Growing up with a dog with intense itching and harsh skin conditions - it can be hard to watch them gnaw away at their paws or uncontrollably itch and lick themselves. If you’re anything like me - I felt awful watching my dog without knowing what was wrong or how to help! Below are the top reasons relating to skin irritations for your furry Favorite Child.
Other possible irritants in the home include detergents used to wash blankets and bedding, household cleaners, or sprays used in the yard. Topical flea medications can cause skin itching (and other health problems).
Allergies are often a major culprit of irritation. This can include allergies to food, mold, pollen, harsh pesticides and soaps,
Dry Skin
Dry skin from weather changes to diet changes can spark this often overlooked reason for your over itching pet.
External or Internal Pain.
Consider that physical pain - either directly or indirectly your animal's responses. Thorns and sharp object can easily get caught in paws leading to licking and biting to attempt to remove this substance. Compulsive chewing or licking can also be a response to orthopedic problems, including arthritis and hip dysplasia.
Parasites.
Among the most common causes for compulsive dog licking, chewing, or scratching behaviors are fleas, ticks, and mites. Although ticks are often visible to the naked eye, fleas often go unseen until there is a large infestation, and mites are microscopic. So don’t assume that your dog isn’t suffering from parasites just because you can’t see them.
Anxiety
Similar to humans, animals with mild to severe abandonment or attachment anxiety may manifest this emotion through gnawing, itching, scratching or biting their skin.
To learn ways you can help - explore the next post Ways to Treat Itchy Dry Skin.