If you notice that your dog scratches excessively for some time or is licking and biting constantly, it is natural to wonder what is wrong. It is possible that your beloved pooch has developed itchy or irritated skin. Itchy skin causes a lot of discomfort and frustration and should not be ignored. In this post, let us discuss some common reasons your pup can have a skin problem like itchiness.
Allergic reactions
Allergies of food and environmental elements are common causes of itchy skin in pups. While humans suffer from a mild runny nose during an allergy, dogs often get itchiness and irritation. Environmental triggers like dust mites, pollens, and mold can cause constant skin itching in dogs. Allergic reactions caused by food can develop at any time and result in dry and itchy skin. One of the most effective ways to deal with this problem is to get a dry itchy dog shampoo for your pooch that soothes its skin and reduces discomfort.
Mites
Mites are a common parasite affecting dogs’ skin health. They cannot be seen with the naked eye but their effects are quite severe; they can cause inflammation, itching, hair loss, and sores in dogs. Any such possibility should be dealt with at the earliest to relieve the pup from itchy skin and discomfort.
Fleas
These parasites love to live in the warm fur and keep biting the dog’s skin. Besides constant itching, fleas can cause allergic reactions in dogs. However, you must remember that fleas aren’t easy to spot; you might notice them only after the infection has occurred.
Hormonal Issues
A dog lacking a balance of hormones in the body is susceptible to skin allergies. For example, a lowering level of thyroid hormone can result in itchy and dry skin in dogs. Apart from scratching, such pups can show a change in skin texture. This type of hormonal problem can be diagnosed with the help of a blood test. Regardless of the cause behind the skin problem, you can always help your pet deal with the symptoms by using the right products such as a dog shampoo designed to soothe dry skin.
Deficiencies
If your pup’s diet lacks key nutrients, it can suffer from itchy skin which does not seem to get better with treatments. Deficiencies of omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, or copper, for example, can negatively impact the skin health of pets. Most often, this type of nutritional deficiency results from low-quality dog food given to pups. The most sustainable solution for this problem is to adopt a balanced, wholesome diet with proper supplementation. Some medical issues involving incomplete absorption of nutrients in the gut can also make the dog deficient.
Stress or Anxiety
If you have a pet with itchy skin, you should focus on this factor. Itchiness is common in pups when they are frustrated, stressed, or anxious like while waiting to go for a walk. As a parent, you must ensure that you give enough exercise and playtime to your furry friend to keep anxiety and boredom away and keep them calm and happy.
Skin Infections
There are several types of skin infections that can result in constant itching in dogs. For example, a fungal infection causes excessive scratching around the ears or toes. Any such infection should be diagnosed at the earliest for timely treatment.
The treatment for itchy skin in dogs depends on the root cause behind the problem. However, there are a few ways to provide relief to your furry friend at home. Try using dry itchy dog shampoo for bathing your pet; these products are known to be effective at getting rid of allergy triggers while moisturizing the skin and reducing irritation and itching.…