5 Common Reasons for Dog Scratching

If your dog often scratches more than the usual, it is essential to know that it may be caused by many reasons of external or internal origin. Some dog owners think that dog itching or dog scratching is normal. Well, it may seem usual to see dog scratching, but what you should know is that there are some reasons behind it and these include:

1. Fleas

Flea saliva is extremely allergenic, so even one flea may cause FAD or flea allergy dermatitis, which makes your dog itchy at the bite area that’s often around the anus, head, neck, groin, or tail base. Aside from scratching or itching, the dogs with flea infestation deposit flea dirt or digested blood in a form of feces on the skin. This dirt from the flea appears like black pepper flakes.

Reduce the exposure of the dog by limiting his access to the locations where the heavy burden of the fleas may exist including wooded areas, kennels, daycare, dog parks, and much more. It’s also crucial to use flea preventatives. As the needs of a pet differ, consult your vet to determine which kind of preventative is appropriate such as collar, topical, or oral medication.

2. Fungi

You’ll see some dogs have several areas without hair, typically with other skin scaling. Fungi can be contagious both for some humans and animals. Although the injury goes away with the treatments, it’s essential to do check-ups. The fungi might still be there and will surely come back. In several cases, the problem is solved with topical ointment. This must always be prescribed by a good vet.

3. Mites

These are the reason for mange in every dog. Mange can cause sky irritation, which makes the dog scratching non-stop. There can be hair loss and scabs. Geriatric dogs and puppies may die from poorly treated mange. In most cases, the veterinarian will prescribe several antibiotics and insecticides. Any attempt of the home-remedy may be damaging to the health of the dog. Keeping dogs in good health may help prevent several cases of mange. Nevertheless, often treatment after the infestation of the mites is the only recourse. Injections, dips, oral spot-on treatments, and oral drugs may all be used for treating sarcoptic mange. The mild case of the localized demodectic mange frequently resolves without treatments when the immune system of the dog becomes better able to control the number of the mites.

4. Ticks

The ticks feed on the blood of your dog. Since they’re connected to the blood system, they may transmit tons of diseases. It’s possible to extra the tick at home, yet it’s tricky. If you’re not sure about how to do this properly, consider going to the vet. It’s extremely common that the head gets stuck inside the skin of the dog. This may cause infections in the future. In fact, some of these are deadly.

5. Some External Parasites

On top of the ticks and fleas, there are some external parasites that may cause dog scratching or dog itching. Leishmania is an external parasite transmitted by mosquito bites. Leishmania causes hair loss, itchy skin, and injuries. The dog will recover the right treatment and has a normal life, yet there could be consequences.