Dog care: Why is my dog scratching?
Joe Inglis, MORETHAN vet, gives advice about dog health and the causes of scratching in dogs. Advice and opinions are Joe Inglis’ own. Always read the label on any medicine before use and if in any doubt contact your vet
How To Stop Dog Scratching
There is nothing better to a dog owner than to see his pet healthy, active and happy. A common reason for the transformation of your dog from happy to sad is due to dog scratching. Dogs just can’t stand being uncomfortable. They scratch every part they can possibly reach once that itchy feeling comes their way. Dog scratching is something a dog owner must address. It brings about much stress and trauma to your dog, especially when dog cuts come about. The itchy sensation makes the dog scratch and scratch, not being aware that he is making the problem worse. Of course, all he’s thinking is, “Get rid of this irritating itch!”.
Causes
A dog may appear active and playful, and yet be feeling very sore. There are various reasons for the dog scratching problem. It is most likely because they have a specific skin issue, such as dermatitis.
Dermatitis can be environmental, nutritional, parasitic, infectious or bacterial. Now, what the dog owner must first do is to contact a vet. As soon as it’s noticed, the “dog scratching” problem must be given your full attention, as it may cause serious long-term skin problems if not dealt with early. A dog owner must work hand in hand with his vet, taking the full responsibility of relaying all the necessary information about his dog. With the owner’s cooperation, the vet would be able to identify the possible causes.
Solution
As soon as the cause of the dog scratching is identified, the dog must be treated immediately. Of course, depending on the specific cause, the owner must make changes in order for the skin problem to fully heal. For instance, dog scratching problems can happen to dogs that are allergic to lawn grass (strange but true).
You may also want to consider products that specialize in treating dog scratching. There are many out there but the most effective one I’ve ever seen contains the Mayan traditional herb Tepezcohuite. (In fact, I was so impressed with its natural abilities that I created an all-natural dog balm called K9 KlearUp around this compound – www.k9klearup.com. It’s guaranteed to help clear up 17 of the most common dog skin and coat problems).
So there you have it, some simple solutions to help get rid of annoying dog scratching. Your dog will be wagging his tail again in no time!
Brandon Roe is the author of “The Official Dog Coat and Skin Care Guide”, a comprehensive guide to help you dog maintain a beautiful and healthy coat and clear skin. Get your FREE copy today at http://www.k9klearup.com/guide.
He is also the developer of K9 KlearUp, the worlds only pet balm that helps clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems… Guaranteed or your money back.
Why is Your Dog Scratching?
Have you seen your dogs coat go from shiny and healthy to dull and bare? Does your dog scratch and lick at himself constantly? We dog owners have probably all seen our pets go through this at some point. Although fleas are often the culprit, there are many other causes for skin and coat problems in dogs. Causes of skin and coat problems include, environmental, nutritional, allergic, neurogenic, infectious and parasitic. This article will discuss parasitic skin problems.
One canine skin condition is mange. External parasites cause mange. There are 2 types of mange, Demodex mange and Sarcoptic mange. Both types are caused by mites. Demodex mange is most common in young dogs and an outbreak is attributed to an insufficient immune system. Poor nutrition and environment can also trigger an outbreak.
So, you’re probably wondering where this parasite came from and how it got on your dog. Veterinarians think all dogs have a small number of these mites living in their skin and certain factors will cause them to become active in some dogs. A healthy dog with a resistant immune system will usually be able to fight the infestation and it will not reappear.
If treatment is required, there are several options that your vet may use. One option is a lime/sulphur dip. Vets have found that topical creams are not effective but the pet wormer Ivermectin is sometimes used. It is not labeled for Demodex treatment but some vets find it helpful when used carefully, as it can be toxic. Collies and related breeds are especially sensitive to Ivermectin so it would not be appropriate for those breeds. To support a healthy immune system, it is recommended that you feed your dog a high quality, meat based diet. An all natural pet vitamin can also boost your dogs overall health.
Sarcoptic mange is extremely easy to spread. It causes mangy, ragged, coat and dry flaky skin. It is very irritating and itchy. The scabies mite that causes Sarcoptic mange is very difficult to find on the dogs skin, therefore it is often diagnosed as general dermatitis or a skin allergy. If a vet prescribes a cortisone treatment to calm the itching for allergy or dermatitis, it will cause the mange to become worse because cortisone causes the scabies mites to reproduce more quickly. Ivermectin used in the correct dose is effective in treatment of Sarcoptic mange but should not be used in Collies and related breeds.
To relieve the itching and soothe the flaky skin and hot spots, a vitamin supplement with Omega fatty acids is very helpful. It will also restore the dogs fur back to a full, healthy coat.
Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol
Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information.
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