Dog Itching, Dog Scratching, and Dog Skin Allergies - Itchy head?
Occasional dog itching and dog scratching is natural dog behavior. Problems only arise when the dog itching becomes extremely frequent.
Extreme dog itchiness is usually a sign of dog allergies, or skin parasites.
The irritation may sometimes cause dogs to rub their noses on the rug, on furniture, or even in the mud and snow. This is done to alleviate some of the unpleasant itchy dog sensation.
Depending on the source of the irritation, there could also be hair-loss.
Dog Itching, Dog Scratching - Siberian Husky Shania says - Scratch me!
Dog Itching Reason 1
Food Allergies
With food allergies, the dog itch is usually accompanied by loose or watery stool. My Shiba Inu is allergic to wheat, and he used to get really itchy from it.
To identify the source of the allergy, I started feeding my dog really plain meals (boiled chicken and rice); no treats or other types of food. I was also very careful during neighborhood walks so that he didn’t slip in a “road-side surprise” to his diet.
It may take a few days before the allergens clear out of your dog’s system, and you start to see an improvement. Some dogs may be allergic to poultry, so if the boiled chicken does not help, then switch to an alternate meat source e.g. venison or rabbit.
Only boil or microwave the meat. Do not add anything else and absolutely do not use table scraps which are usually too rich for dogs, and may contain spices or ingredients (onions) that are poisonous to dogs. Some dogs may be allergic to multiple common ingredients. My Siberian Husky is allergic to wheat, oats, and fish.
Once the extreme dog itching goes away, slowly introduce your dog’s normal food back into his diet, one by one, until you find the problem food.
Start with only 1/4 portion of the new food, and slowly increase the portion by quarters in each subsequent day. If everything is well after a week, then introduce the next food in the subsequent week.
If you are using dry food (kibble) find one that is grain free, and has good protein sources.
Some good kibble brands include Innova EVO, Orijen, Nature’s Variety Instinct, and Wellness CORE.
Dog Itching Reason 1 - Food Allergies.
Dog Itching Reason 2
Pink oleander from Amazon.com
Skin Allergies
The dog itching can also be from skin allergies caused by plants, pollen, or other chemicals. My dogs often stick their muzzle into all kinds of holes, bushes, and plants.
The best way to deal with dog skin allergies is to keep your dog away from the offending chemical(s).
Try keeping your dog inside the house-only for a few days. If the dog itching improves, then it is likely that your dog is allergic to something in the backyard or neighborhood.
If you can identify which plant is the source of the skin allergy, then remove the plant from your backyard and avoid it during dog walking.
Note that some plants can be poisonous to dogs.
Try keeping your dog inside the house-only for a few days. If the dog itching improves, then it likely that your dog is allergic to something in the backyard or neighborhood.
Dog Itching Reason 3
Dog Itching, Dog Scratching - Hair loss from demodectic mange around the right eye.
Dog Itching, Dog Scratching - Siberian Husky Shania is all recovered!
Skin Parasites
Dog itching can also be from mites, fleas, or other skin parasites.
This can be easily diagnosed by your vet with a skin scraping. Depending on the parasite and the severity of the infection, different treatments may be appropriate.
Your vet will be most equipped to advise you on the different treatment options.
Note that many parasite treatments involve the use of toxic chemicals to kill the mites or fleas.
Some dogs may have allergic reactions to these toxins. Remember to ask your vet about the possible dangers of the treatment, and get additional information from online sources before going ahead with it.
My Siberian Husky recently got demodectic mange from her puppy playmates in dog daycare. To treat the skin mites, our vet suggested the use of Goodwinol ointment. This treatment got the mites under control after about one week but it also caused some vomiting and irritation to the eye.
There have also been some horror stories on flea and tick repellent products. This article provides safety information on most of these products.
Since these products are designed to kill fleas, ticks, and other skin parasites, they are all toxic to some degree; and there is always the possibility that your dog may have an allergic reaction.
Flea and tick collars can be especially dangerous, because if they are not properly fastened, a dog may chew off pieces, or even swallow it whole.
Note however, that not using flea and tick repellents may expose your dog to skin irritation, as well as dangerous diseases such as lyme disease. Before making a decision, it may be useful to read what the FDA has to say about fighting fleas and ticks.
Dog Itching, Dog Scratching - A non-itchy dog is a happy dog!
If you do find some ticks on your dog, do not try to pull them off with your fingers. This may cause the body of the tick to break off, and leave the head still embedded in your dog’s skin. Embedded tick parts may sometimes cause a skin infection.
One of the best tools for removing ticks easily and safely is the Ticked off tick remover.
It may look just like a silly plastic spoon, but it works surprisingly well for removing ticks. Since I got it, I have been able to remove all ticks from my dogs without any problems.
These are the most common reasons for dog itching, dog scratching, and hair loss. However, there could be other causes, so it is always best to consult with your vet.
When dealing with allergy issues, find a vet who is willing to help you identify the source of the allergy, rather than just treat the symptoms with shots.
Dog Itching, Dog Scratching - Find a vet who is willing to help you identify the source of the allergy, rather than just treat the symptoms with shots.
Hi Debbie,
My Siberian is on Atarax as well. She had some bad allergic reaction this morning, and her whole face swelled up. The vet said it could be from her vaccine shots, or from an insect bite.
Hopefully it was a vaccine thing, because there are always going to be spiders and bees about.
How is the Atarax working out for Bond?
Bond just got back from Vet Visit. He is now on Atarax for the itching/licking with 30% relief. To be continued.