Why Is My Dog Itching?
Nothing makes you more frustrated than seeing your pet uncomfortable, 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. Need help diagnosing him? Schedule an exam with your veterinarian. Even if your dog’s itching seems minor, you’ll want to make sure you’re on the right track and using safe products to curb his discomfort.
Fleas and Ticks
Once you notice your dog itching, 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 tick season and any time your dog enters a potentially infested 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. Before you start any treatment, it’s best to check with your vet to rule out what your dog might be allergic to.
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 or dander. A nutrition change may not do much in the way of relief, but your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic food to improve your dog’s skin health. And your vet will have the best suggestions when confronting environmental allergens.
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