All About Canine Itching
This name may sound unfamiliar to us, but canine itching frequently affects dogs of all breeds and ages. It can also affect domestic cats. Here are its main symptoms and recommendations to help you take care of your pet.
Canine itching: what is it and how does it develop
Veterinary medicine uses the term ‘canine itching’ to refer to itching or the sensation that leads to itching. Its manifestation causes an intense and persistent desire to rub, scratch, lick and bite its skin and fur.
Sometimes itching can appear in isolation and, generally, associated with the nervous system. But it can be a symptom of other pathologies. It develops due to skin inflammations and allergies or ectoparasite infestations.
The prognosis for canine itching is usually positive, but it depends on early diagnosis. If it is not treated properly, it can cause complete or partial loss of hair. In more severe cases, wounds and ulcers from intense scratching can lead to bacterial infections.
Symptoms of canine itching
The main symptom of itching in dogs is, logically, the intense and increasing itching itself. The animal can develop obsessive behaviors and spend the whole day isolated scratching or licking itself. Moreover, many dogs rub themselves and rub the affected parts of their body against objects and furniture in the home, or trees in the garden.
Such behavior leads to the following consequences:
- Skin redness and inflammation.
- Wounds and injuries derived from self-mutilation.
- Partial or complete loss of hair, the so-called alopecia.
Main causes of canine itching
The most common cause of itching in dogs is associated with ectoparasite infestations. The presence of fleas, ticks and mites can lead to intense itching and the development of skin irritations and inflammation.
Allergies appear as the second most common cause of itching in pets. They can be caused by food, parasites, products, dust and some natural agents, such as mold or pollen.
Some endoparasites, such as roundworms (ascaris), can also cause itching in our pets. Mainly in puppies under six months.
The chemicals in some cleaning and cosmetic products are also dangerous to animals. Not only do they facilitate the appearance of itching, but they can cause more serious poisoning.
Canine itching: the psychological factor
Canine itching is often complicated by activating what is known as the vicious itch cycle. The itching leads the animal to scratch and cause injuries. With this, the itching sensation increases, leading to a more intense urge to scratch and new wounds.
But the vicious cycle is not reduced to physical expressions . This itching sensation is usually contagious and its progression is associated with the nervous system.
The itchy stimulus on the skin reaches the brain through this system. The immediate response of the animal is usually to scratch to relieve itself quickly and make the foreign stimulus disappear.
But this reaction causes more irritation and leads to new itching stimuli. This triggers a series of vicious reactions that can cause intense skin and nervous irritation.
The psychological factor of pruritus is so determining that it can cause contagion between humans and animals. In many cases, the owner develops an imaginary itch from observing the canine itch.
Treatment of itching in dogs
There is no single treatment for canine itching. Your vet may prescribe ointments, pills, or injections to decrease the urge to scratch and prevent further injury.
Typically, a change in diet and specific tests will be recommended to rule out the possibility of underlying allergies. In the event that an infestation by internal or external parasites is recognized, the appropriate deworming must be carried out.
It is essential not to self medicate an animal that suffers from itching. Many drugs and even some homemade solutions can worsen the itching sensation and further irritate the skin.
Itching in dogs: is it possible to prevent it?
Itching can be prevented by adopting positive home hygiene habits, such as keeping the environment clean and ventilated. The animal must also receive its deserved care, such as bathing, brushing, caressing, etc.
A balanced diet and regular physical activity are also essential to strengthen the immune system. Allergic pets should be on a hypoallergenic diet to control their organic reactions.
Preventive medicine is essential to combat causes related to parasites and allergies. In addition, regular visits to the vet allow early diagnosis of canine itching and other skin disorders.
