Scratching dog is not necessarily sick. On the other hand, if he scratches very often and frantically, he may be suffering from fleas, lice, chiggers, scabies on the body or even be allergic to dust, mites or pollen. If your dog scratches abnormally, do not hesitate to consult a veterinarian who will give him the appropriate treatment.
Is a scratching dog serious?
There are many possible explanations for pruritus in dogs and it is not always easy to determine the origin of the itching suffered by a scratching dog. Most often, this comes from interference by fleas or chiggers. But it may also be because the dog has developed an allergy or skin pathology. When your dog adopts a compulsive scratching behavior, a visit to the veterinarian is essential in order to relieve its pruritus with an appropriate treatment.
Causes and Treatments of Dogs Who Scratch Compulsively
Treatment against parasites
Your dog scratches frantically and you think he may be parasitized by one or more fleas? Be careful, there are also other parasites that can cause itchy skin in dogs. This is particularly the case for chiggers, body galls and cheylétielles. Fleas and other pests are not easy to eliminate. You will have to treat your dog with an appropriate veterinary treatment that will most of the time have to be repeated. Also remember to clean or change his bedding.
Your dog is scratching because he has developed an allergy
We know that certain household cleaning products, materials such as plastic, food, even candy, and even, in some cases, flea collars are likely to be allergenic. The itching of the dog can therefore come from the presence in its environment of these allergens to which it is sensitive. Other possible causes of allergies in dogs, dust and dust mites, as well as pollens. In the latter case, the allergy is seasonal, it disappears after spring. There are desensitizing veterinary treatments to avoid the risk of seborrhea by reducing the effects of allergies in dogs.
What is dog seborrhea?
Seborrhea is a skin pathology that develops in dogs as a reaction to an allergy or parasitism. The body of the animal tends to produce excess sebum which covers its skin and waterproofs its hair. There are two types of seborrhea: dry seborrhea and oily seborrhea. Dry seborrhea is characterized by dryness of the skin which can lead to cracking and localized lesions. The coat becomes dull and you notice the appearance of dandruff. In the case of oily seborrhea, excess sebum tends to go rancid and your pet’s coat becomes very fragrant.
The risks when a dog scratches frantically
As long as the causes that cause the itching are not eliminated, the dog will continue to scratch, bite its paws or rub itself in an attempt to relieve itself. He may even end up injuring himself or self-harming by scratching. His hair may also fall out on the areas that hurt him and lesions will develop. Pyoderma may also occur. It is a bacterial infection resulting from the skin irritations from which the dog suffers.
The right things to do with a scratching dog
When a dog tends to scratch abnormally, he may simply be stressed. Then try to make him change his behavior by calming him with walks and more marked attention. But if the itching and scratching keeps happening, it’s safe to take your dog to the vet.
