Why Are They Itching?

Itching is an indicator that something in the body is unbalanced. In most cases, itching is the result of an allergen, parasite, or skin infection. We’ll cover the different types of allergies, symptoms to look out for, how to establish a general cause, and ways to manage the itching.

Allergies are the most common cause of itching. They’re defined as an exaggerated immune response triggered by a substance (allergen) that the body has deemed harmful. Allergens can be divided into three categories: environmental, food, and contact. Environmental allergens are “airborne,” such as pollen, dust, mold, etc. Food allergens are those that are ingested, and can lead to both itching and digestional issues. Contact allergens are just that; allergens that are physically come into contact with. This can include fabric, household cleaners and grooming products.

Parasites are another common culprit of itching. Mites, ticks and fleas are of particular concern for our four legged friends. Signs of parasites include itching, inflammation and hair loss. You may also notice hives, productive lesions, and excessive licking. Skin infections, either bacterial or fungal in nature (sometimes both), are also often to blame for itching. Signs of skin infections include redness, irritation, flaking tissue, discharge, hair loss and tissue discoloration. Dry skin, hormonal imbalances, and anxiety may be another source. Dry skin is often the result of seasonal weather changes, and animals may scratch, bite or lick at themselves as a way to manage stress. 

With so many potential causes, how do we find a solution?

Analyze their environment. Has there been an increase in seasonal airborne allergens? 

Take a look at the ingredients in their food. Have you recently changed their diet?

Inspect for ticks, mites, mange, etc. Are any present, and have you been using a repellent?

Evaluate the products that you’re using on them. Do they contain irritants?

Inspect sites of itching, and take note of presentation. Does the skin look abnormal?

Now that you’ve established a potential origin, it’s time to make some changes. You may need to switch food, remove environmental triggers within reason, manage parasites and discontinue use of irritating products. Additionally, you can use a topical solution such as our 3-in-1 Skin Relief Spray, formulated to reduce itching and irritation caused by allergies, skin infections, insect bites and more. When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian. They can perform testing to identify the root cause of the itching, as well as develop a care plan for your friend. We firmly believe in holistic approaches that utilize the tools of modern medicine in conjunction with herbal remedies. 

Source:

Moriello, Karen, DVM. “Itching (Pruritus) in Dogs.” Merck Vet Manual, June 2018, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/itching-pruritus-in-dogs. 

Read this informative article written by Dr. Michele Rosenbaum about the dangerous of using steroids to treat dog itching.