Itching, scratching, and licking are signs your dog has a skin condition known as dermatitis. Today our White Settlement veterinary dermatologist is here to help you find out what might be causing the skin problems and how you can help treat them.
Dog Skin Problems That Cause Itching & Irritability
Itching will inevitably occur in most dogs at some point. In most cases, it will be annoying but not harmful to your pet. However, some conditions must be seen by a veterinarian and treated to prevent them from worsening.
Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
There are several reasons your dog may start to scratch, lick or bite at its fur. Some of the more common ones include:
Parasitic Bites
Flea and mite bites are one of the most common causes of itching in dogs, and one of the simplest to treat. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication to treat the parasite problem. You can also give your dog preventative medication to keep fleas, mites, and ticks at bay.
Environmental Dermatitis
This is a skin irritation that develops due to contact with certain substances, such as grass, dirt, and plants. Symptoms include itchy/dry or cracked skin, rashes, blisters, redness, or swelling.
Suggested ways to alleviate this condition include antihistamines or oatmeal baths. Your vet may recommend a cortisone cream or other alternative depending on the severity.
Nutritional Dermatitis
This is a relatively uncommon issue for dogs, however, they may have an allergic reaction to something in their food. Typically, nutritional dermatitis results in skin irritations and scratching, but digestive issues may happen as well, such as diarrhea or vomiting.
Skin Allergies
Some dogs are prone to allergies, making this a somewhat common reason to visit the vet. Allergens that cause itching can be found in pollen, dander, plants, or insects, among other things.
Aside from itching, other symptoms include excessive grooming or licking, watery eyes and sneezing, rashes, and inflamed skin. Your veterinarian may be able to determine what is causing the allergy and recommend treatment as well as preventative measures.
Hives
Another type of allergic reaction is hives. Hives can be a reaction to many things, from bites or medications. Symptoms show as a raised bump that would cause the dog's fur to stick out.
Hives can occasionally cause swelling around the eyes. Using hypoallergenic shampoo for dogs will usually help to alleviate the problem. A hydrating leave-in conditioner may also be beneficial. Inquire with your veterinarian about what they recommend for your pet.
Emergency Cases
If your dog's itching lasts more than a few days, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated. Prolonged itching can lead to excessive scratching and biting at the itch, resulting in a self-inflicted injury. If left unchecked, this can quickly escalate.