Dog Scratching: Everything You Need To Know And How To Stop It



It may look like that dog scratching is just one of those behaviors you can take for granted. But, lots of dog owners all over the world are eager to learn how to prevent dog scratching. Aside from fleas, food allergies, and also fixations on their skin, a dog that keeps on scratching can trigger hot spots, infections, and other skin problems. And if not treated correctly, can progress to severe long term problems.

The Causes of Dog Scratching

But before learning how to stop dog scratching, you must first recognize what causes it. Here are the various reasons why a dog might scratch persistently.

Infection - infections can either be caused by bacteria, yeast, or fungi. You can check for infections by just looking for greasy sores, hairless patches, or red swelling for any of the three.

Neurogenic - in some cases the cause can be insufficient exercise or mental stimulation and separation stress. Excessive licking and chewing are also signs of nervous problem.

Allergenic - skin problems from food allergies, plant allergies, dust and flea allergies, and some other allergies can lead to severe itching to a dog.

Nutritional - if your dog doesn't take the right nutrients in their diet can make their dry skin, and will grow into eczema, sores, or simply terrible hair that leads to dryness.

Environmental - if your dog is quite the adventurer, something in the environment might have triggered the incessantly scratching. Too much water from swimming, digging, or playing outdoors can cause scratching.

Parasites - All parasites can lead to itching, this includes fleas, gnats, ticks, flies, and also mites. But don't worry, because most medications can prevent parasites.

Visiting the Vet

Although you can check for yourself, you have to talk to the vet and have your dog thoroughly examined to be sure. Not to mention that the veterinarian can provide you with the right medication for various causes of the itching. For example, the vet will give you antibiotics or anti-fungal if your dog suffers from an infection. Antihistamines added with a change in a diet for allergies and flea baths, and medicines for parasites.

Dealing with Neurogenic Scratching

Not like the other five issues, neurogenic scratching is the hardest to stop. The reason being you have to first pinpoint why the dog feels the urge to scratch his skin constantly before treating him.

Most of the time, your dog might be simply bored and has developed tick to scratch and lick incessantly. You can basically stop this by making sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise. You can also put bitter apple spray or cayenne pepper on your dog's favorite licking spots.

You can also buy a cone from the vet that will not allow the dog to get to those itching hot spots. You can take away the cone and spray once the dog has more active exercise plan.

But if your dog continues scratching, visit the vet again to make sure you eliminate any other physical ailments.

Although usually dog scratching can be easily dealt with, you still need to pay close attention to dog and what he does. Prevention is much better than cure and you can never be too careful.

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