Help, my dog won't stop scratching!

Has your dog begun incessantly scratching? Is it driving you and him/her up the wall? Itchy skin can be incredibly frustrating, so it’s important you address the issue, rather than be complacent about it. 

In this blog, we will look at what causes itchiness in dogs, measures you can take now to prevent or minimize the itchiness your dog experiences, and tips on when it’s time to take your pooch to the vet.

What causes itchiness in dogs?

Dogs can become itchy for all manner of reasons, including incidental temporary factors, such as dampness, heat, and so on. However, there are a bunch of common causes of itchiness in dogs in Australia. These include, but are not limited to:

• Fleas
• Diet – Food allergies and intolerances
• Allergens – Inside and environmental
• Contact irritation (plants, surfaces, etc.)
• Mites and other parasites

WATCH: What should I do if my dog has fleas?

Behaviour also plays a major role. Otherwise known as psychogenic behavioural disorders, certain dogs will either scratch without ever being itchy, or will scratch excessively relative to the intensity of the itch. This is a bigger problem in dogs than you may think.

When should I see my local vet?

This varies on an individual basis, but try to follow these tips to ensure your dog gets appropriate care:

• When the symptoms first appear
  Always see your vet when the symptoms first appear. This is important, as an early diagnosis and treatment may prevent months or years of heartache. And it may be as simple as changing your dog’s food, or commencing flea prevention.
• When secondary injuries occur
  If your dog is starting to cause secondary injuries from their scratching, i.e. traumatic hair loss, bleeding, wounds, etc., then it’s time to go for a visit to the vet
• After you complete a treatment course
  If you complete a treatment course, a follow up appointment is very useful in allowing vets to then establish a long-term treatment and prevention plan.
  

What can I do to prevent and minimize the itch at home?

This depends a lot on the diagnosis your vet gives you. Specific measures will vary from dietary change to immunotherapy, so the first thing you can do is see your vet, and get a diagnosis.

However, there are some general measures you can take, such as:

•  Always use good flea and external parasite control
• Wash bedding, clothes and dog regularly
• Avoid allowing your dog to socialize with flea burdened animals (dogs, and wildlife included)
• Good behavioural training when young, and behavioural modification when older usually helps in getting them out of the habit.

Well hopefully you are now better informed about itchiness in dogs, and your dog can live his/her life itch-free!

READ MORE: Simple steps to stop the scratch! 

Related Products:

• PAW TriDerm Calming Gel®
  PAW TriDerm® Calming Gel is a unique oil free gel containing key skin nutrients including colloidal oatmeal, aloe, chamomile & pro vitamin B5 to cool & calm sensitive skin.
  
• PAW NutriDerm® Replenishing Shampoo
  A sulphate free, moisture rich, oatmeal pet shampoo it is suitable for dogs and cats with normal, dry and itchy skin.
  
• PAW NutriDerm® Replenishing Conditioner
  Containing advanced Cerasine® skin nutrient complex this product is suitable for dogs and cats with normal, dry and itchy skin.
• PAW Sensitive Skin Conditioner
  PAW Sensitive Skin Conditioner is developed by vets specifically for dogs with fragile skin. The formula provides key nutrients and deeply moisturises the coat and skin to maintain skin health.
  
• PAW Sensitive Skin Shampoo
  PAW Sensitive Skin Shampoo is developed by vets specifically for dogs with fragile skin. With a new nutrient rich formulation this sulphate free shampoo leaves your dog looking good and feeling great.
  
• PAW Dermega® Omega 3 & 6 Oral Supplement
  Specifically designed for skin health. Containing omega fatty acids, PAW Dermega aids in the treatment of allergic and inflammatory dermatological conditions responsive to polyunsaturated fatty acids in dogs.