Dog Itchy Skin: 3 Reasons Your Dog Gets Itchy And What You Should Do About It
It’s a common habit of your dog that you can see everyday: scratching themselves.
Sometimes pet owners tend to overlook that it can be a symptom of something serious.
But if you are a keen pet owner, you can actually tell if your dog is scratching more than the usual.
If you don’t know the symptoms of dog allergy then better learn more about it here.
Today, you will learn that there are 3 reasons why your dog is itching and your dog may be experiencing at least one.
3 Factors Why Your Dog Gets Itchy
Environmental Allergens
Food Allergies
Flea Allergy
Dog Itchy Skin: Environmental Allergens
Like humans, dogs can be allergic to environmental factors that can be either atopic or contact. Atopic meaning the allergic triggers may be inhaled such as pollens, molds and dust mites.
Contact allergies are those things around that can cause extreme itching to your pet’s skin when touched by your pet. Some of these include laytex rubber, grass and wool. There are also dogs that can be allergic to humans. Sounds funny but it is a fact.
Dog Itchy Skin: Food Allergies
Aside from the toxic food for dogs, there are certain food items that your dog might be allergic to. But this is the least common to cause dog itch. More often, dogs have food intolerance or food sensitivity. Some of the food that can cause a reaction to your furbaby are egg, milk, soy, wheat, corn, chicken or beef.
Dog Itchy Skin: Flea Allergy
A very common dog skin allergy is from fleas. Yes, dogs have the tendency to scratch them off and may seem normal especially during flea season. But there are dogs that are actually allergic to the saliva of a flea.
One bite from a tiny flea may be felt like a bite of ten fleas all at once. Dogs with flea allergy will experience itchiness, redness and swelling immediately.
You have to understand that severe scratching can break your dog’s skin. This can lead to secondary infection if not treated.
Dog Itchy Skin Treatment
To determine if your furbaby has any of the mentioned dog skin allergy, it is best that you consult your veterinarian. This is because your Vet will be able to figure out what the exact cause of your dog’s allergy.
Once the allergens are known, you can eliminate or lessen the exposure to these allergens as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, follow your vet’s recommendation on the treatment for the skin allergy such as topical pet medications.
If your dog has flea allergy, best if you get rid of the fleas from your home and make use of Tick and Flea Treatments for your dogs. Utilizing them removes the possibility of fleas attacking your furbaby in the first place.
Ask your Veterinarian on what are the available Tick and Flea Treatment in the market today and is best for your dog.
Enjoy peace of mind,
Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC
“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client