Why is my dog itching so much?

Why is my dog scratching and itching? Does my dog have fleas? Does my dog have a skin problem or allergy?

So you are wondering why your dog is itching so much - I hope we can help solve your dog's itching problem.

People often assume that fleas are the cause of the itching (pruritus). Often however, there are a number of things that interact with each other to cause the itch. While a dog may be scratching, itching and chewing because fleas are biting him, he also could be scratching and itching because his skin is irritated and/or dry. Allergens can cause itching in dogs. Often, dog itching is from a COMBINATION OF DRY SKIN, FLEAS, ALLERGENS, and IRRITATION. The dog has dry skin, allergens get on the dog, a flea bites, and then the skin gets irritated. Mites can also irritate the skin and cause itching.

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.

Sponsor adds:(Help support our website)

Dog Itch and Dog Flea Products Help Support Our Website at NO COST to you (click here)

Hopefully you now know why your dog is itching so much - now lets help you fix the itch!

The following are some pages to help you cure your dog's itching problem:

Itch Relief for Dogs - some of my top remedies for relieving dog itching are covered in this page.

Home Remedies For Dog Itch – THE MIRACLE CURE FOR ITCHY DOGS! (A Comprehensive Guide) - this page is my most comprehensive page for helping you remedy your dog's itching problem.