Why is Your Dog Scratching Excessively

But, when your dog starts to scratch one area excessively, there is an issue that needs to be addressed. But, trying to determine the exact cause of the scratching or itching is sometimes difficult because it can be medical, allergies or just boredom. Below are some tips to help determine why your dog is scratching and suggestions for relief: Your dog might have fleas Fleas are the most common reason why your dog is scratching. Check your dog’s hair and body for any fleas that you might find. Your dog can easily pick up a flea from another dog when you are outside and it infests your home. Give your dog a flea bath immediately and check with your vet for the best recommendation for fleas or flea bites if the initial bath doesn’t stop the itching. Your dog has very dry skin Another cause of scratching or itching is dry skin. If you live in a region with low humidity, it’s more likely that your dog will have dry skin, which is fairly easy to recognize. When you part your dog’s hair, you see flakes of dandruff in the undercoat, and the skin itself may be cracked and tough. The slightest stimulation of the skin even just your touching it can provoke your dog to scratch aggressively. Dry skin can be caused by your dog’s diet Dry skin can be influenced not only by environmental factors but also by diet. Commercial pet foods process out the good oils that contribute to healthy skin and a healthy coat. Dry pet food has a more dehydrating effect on skin and hair and also makes your dog extra thirsty, which only partially compensates for the drying nature of these diets. If you have to feed your dog dry food, then try to add digestive enzymes to your dog’s meals. In fact, digestive enzymes are good to use with any type of food. Enzymes improve the release of nutrients and beneficial probiotic bacteria also assist in the digestive process. Probiotics also help with allergies as they can in humans. A healthy digestive system regulates the food your dog eats which improves hydration and increases the moisture levels of the skin and fur. Your dog can be scratching because he is allergic Your dog can be scratching because he has itchy skin as a result of allergies. Allergies may make your dog’s skin dry, greasy, or slightly dry and oily, and is usually accompanied by frequent scratching, licking or chewing. Regardless of your dog’s age, many allergies can be controlled by improving the quality of your dog’s diet by giving them acidophilus cultures and high doses of fish oils; adding freshly milled flax seed; and, in some cases, giving them antihistamines. It can take up to three months for this regimen to take effect. Also see our article on Apple Cider Vinegar which has many benefits for your dog. If you are feeding your dog food with coloring, it could contribute to allergies. Remove your dog from all foods that contain food coloring, which can contribute to allergic reactions. Read the back of any products you buy for your dog’s consumption and check for any food dyes. That includes treats as well their main meals. Dogs may have allergic reactions to any protein commonly found in foods (lamb, beef, chicken, wheat, corn, soy, fish, milk…) and may need to be on a diet free of that specific allergen. This requires testing by removing one specific ingredient at a time from your dog’s diet and seeing how he or she reacts. Below are some other tips to help relieve your scratching dog: When you bathe your dog, try using plain water and a good, non-drying solvent. If you really need to use shampoo, try one that is moisturizing and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. Try to avoid blow dryers. If you have your dog groomed, talk to the groomer about turning down the heat on the blow dryer (it’s usually set pretty high). Feed your dogs a moist food: canned, cooked, homemade or raw. Provide fresh, filtered drinking water at all times. Try adding a fatty acid supplement might help