Why Is My Dog Itching?
With warmer weather creeping in, you might find your dog itching more often. There are many causes of a dog’s itchy skin, so it can be very tricky to determine what the origin is. Seeing your pet uncomfortable and scratching continuously can be very distressing for you and your pet, so soothing your dog’s itchy skin takes priority. The two main things that give a dog itchy skin are pests and allergies, both of which can be seasonal. Making sure you’re on the right track of treatment and using safe products to reduce their discomfort is of utmost importance.
- Fleas and Ticks
Once you notice your dog itching, always check for fleas and ticks first! These blood-dependent pests use dogs as hosts all the time, and can latch on anywhere. Ticks can go unnoticed for some time until they become fully engorged and large enough for you to spot and remove. Keep in mind these irritating insects can and do carry a variety of dangerous diseases, so it’s important to check for them during all seasons in the KZN Midlands. We advise using year-round tick and flea treatment for pets in our area.
- Food Allergies
Just like people, dogs can be allergic to just about anything. If you don’t find any fleas or ticks and your dog still has itchy skin, you might be dealing with an allergy of some sort. Food allergies, while rare, do happen and eliminating foods can prove necessary to find out what ingredient(s) your dog is allergic to. You can work with us to guide you on the process of seeing if any of these food allergens are triggering your pet’s allergy.
- Environmental Allergies
If your dog is still itching, but he doesn’t have fleas or a food allergy, he may have some environmental allergies to things like pollen. There are therapeutic foods to improve your dog’s skin health and aid in protecting them from these environmental allergens.
Depending on the severity of your dog’s itchiness, treatment can range from minor to extensive, going beyond just one method. Simple oral medication might be ideal during the worst parts of the year, along with regular grooming and medicated shampoos. Desensitization “allergy injections” may help too. Of course, steroid injections and stronger medications are suggested if your dog’s itching persists. Regardless of the cause, a consult with a vet is vital before taking matters into your own hands.
When to visit us at Midlands Vet?
As we have covered, there are many reasons your dog might be itching, but the two most common ailments are pests and allergies. Regardless of the reason, seek advice when you first notice your dog itching. Don’t give any medications prior to your visit to the vet. Although the treatment might be quick and simple, the last thing you want is to make a decision that causes its own adverse reaction. Whereas fleas and ticks are best treated with prevention (which can be purchased in a variety of forms), food allergies are treated with limited-ingredient foods to eradicate the offending ingredient. Environmental allergies are tougher to treat, but can be easily managed.
At the end of the day, keeping your dog happy and healthy and itchiness at bay is important. There’s nothing a little tender loving care and veterinary treatment can’t fix. Soon enough, you’ll find your dog comfortable and back to normal.
