How To Treat Itchy Skin On A Dog
Introduction
If you have a dog with itchy skin, you know that they can’t tell you what’s wrong. This means it can be difficult to diagnose the cause of your dog’s itchiness and therefore difficult to treat the condition that’s causing it. Itchy skin on dogs can be caused by allergies, parasites, infection, or other factors. Sometimes your pup may need medication to get relief, but usually there are ways to help relieve their discomfort without prescription medicine. So read on for details about what may be causing your dog’s itchiness and how to provide some relief at home!
Canine atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is the most common skin condition in dogs. It’s caused by a genetic predisposition and environmental factors, and can be treated with topical steroids, antihistamines, and immunosuppressants. But there are also natural remedies that can help:
- A diet change – Many pet owners swear by this method because it’s not only effective but also easy to administer. For example, you could feed your dog a probiotic food which will ease their itchiness while providing them with essential nutrients.
- Homeopathy – If you’re looking for something less conventional than changing your dog’s diet then try homeopathy to tackle the problem head-on! This alternative medicine uses small doses of chemicals to stimulate the body back into balance so ask your vet if they recommend this treatment as an option before trying anything else first
Canine flea allergy
Fleas are the most common source of itchiness in dogs, but other parasites and skin conditions can cause itchy skin as well. When your dog has an allergic reaction to flea bites, their immune system releases histamines (a type of protein) into the blood stream that causes inflammation and itching. It is also possible for dogs with a severe allergic reaction to develop hives or secondary infections due to scratching themselves raw. If you suspect your dog has fleas, take them to see a vet immediately!
Canine food allergy
Food allergies can be a common cause of itchy skin in dogs. In fact, food allergy is the most common type of allergy in dogs. The most common cause of food allergy is to meat protein, but it’s also possible for your dog to have an allergy to wheat or corn (two ingredients commonly found in many pet foods).
If you notice that your dog has itchy skin after eating certain foods for a period of time, this could be due to a food allergy. This does not mean that your dog has developed an intolerance—an intolerance is different from an allergic reaction. An intolerance refers to digestive issues caused by something like lactose or gluten; when your pupper eats these things they experience GI upset such as diarrhea or bloating because their bodies are unable to properly digest them. A true allergic reaction happens when there’s an immune response—your pup’s body recognizes the substance as foreign and attacks it with antibodies like histamines which trigger inflammation and itchiness all over their adorable little bodies!
Canine mange
Canine mange is a skin condition caused by parasitic mites, which live in and feed on the dog’s skin. It can also cause hair loss and secondary infections. Mange is highly contagious, so it’s important to keep your dog from coming into contact with other dogs that are already infected.
Mange symptoms include:
- Hair loss (usually in patches)
- Dry flaky skin or rash
- Scratching at the affected area
Drug reactions
Drug reactions are a common cause of itchy skin in dogs and can be caused by antibiotics, antihistamines, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other drugs. These types of allergies can be diagnosed with a blood test.
Put a warm compress on your dog’s skin.
A warm compress can also help relieve your dog’s itchy skin. You can use a towel, or even put a hot water bottle on the area that is itchy. You should only use this technique for a few minutes at a time in order to prevent overheating and burning of their skin.
Give your dog an oatmeal bath.
Oatmeal baths are a great way to soothe your dog’s skin and reduce itching. Oatmeal is also great because it can help calm your dog, particularly if he or she is nervous about something. The soothing nature of oatmeal may even help you avoid the risk of infection for your pet by keeping them from licking their paws too much.
Make sure your dog is drinking enough water!
As a pet owner, you might not realize how important water is for your dog’s skin. If your dog isn’t drinking enough water, their skin will dry out and become itchy. This can be painful for them, as well as unsightly if they scratch at their skin constantly!
To ensure that your pup has access to plenty of water, you should make sure there are several different bowls around the house: one inside and one outside (if applicable), plus a few smaller ones that you can leave within reach around the house wherever they’re most comfortable lounging. You may also want to consider purchasing some fun-shaped bowls or even dispensers that dispense water automatically when they get low!
Make sure each bowl is always full so that no matter where they go in search of refreshment—or just hanging out with friends—they’re able to find something delicious and refreshing waiting for them there instead!
Itchy skin on dogs can be caused by a number of things, but you can often get it under control with a few steps at home.
Itchy skin can be caused by a number of things, including contact with irritants like pollen, mites or even certain types of food. It’s important to identify the cause so you can treat it accordingly. If your dog has been exposed to something that is causing an allergic reaction, you may need to take him or her to the vet for medication.
If the problem is more general and persistent, there are some steps you can take at home:
- Make sure your dog is drinking enough water! A dehydrated dog will itch more than usual because his body doesn’t have enough fluids to keep him comfortable.
- Give your dog an oatmeal bath with mild shampoo that’s meant for dogs. You’ll want to use a shampoo with no dyes or perfumes in it—most pet stores sell products designed specifically for this purpose—and apply it as often as needed until the itching stops (usually within a few days). Be careful not to get any in their eyes! Wipe out any excess soap afterwards with a damp cloth so they don’t lick it off later on while they’re drying off after their bath time fun.”
Conclusion
We hope that you are able to follow these tips and improve your dog’s itchiness. If you’re still noticing a problem after trying out these options, or if your dog’s symptoms do not improve, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian about the cause of the itching.