Sometimes pruritus treatment involves steroids, antihistamines, and even tranquilizers. Conventional medicine often fails to address the underlying problems causing dog itch and can often be very expensive. Also, since the vet only periodically sees your dog, it is difficult for a vet to monitor and adjust medication. It is helpful if the dog owner is knowledgeable about this subject and is actively involved with the treatment.

-OVER-THE-COUNTER DOG ITCH OINTMENTS, SPRAYS, AND RINSES -- Over the counter dog itch ointments, creams, sprays and rinses can in many cases help relieve dog itching. (Some people claim these work much better than what the vet prescribed and claim to have spent hundreds of dollars on vet bills before discovering these products) Here is a web page with many over-the-counter dog itch ointments, sprays, and rinses

Please read my article THE MIRACLE CURE FOR DOG ITCH for more information and solutions for dog itching.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS AND HOME REMEDIES FOR PRURITUS – DOG ITCHING:

There are many alternative treatments and home remedies for pruritus that in many situations work as well as or better than conventional treatments. Sometimes conventional treatments can be used along with alternative treatments and home remedies. However, some alternative treatments are of questionable value and can even make the problem worse. When using alternative treatments, one should start with simple things first.

Please read my article THE MIRACLE CURE FOR DOG ITCH about home remedies and other treatments for dog itch for some excellent solutions for many dog itching problems.

MANAGEMENT OF PRURITUS

Pruritus requires ongoing treatment and can often be very frustrating for dog owners. Conventional medicine often fails to address the underlying problems causing dog itch and can often be very expensive. Proper diet with proper control of fleas and other parasites along with proper dog bathing can help manage pruritus.

PREVENTION

Most dogs suffer from itchy skin at some point in their life. Old dogs are more susceptible to pruritus. Overall dog health is a major factor that helps prevent or minimize dog itching problems. Properly bathing your dog can help minimize itch problems. Proper diet with proper control of fleas and other parasites along with proper bathing can help manage pruritus.

COMMON ASSUMPTIONS AND MISTAKES THAT MAKE DOG ITCHING WORSE FOR DOGS:

Bathing with too much or too harsh of a shampoo - This dries the skin and can make pruritus more of a problem. It is better to bath a dog frequently with very little or no shampoo or a combination of a few drops of shampoo mixed with cooking oil. Even bathing with no shampoo will knock flea eggs, mites and environmental allergens off the skin.

See my article for tips on bathing your dog.

Please read my article Home Remedies For Dog Itch – THE MIRACLE CURE FOR ITCHY DOGS! (A Comprehensive Guide) for more information about solving a dog's itching problem.

This article (c) Copyright 2014 by Mister Dave and The Fastest Poodle