Is your dog scratching a lot all of a sudden? Is it making your furry friend uncomfortable when they are at home? It can be concerning when your dog is itching all the time. Sometimes, the reason for this can be straightforward. In other circumstances, you might not be aware of why this is happening suddenly. Well, there can be a number of reasons for itchiness. If you are really concerned, it is always important to contact your veterinarian. But, in the meantime, here are some reasons why your dog might be itching a lot.
Food Allergy
A lot of dogs have allergies and it is not always easy to spot them. This can be something they have every day in dog foods or they may have environmental allergies that they are exposed to, such as grass. But, there will be some symptoms that become apparent with a food allergy. In particular, your dog can suffer from stomach upsets nod bad digestion, as well as itching and scratching.
In order to find out what the food allergy is, you will have to do some elimination in order to find the culprit. This can take some time and you may need help from a vet. But, it can be done with some time and patience.
Another reason why your dog might be itching is because they actually are not receiving a balanced diet. For instance, your dog can scratch as a result of not getting enough fatty acids in their diet. When conducting a food diary, this should be something that you consider.
Cheap Shampoos
Unfortunately, there are a lot of shampoos and conditions that are sold for dogs and they do not do any favours for their skin. In other words, they can contain irritating ingredients that cause discomfort and itching. This may be why your pooch is scratching. It is best to choose quality shampoos such as from Peak Pets. Always take a look at the ingredients list and test a product prior to using on your canine. This way, you can ensure that it agrees with your pet and they do not suffer any adverse effects from it.
Fleas and Ticks
If you are suddenly noticing that your dog is itching a lot, this could be down to a tick or flea. These are bugs that can use your pet as a host and they can bite the skin. For a while, they can go unnoticed. But, they can become apparent when your dog is itching and they will be visible when they fill with blood. It is advised that you always check your dogs for fleas after long walks. They should be removed as soon as possible since they can carry disease that can make your canine sick. You can also treat your dog for fleas and ticks beforehand to stop this from happening.
Overgrowth of Yeast
It is normal for dogs to have a certain amount of yeast on the skin and in the ears. But, it is important to point out that this should be in low numbers. When your canine is itchy, this can be a sign that they are experiencing an overgrowth of yeast. This can result in an infection, which leads to the scratching, as well as flaky skin. Your dog may also have an odour. This can happen particularly during the warmer summer months of the year.
The good news about the overgrowth of yeast is that it can be resolved. For instance, there are medicated shampoos that can be purchased, as well as oral medications obtained from the vet. It is best to consult a professional to ensure that this is the problem prior to trying to treat the condition yourself.
Environmental Allergy
There can be a lot of things in your immediate environment that make your canine itch. For example, there are a lot of dogs that can be sensitive to pollen, grass, mould and even dust. These things can be present in your home, as well as on walks outdoors. There can be injections you can buy for your dog that can help to reduce the symptoms they experience. Before you go down this route it is best to consult with a veterinarian. They are going to be able to spot whether your dog is suffering from an environmental allergy and whether this is the source of their itching. As a consequence, they can suggest the correct type of action to take.