When dogs scratch themselves constantly, it drives their owners nuts. Your dog’s skin is almost red raw and, perhaps, even bleeding from all the scratching. There are places where there’s no hair because of all the scratching he had done with his paws and mouth. This is called a hot spot, and it looks very unpleasant.
Many owners are embarrassed to take their dogs out in public because of it. Other owners are slowly driven crazy by the scratching sound of their pet tearing and ripping his flesh in a vain attempt to stop that itchy feeling. He’ll often cry and whine because it’s so frustrating to him.
It’s not long until owners become desperate for a way to treat their dog’s itchy skin and make him feel better. There are some chemicals that can ease this problem and many of them do work. However, some dogs have allergies to such chemicals and may even have a fatal reaction. The first step in healing such problems is careful grooming techniques.
The first thing is to brush your dog every day. Most itchiness is triggered by dirt, pollen, dander and mats that remain on your dog’s coat. If left for long enough, these problems will irritate his skin and make him start scratching and chewing in an attempt to get rid of the itchiness. Brush his coat daily and you’ll stop the problems building to the point where they cause such horrible itchy feelings. Your dog will be grateful for not having to scratch and will also enjoy the extra time spent with you.
Bathing your dog is a perfect way to keep him clean and free from problems such as itchiness. However, you shouldn’t wash him every day because too much shampoo and water will remove the natural oils that a dog’s coat possesses. Once these oils are washed away, your dog’s skin can dry out, and it’s also more susceptible to infections.
Dry skin on a dog is worse than it is for a human but because dogs can’t treat themselves to try and ease the problem. They must reply on you to help them. If you’re itchy you’re able to do something about it.
While grooming your pet, pay special attention to his ears. Dogs can get ear mites that bite them. Then they start scratching their ears, causing them to bleed and this can lead to infections and other ear problems. If you notice an unpleasant odour coming from your dog’s ears and he doesn’t like you touching them, he’s most likely getting an infection. Ask your vet about the best way to treat him.
If you can’t solve your dog’s hot spot problems, despite trying everything you know, ask your vet for the best antibiotic cream to rub into these hotspots. If your dog bites and claws the hotspots, your vet may also suggest that you use a plastic cone-like collar that will stop him scratching and biting until the sore spots heal.
The list of the worst causes of itchiness.
- Fleas.
- Airborne allergens such as pollen, which can cause hay fever.
- Parasites, such as scabies, ear mites and cheyletiellosis (a.k.a. walking dandruff).
- Skin infections caused by bacteria.
- Lice and tics.
- Food allergies.
- Various functions such as yeast infections.
- Seborrhoea.
- Contact allergies.
- Illnesses such as immune-system troubles, some cancers and liver disease.
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