Have you noticed your best mate itching more frequently or maybe the sound of them scratching non-stop at their skin, ears, paws or butt is driving you insane? Here’s our vets’ take on the most common causes for scratchy, irritable skin.
Why is my dog itchy?
There are many reasons why dogs itch all the time. If you notice that fido has become a little compulsive with his scratching habit, it’s important to get it checked out.
There are many causes for non-stop scratching, so working out exactly what’s happening with your pup is essential for their wellbeing (and your sanity too).
Top six causes of itchy dogs
Our vet’s identified the most common causes of itching:
1. Fleas:
A single bite can cause your pup to be very itchy. Lesions tend to be more at the back of the body. If you’re looking for evidence of the flea/s, you might not always find it (your pup may have already removed it). So it’s always best to consult a vet.
2. Inhaled allergies (atopy):
This itch is due to allergens such as dust or pollen inhaled in the air. It’s more of an all-over body itch. You might notice it starts seasonally, but it can build up to being year-round too.
3. Food allergies:
This is usually due to a protein in food – believe it or not, beef is a common cause. The itch can be anywhere on the body and tends to occur all year round.
4. Contact allergies:
When your pup gets itchy after physically coming into contact with a plant. A ground cover called trad (or Tradescantia albiflora) is a major cause. The itch is wherever the allergen touches, which tends to be the underside of the body and particularly the paws.
5. Mites – Demodex:
This can vary from small areas of hair loss to large areas with red, pimply skin. It’s common in puppies but occurs in adult dogs too. The mite is microscopic, so the vet will need to test for this. The good news is it isn’t contagious.
6. Mites – Scabies:
Most commonly caught from foxes, this mite can pass from dog to human and is very contagious to other animals. It causes an intense itch. The mite is microscopic so the vet will need to test for this, but it can be difficult to find.
Every dog is different
It’s important to note there may be more than one cause for your itchy dog. Also, there are other less common causes we haven’t listed above that might be the culprit too. Use this list as a handy guide, and if you’re still unsure or concerned, chat with one of our vets.
Have you noticed your best mate itching more frequently or maybe the sound of them scratching non-stop at their skin, ears, paws or butt is driving you insane? Here’s our vets’ take on the most common causes for scratchy, irritable skin.
Why is my dog itchy?
There are many reasons why dogs itch all the time. If you notice that fido has become a little compulsive with his scratching habit, it’s important to get it checked out.
There are many causes for non-stop scratching, so working out exactly what’s happening with your pup is essential for their wellbeing (and your sanity too).
Top six causes of itchy dogs
Our vet’s identified the most common causes of itching:
1. Fleas:
A single bite can cause your pup to be very itchy. Lesions tend to be more at the back of the body. If you’re looking for evidence of the flea/s, you might not always find it (your pup may have already removed it). So it’s always best to consult a vet.
2. Inhaled allergies (atopy):
This itch is due to allergens such as dust or pollen inhaled in the air. It’s more of an all-over body itch. You might notice it starts seasonally, but it can build up to being year-round too.
3. Food allergies:
This is usually due to a protein in food – believe it or not, beef is a common cause. The itch can be anywhere on the body and tends to occur all year round.
4. Contact allergies:
When your pup gets itchy after physically coming into contact with a plant. A ground cover called trad (or Tradescantia albiflora) is a major cause. The itch is wherever the allergen touches, which tends to be the underside of the body and particularly the paws.
5. Mites – Demodex:
This can vary from small areas of hair loss to large areas with red, pimply skin. It’s common in puppies but occurs in adult dogs too. The mite is microscopic, so the vet will need to test for this. The good news is it isn’t contagious.
6. Mites – Scabies:
Most commonly caught from foxes, this mite can pass from dog to human and is very contagious to other animals. It causes an intense itch. The mite is microscopic so the vet will need to test for this, but it can be difficult to find.
Every dog is different
It’s important to note there may be more than one cause for your itchy dog. Also, there are other less common causes we haven’t listed above that might be the culprit too. Use this list as a handy guide, and if you’re still unsure or concerned, chat with one of our vets.