Why Is My Dog Scratching?

written by Janie Knetzer |

Your dog started scratching a little bit at a time, but now it’s out of control. The itching is constant and sleep seems a distant dream for both you and your pet. What could possibly be the cause of your dog’s scratching?

There are several reasons why a dog scratches; parasites, dry skin, allergies, poor nutrition and yeast are the most common reasons.

Fleas

Parasites such as fleas can wreak havoc on any dog or cat. Most pet owners assume that their dog’s incessant scratching is due to fleas. However, there are over 500 reasons why your dog may be itching and fleas are only one possibility. Look for black specks on the belly area and underneath the tail. Using a flea comb, comb several areas of your dog’s coat and place the specks from the comb onto a warm damp paper towel. Flea droppings will turn a reddish-brown color indicating that your dog does indeed have a flea problem.

Always protect your dog on a monthly basis from these pesky parasites by using a topical treatment such as ®Frontline or an oral pill such as ®Program that delivers results for six months. Remember, it’s critical to treat all the pets in the home at the same time.

Dry Skin

Just like people, dogs too can develop dry skin. The summer sun and dry winter heat affects their skin the same as ours. Treating your dog for any dog skin condition should start on the inside by supplementing his diet with essential Omega 3 fatty acids such as Salmon Oil. For patches of dry skin, ®Bag Balm is an excellent choice and can be purchased at your local drug store. Finally, never over bathe your dog and when you do bathe, use a hydrating shampoo made specifically for dogs.

Food and Environmental Allergies

Allergies are very prevalent in dogs, as well as humans. Something in the environment such as pollen, mold, grass or a host of other things could cause an allergic reaction. Environmental allergies are very difficult to pin point making them hard to treat. Talk to your Veterinarian if you suspect environmental allergies.

Food allergies related to dog foods containing excessive grain, meat by- products and preservatives are also common. More often than not, when a truly well balanced premium meat based food choice is introduced to the dog’s diet, the itching and scratching subsides.

The most common reason for dog skin problems is poor diet. Just like us, dogs need a well balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals in order to be at optimum health. When diet is compromised, there’s an excellent chance that the skin will become inflamed, dry, flaky, greasy and smell.

Dog Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are due to a weakened immune system. A healthy immune system is what keeps “Candida Albicans” balanced and in check. When the immune system is stressed, the bodies natural healthy bacteria diminishes and the Candida becomes more invasive leading to a yeast infection.

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