Itchy skin or in veterinary term is pruritus is a common medical problem for mammals pet like canine or cat, however, dog is more prone to get this medical problem. Some people might think that itchy skin in their dog isn’t really a big deal however, If not treated carefully, it can lead to many other serious medical problems like inflammation or even infections.
Not only it can cause several infections and inflammation, but itchy skin can also cause great distress for your canine family member. Intense scratching or chewing from your dogs can cause them more chronic pruritus as their desire to relieve the itch is getting bigger and bigger.
There are a lot of medical reasons your pet dog might be itching. It can be from allergies, fleas, scabies, lice, pollen, pyoderma, contagion, and there are still many more. To diagnose what seems to be the problem, it might take quite an effort. If you think the itching in your lovely dogs getting worse and worse every day, you should seek veterinary care as quickly as you can.
You can also try to help ease the itching from your dog by yourself, but before that, you should know what causing the itch, what might seems to be the problem on your dog. Since there are a lot of factors that can be diagnosed in pruritus, here we have some tips to help you identify if your dog might having pruritus, we have compiled much information on these medical reasons why your dog might be suffer from itching.
Causes of pruritus or itching skin in a dog, and how to treat them
1. Fleas, lice and other pests
Fleas and other pests like lice and scabies are very common for furry animals like cat, rabbit, and dog. However, dogs are the most common animals that get infected by fleas. Pests like fleas thrive in the humid tropical country. However even in the cold country, if you don’t keep your dog hygienic it will mostly be a haven for fleas.
The key to curing the dog pruritus or itching if caused by fleas is to clean out your dog using thoroughly. If the pests are tough to get rid, and simple cleaning is not enough like if your dog has a lice infestation, then you need to consider to use lice shampoo, clean up your dogs bedding, use dogs comb, you can also use a pesticide treatment for your dog, or you can also shave your dogs bald if anything you try fails.
Fleas and lice are the most common reason for your pruritus. They are fairly easy to be removed and won’t require veterinary treatment, but if the pests infestation is getting worse, we suggest you still need to seek out veterinarian help.
2. Too much pollen
Pollen is common trouble in spring flower season. Too much pollen during your dog walk can also cause your dogs to itch. If your dog is seriously itching during springtime, and you often take a walk in a park, this might be the cause. If the pollen is the cause of your dog pruritus, then it is very easy to remove them, as you can wash them clean right away. However, if your dogs actually developed an allergy for pollens, then you will need to seek out veterinary care for more medical needs for your canine family member.
3. Pyoderma or skin infection caused by bacteria
Pyoderma means skin infections that are caused by bacteria. The word pyoderma comes from Greek words, pyo means pus and then derma that mean skin. Pyoderma is a very common reason for dogs itching, especially among puppies.
To identify pyoderma in your dogs, the most common sign is papules on your dog skin. It is similar to human pimples, mostly red with spot-on white on the center, dry, and circular crusts. Pyoderma is caused by bacterial infection when the surface of your dog’s skin is injured. The skin bacteria then changed the blood flow of your dog’s skin causing them to be impaired and your dog’s immune system is suppressed.
To treat pyoderma, you will need to contact your veterinarian and arrange for antibiotics therapy for at least two to six weeks.
4. Your dog diet, food allergy
Watch out what your dog eats. Dog’s stomach is different than a human of course, and a dog can also have an allergy. A dog can become allergy from their birth, or even developing allergies. Allergy can cause severe health problems in your dog, and pruritus is one of them. If your dog digest foods or being close to something they allergic to, it can cause them to have very annoying itchiness. Your dogs will sometime scratch their bodies too much and can cause infection or inflammation on their skin.
If you are adopting senior dogs from shelters, ask the shelters if the dog has certain allergies. Avoid things your dogs allergic into. If your dog is already itching caused by allergies, try to treat them using anti-allergic medication from trusted vets.
5. Contagion by other animals
Even though your dog is perfectly healthy, and clean your dog is still prone to any contagion other animals could infect your lovely canine companion. During your walk, your dog may encounter a lot of other animals, from another dog, cat, squirrel, rats, and many more. Stray dogs may spread contagion such as lice infestation, rodents like rats might spread out many dangerous bacteria and virus, and there are many other contagions your dog might get during a walk. Contagions like these can cause serious skin disease and make your dog itching severely.
Make sure you clean out your dog correctly after each walk. The cleanliness of your dog should be the priority, as the hygiene will affect many aspects of your dog including their health.
In conclusion
There are a lot of factors that can be the cause of your dogs might be itching, from allergies, fleas, contagion, and many more. Keeping your dog clean, healthy and happy can help them avoid severe issues on itching.
If you find out any more of medical reasons your pet dog might be itching feel free to inform us in the comment and make sure to give us your opinion here.