Monday, August 22, 2011

Itchy Dog

The health-related terminology frequently mentioned by veterinarians for uncontrollable dog itching and scratching is pruritus. An itchy dog typically isn't reason to worry, but if it gets to be extreme it may possibly be a warning sign pointing to a much more serious disorder. There are a number of distinctive skin issues in dogs that can be the source of the scratching. If a canine's itching is inciting the occurrence of other skin problems including irritation and reddening of the skin, skin abrasions and loss of hair, or you see the dog licking or chewing at his or her paws, then the animal really should be taken to an animal clinic for diagnosis since these are all signs of a far more severe skin issue. If it isn't treated, the canine's itching and scratching may produce infections. Although all breeds of canines may develop pruritus, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Westies and Golden Retrievers seem to have a higher number of occurrences than other kinds of dog.

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The Reasons Behind the Scratching and Itching in Dogs

Itchiness in dogs is brought on due to a chemical reaction that happens on or immediately beneath the skin's surface. In the event it's extreme, it is normally an indication that the canine is suffering from one of several skin disorders of a more serious nature.

Uncontrollable scratching could possibly be a sign of these skin disorders in canines:

  • Flea allergies are the most prevalent cause of skin allergies in dogs. When a flea bites a dog, it leaves a little bit of saliva under the skin which causes a chemical reaction that brings about itching in dogs.
  • Seasonal allergies in dogs are also a typical source of pruritus in canines. These allergies are like asthma and hay fever in humans. When the dog breathes in substances including molds, pollen and dust, it brings about an allergic reaction from the immune system of the animal. This form of allergy can also give rise to respiratory issues besides being the source of a dog's scratching.
  • Yet another type of allergy that is less common but is a source of pruritus in canines is an allergy to foods. Food Allergies are caused when the animal ingests food or a food constituent that it is sensitive to.
  • Also include scabies in our list of skin problems in canines that leads to pruritus. Scabies, or sarcoptic mange, is triggered by a mite tunneling directly under the skin of the dog. The mite feeds on materials at or beneath the skin of the animal creating intense and continual itching and scratching.
  • Bacteria and fungal infections could perhaps be the cause of a dog's scratching and itching problems. Infections are usually triggered by open sores and scratches which aren't appropriately being cleaned. Ear mites may possibly bring on this kind of skin irritation in pets.

How to Identify Skin Conditions in An Itchy Dog

Figuring out the trigger of a dog's skin condition has generally proven to be challenging for most dog owners and veterinarians. To find the source of the condition, a variety of treatments and examinations may possibly need to be performed and diagnosis may take somewhere between a week or two to several months. Based upon the dog's symptoms and health-related background, the veterinarian will carry out a series of laboratory screens which can include drawing blood samples, scrapings of the skin, acquiring culture samples and doing a skin biopsy.

Remedies for An Itchy Dog

Even if the underlying trigger of an animal's itching and scratching is still not known, there are remedies offered to rejuvenate the dog's skin and eliminate the itching. Your veterinarian may possibly advise using skin creams, shampoos, antihistamines or maybe immunotherapy in less severe circumstances. In the more severe circumstances, he may perhaps suggest treatment utilizing steroids. Steroids are known to cause undesirable side effects including urinary incontinence, extreme panting and intense thirst, and prolonged use can possibly lead to the emergence of canine Cushing's disease or diabetes, so if you do plan to try them, use tremendous care. A lot of animals could require constant help for their skin problem.

All Natural Itchy Dog Treatments

A lof of veterinarians are currently recommending all natural itchy dog treatments as a safer and gentler form of therapy. It's an option to using corticosteroids and other sorts of medicines that could possibly cause unwanted side effects. There are a number of successful and safe herbal and homeopathic dog itch treatments that give dogs much needed relief by rejuvenating the canine's coat as well as treating and cleansing the dog's skin.

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