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Skin Conditions That Can Make Your Dog Itchy

Updated: Oct 3

Skin Conditions That Can Make Your Dog Itchy

Skin Conditions That Can Make Your Dog Itchy

Skin problems are a leading cause that make your dog itchy. This is why it’s important to know if your dog is suffering from an underlying skin condition that could make him itch.


The most common skin conditions that can lead to excessive scratching and licking are:


Canine Atopic Dermatitis

An itch allergy, sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis or canine eczema, is a type of skin inflammation characterized by redness, irritation and an awkward continuous itch that will not go away.


While any part of your dog’s skin can be affected by this condition, you will most likely notice the problem areas on the muzzle (underneath whiskers), ears (on the folds), rear end (butt-cheeks) and underarms. If left unaddressed for an extended period of time infestations may form due to a wet environment breeding bacteria.


Seborrhea

Seborrhea is a skin condition that causes red, itchy patches of scaling on your dogs face and upper body. Dogs with seborrheic dermatitis may also experience excessive shedding in these areas. You can keep track of this disease because it’s not contagious to other pets (though your dog may carry systemic yeast infections which are contagious). Another form of canine seborrhea exists where patchy white or yellow scales appear on your pooch’s skin due to an allergic reaction to mites or bacteria present on his coat.


Skin disease or skin infections in dogs can be very dangerous. It is important to treat it at the earliest signs of a problem such as excessive scratching or licking.


Food Allergies

(Diagnosed by Blood Tests Only) – Allergic reactions are almost always caused by something that your dog’s eaten or come in contact with. It is really up to you, the pet owner, to be aware of as many possible allergens as you can and then carefully watch for any sign of a reaction on your pet’s body.


Symptoms vary greatly from one dog to another, but here are some common signs that might alert you that allergies may be at play:


Skin Rash – This is perhaps the most common allergy symptom. It can affect not only the outer layer of your pet’s skin but also the hair follicles and even the skin at his feet or between his toes.


As a result, you may see bald spots, redness, scabs, bumps on its body and some pretty bad “hot spots” – which are very sore and extremely itchy.


Skin allergies can affect any breed, but they tend to be more common in dogs with curly tails, because the hair gets trapped inside the tail itself or under the pant. So if your dog has a long coat and a curled tail then you really need to keep an eye out for this kind of allergy symptoms.


Male dogs can also suffer from reproductive gland problems in the groin area, which are usually related to either skin or food allergies. Intestinal Problems – If your dog’s got intestinal allergies then you will certainly see diarrhea and possibly even some vomiting.

The causes vary greatly depending on what kind of allergen it is. For instance, if you use too much perfume in your home and it gets on your pet’s bed then the next time he lays down there will be a chance of him reacting to it.


Or maybe there are mice or rats living near where you live and they may have left droppings somewhere accessible to your pet. If so, then the smell of that material could cause a reaction.


But if no source can be found, then your dog’s probably affected by airborne allergens (e.g., pollen or dust) – which is common with certain breeds (such as poodles and Schnauzers).


If you suspect any of these scenarios may apply to your pet, then it’s a good idea to consult with your vet. Sometimes he’ll recommend that you bathe the animal using an oatmeal shampoo that has been approved for use on animals.


How long the reaction lasts also depends on what caused it in the first place, but usually after 2-3 days all symptoms have disappeared and everything’s back to normal.


However, many of these allergic reactions can be chronic, so you should always keep an eye on your pet’s body for any sign of redness or itchiness.


Occasionally all it takes is a change in diet or other lifestyle factors to fix this problem so make sure this is addressed early if itching concerns develop.


Ear Mites

Ear mites generally cause the shaggy pet a lot of pain because of constant scratching and licking at their ear. Under the microscope, these tiny white pearls show up on red background in your pup’s ear canal. It’s important that this problem be treated as soon as possible; otherwise, he could develop secondary bacterial infections like ear infections.


Fleas

Fleas or flea bites are typically more of an issue for puppies; older dogs are usually affected by flea allergies instead. The most common sign of such a reaction is scratching and licking at the skin, with redness and irritation present around bite/scratch marks left behind on your pet’s body.


Insect Bites

When dogs are itchier than normal, it can be due to an allergic reaction to mosquitoes, flies, chiggers or ticks. As with flea allergies in adult dogs – some puppies infected with lice often suffer from intense itching because of their allergic response.


Skin infections, allergies, flea and tick infestations or worms.


Preventing these is not just good for the dog, it’s good for your sanity!


CBD Oil can help with skin allergies in dogs.

This is one of the most exciting uses of CBD oil in pets because animals seem to respond better than humans to hemp-based remedies. The best part about using CBD with dogs or any other pet is that you can use it without worrying about adverse side effects and drug interactions.


For years now, veterinarians have used CBD oil to treat skin allergies and pain in dogs. There are no reported negative effects, making it perfectly safe to use with animals. It has also been found to be effective for treating anxiety and seizures in pets thanks to its anticonvulsant properties – which is the most exciting news!


What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is derived from cannabis plants. The difference between CBD oil and other types of cannabinoid oils like THC is that it does not have any psychoactive effects which can lead to impairment or feeling ‘high’. It’s made from the flowers, leaves and stalks of hemp – a cousin of the marijuana plant – but processed in a way that makes it non-psychoactive. That’s why it does not have any intoxicating effects and is safe for dogs to use.


How Does It Work? CBD oil can be dissolved in water, added to kibble or given directly in the mouth. The cannabinoids will bind to receptors in your pet’s body and provide relief from skin allergy symptoms. While cannabis does have some side effects for humans, it seems like there are no negative reactions to the use of CBD in pets.


Dog skin disease, especially in hot weather, can be very dangerous if not looked after and treated properly. It’s always good to know what your dog might have and how you can treat that condition.


Itchy dogs can be very uncomfortable, but fortunately there are many things you can do to help with this problem such as buying the correct dog shampoo for your dog's condition. You might also want to try a natural organic remedy, like an aloe vera salve or even a dog coconut oil treatment.


Any time is a good time for a coconut oil treatment for your dog’s itchy skin. Remember that just like humans, dogs will benefit greatly from proper nutrition and a healthy diet.


In conclusion, it’s always wise to check out a dog’s skin thoroughly to make sure there are no underlying conditions that could cause excessive itching and checking for any bites or scratches.


Always check with your veterinarian to ensure there's no underlying medical conditions.


You may also enjoy reading: Pet Relief: What to Consider Before Buying CBD Oil for Your Dog.

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