Have you ever seen a dog scratching its ear with its hind paw with obvious pleasure? Or a furry friend lovingly nibbling its own fur with its front teeth during its daily grooming routine? Scratching is perfectly normal for our dogs. But what about animals that scratch themselves incessantly, nibble their paws or rub themselves desperately against objects in order to find relief? If the itching is more than a spontaneous reaction and becomes a symptom of an illness, you should take action.
Healthy behaviour or abnormal action
This is where your powers of observation are needed. If your pet is grooming itself and spontaneously scratches different parts of its body, this is part of its routine. Even harmless insect bites can be annoying, but are no cause for concern. Sometimes dogs also scratch to relieve stress and reduce tension. These actions are perfectly normal.
It is a different matter if your pet can't seem to stop scratching. A dog that fanatically keeps scratching the same part of its body needs help. Scratching its ears every second, licking its paws or biting its back are signs of a problem. It becomes particularly noticeable when bald spots, skin changes or skin that is scratched until it bleeds occur. In these cases, please seek veterinary medical help immediately.
What causes itching in dogs?
There are many possible causes of itching in dogs, but fortunately most of them are not a cause for concern:
Moulting: Dogs may experience increased itching, especially in spring and autumn. Regular brushing and gentle coat washing can provide relief.
Insect bites: These can cause unpleasant itching and lead to scratching.
Dry indoor air: This can cause dry skin, especially in winter.
Injuries: Open wounds can also cause itching.
Allergic reactions:
Contact allergy: Allergies to fertilisers, chemicals or plants can cause skin irritation.
Environmental allergies: House dust mites and pollen are common triggers for allergic reactions.
Feed intolerance/allergy: an allergic reaction to protein sources in dog food or to certain ingredients can also trigger itching. Hypoallergenic food can help alleviate this.
Intolerances can also lead to skin problems.
Parasite infestation: mange mites and fleas are common causes of itching.
Fungal infections: These can also cause itching.
Incorrect grooming: Poor grooming can damage the skin.
Ear infections: Itching can also manifest itself in the ears.
Skin conditions: Eczema is a common skin disease in dogs that is associated with itching.
Inflamed anal glands: These can also cause itching.
Organ diseases: These can also cause itching.
Stress: A dog that is constantly stressed can scratch as a form of self-soothing behaviour.
Scratching as a way to relieve stress
If an allergy, parasite infestation or physical ailment can be ruled out as the cause of the excessive itching, the problem could be psychological. A dog that is constantly stressed often scratches, licks or nibbles to relieve tension. Ask yourself: could the reaction be the result of panic? Does it display this behaviour in certain situations? This is where your detective skills come in. If your dog has psychological problems, working with a qualified dog trainer can be helpful.
Food intolerance or allergy as a trigger for itching
If a parasite infestation or infection can be ruled out, a common trigger for severe itching is food intolerance. The signs of food intolerance or allergy usually occur suddenly and regardless of the season. Additional diarrhoea or vomiting can be another sign. An elimination diet can be used to determine which ingredient in the food the dog is intolerant to. Consult with your veterinarian and feed grain-free dog food if possible.
If your dog is suffering from excessive itching that lasts for more than a few days, you should definitely see a vet. Watch out for symptoms such as constant scratching, licking or biting at The earlier you act, the better the causes of the itching can be identified and treated to help your dog feel better.
To relieve your dog of the itching and its triggers, it is important to find out the cause. If you notice that your dog is scratching itself abnormally often, keep a record of it! The veterinary practice will be grateful to you for this.
Try to answer the following questions:
When did the problem start? How long has it been going on for?
Where exactly is the itchy area?
If there is a skin change: was the itching there first?
Are other animals or people in the area affected?
Is this a constant problem or is it seasonal, dependent on the situation or location?
The more precise you can be in your statements, the faster a diagnosis will be made and suitable treatment options found.
Are there any home remedies for itching in dogs?
There are proven home remedies for itching in dogs, but you should always make sure that your dog can tolerate the ingredients and when
coconut oil: This natural oil has both moisturising and antimicrobial properties. It can be applied directly to the affected skin to sooth dry, itchy skin and help it to heal.
Aloe vera: the cooling gel of the aloe vera plant helps to soothe irritated skin. It is particularly effective for minor inflammations and can be applied directly to the affected areas.
If your pet's itching is due to a simple reason such as a change of coat, then our Natural Gold Bio Oil is the perfect solution. It provides an optimal supply of vitamins, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. The same applies to the supplement powder in our DOG'S DOC line: Vital Hair & Skin, which also nourishes the skin from the inside out and ensures a vital skin and coat with highly dosed biotin and hyaluronic acid. Treats can also help: GLOW smart snacks promote a shiny and healthy coat with valuable collagen, brewer's yeast, B vitamins and seaweed.
Similar to DOG'S LOVE Super Shine herbal mix, which uses sea buckthorn berries and nettle leaves to make your dog's fur supple and shiny. Our products help you to support your pet in the best possible way with natural and healthy remedies.
Tip: Our supplementary treats not only provide support for many health challenges. The Smart Snacks are available for dogs with digestive problems, stressed four-legged friends, dogs with joint complaints and those with dental problems!
Conclusion
Itching in dogs can have many causes, ranging from simple skin irritations to serious illnesses. Be attentive and take action if your dog starts scratching excessively. Through careful observation and possibly necessary veterinary treatment, you can help your four-legged friend to live a life free of discomfort again.
A healthy, shiny coat and healthy skin – sounds good, doesn't it? Support your furry friend now with our products!
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