Itching in dogs: causes and treatment

Every dog suffers from itching from time to time. Is your dog constantly scratching? Then chances are your dog is suffering from excessive itching and there is an underlying cause. In some cases, the itching can be so bad that your dog is scratching his coat and skin to pieces and behaving differently. Itching is therefore a very annoying complaint that you prefer to see disappear as quickly as possible. Many dog owners look for an anti-itch remedy or a natural anti-itch remedy for their dog. What are possible causes of itching in your dog, how can you relieve itching in your dog and when should you consult a veterinarian? We tell you more.

Causes of itching in dogs

Itching is a common ailment that occurs almost daily in every animal (and human!). You can recognize itching in your dog by frequent scratching or and rubbing against furniture or the floor, for example. Itching can also cause a dog to lick and bite its paws. Itching can occur over the entire body, but also in a specific spot such as in the ear. When a dog itches occasionally, there is probably nothing wrong and the itching can be traced to loose, itchy hairs or a flying insect. Does your dog regularly itch a lot, and/or does he lick, scratch or rub his coat to pieces because of the itching? If so, there is probably more to it and the itching has an underlying cause. We will discuss some common causes.

1. Mites (scabies, ear mites or fur mites).

Mites are small parasites that can cause skin problems. There are several types of mites that dogs can suffer from, of which ear mites, fur mites or mange mites are common. Mites are highly contagious and can be easily transmitted by direct contact with other dogs or through other insects such as fleas, lice or flies. To treat a mite infestation, you have several pesticides, such as shampoo, drops or ointment.

2. Fleas

Like mites, fleas are parasites that can cause skin problems and itching. They are highly contagious and multiply quickly. Fleas usually settle near the ears, groin, belly and back where the tail begins. As with mites, treatment for fleas consists of a special pesticide. In addition, it is also wise to prevent a future infestation by treating your dog preventively against fleas.

3. Allergies

Allergies can cause a lot of itching in a dog. Examples include food allergy, flea allergy, contact allergy or atopy (environmental allergy). Another common symptom of an allergy in a dog can be the excessive licking of the paws are.

4. Hormonal disorders

There are several hormonal conditions that can cause itching, such as Cushing’s disease and thyroid conditions. In these cases, it is often not necessarily the hormonal condition that causes itching in your dog, but rather the condition causes bacterial infections to that skin that can become very itchy.

How do I treat itching in my dog?

The treatment of itching depends on the cause, so it is not always the same. If the skin is damaged by scratching or if the damaged skin causes itching, it is first important to make sure that the skin is treated and that you help the skin and coat to recover. In addition, it is important that you try to find out what is causing the itching. Only when you know the cause of the itching can you treat your dog effectively. Is the itching caused by parasites, such as fleas or mites? If so, choose an appropriate pesticide and also don’t forget to disinfect items such as your dog’s basket. Can’t figure out the cause of the itching yourself? Then it is always wise to consult a veterinarian to investigate and possibly rule out underlying causes.

Are there any natural remedies for itching in dogs?

Besides the importance of identifying and addressing the cause of the itch, you can also support your dog from the inside. When doing so, preferably choose a natural herbal remedy, such as FlexRex AllerRelief. This blend of boswellia, blackcurrant powder, nettle leaf and bromelain contributes to normal histamine release, thus reducing itchiness. In addition, it is also wise to take the digestion of your dog with additional support such as a probiotics. In fact, when your dog’s intestines are working optimally it has a positive contribution to the immune system making them less prone to itching.

When to the veterinarian?

Does your dog itch a lot? First check for fleas yourself, and contact the veterinarian if this is not the cause. Based on a general and physical examination, the veterinarian can find out what the underlying cause of your dog’s itching is and formulate an appropriate treatment plan to remedy it.