Itchy Pug - Itching Scratching Series

Dog Skin Allergies

The itchy Pug may suffer from allergic skin disease. Allergic skin disease in the Pug may be caused by an adverse food reaction to a food allergy. Allergic skin disease in the Pug may be caused by canine atopic dermatitis.

Dog Skin Allergies

Flea allergy dermatitis is common and easy to treat. Flea allergy dermatitis usually involves the dog scratching or rubbing its back and the base of the tail. Flea dirt which looks like black specks will be seen against the skin deep in the dogs‘ hair coat.

Dog Skin Allergies

Food allergy the Pug may start very early in life. If your Pug had skin and ear problems from the day you brought it home as a puppy, your Pug may well have a food allergy. Food allergy causes chronic ear infection, itchy rashes and an itchy bottom which causes scooting (rubbing the anus along the floor).

Dog Skin Allergies

The itchy Pug may have canine atopic dermatitis. Canine atopic dermatitis is an allergy to pollen, dust mites and household spores. The allergens can be inhaled or breathed in, ingested by licking the skin or can pass transdermally. Until recently, it was thought that canine atopic dermatitis was caused by inhaled allergens. This is still partly true but the vast majority of allergen passes transdermally across the skin. This is because the dog with canine atopic dermatitis has a faulty skin barrier. The protective skin barrier is deficient in a protein called sphingosine. The skin loses moisture and dries out and pollens come in causing an allergic reaction which manifests as an itchy rash.

There are some natural treatments that really work. It is best to seek a qualified opinion on natural treatment. There is a lot of uninformed opinion that is promoting treatments that are unsatisfactory.

Itchy Pug – Itching Scratching Series

Dog Skin Allergies

Dog Itchy Skin Problems

Itchy skin is a common occurrence among many dogs that is not only uncomfortable for the canine, but aggravating and frustrating for the owner, as well. Itchy skin is caused by a variety of issues, but, fortunately, most can be resolved rather easily.

The Facts

According to the Pet Center website, one of the most common calls made by pet owners to veterinary hospitals concerns dog itchy skin. Many owners instinctively think that parasites, such as fleas, are the reason for their dogs’ scratching problems. While this is often the case, there are other potential causes. The dog’s veterinarian will likely run a few tests to determine the problem, then base the dog’s treatment for the puritis, or itchy skin, on the results.

Causes

The Doctors Foster and Smith website states allergies are one of the leading reasons for itchy skin among canines. When allergens, such as trees, weed pollen or house dust are inhaled they cause the dog’s body to produce a protein that attaches itself to mast cells in the skin. This process causes the body to release antihistamines, which can cause reactions in the skin. Allergies to ingredients in the dog’s diet can also cause skin flare-ups. In addition, mange and yeast are also common reasons for itchy skin.

Diagnosis

Performing allergy testing on a dog will pinpoint the antigens causing itchy skin. Parasites are often deemed the cause of itchy skin when either seen with the naked eye or under a microscope. To diagnose mange, the doctor will use a blade to scrape skin cells off the dog, then look under the scope to detect them. Diagnoses of yeast infections can be made through culture and sensitivities, which will determine the cause of the problems, as well as the medication that can resolve it.

Treatment

The Doctors Foster and Smith website states that allergies are often treated with antihistamines, fatty acid supplements and sometimes steroids. Dogs that are suspected of having food allergies are placed on diets that contain proteins they have likely never eaten before, such as venison or rabbit. Parasites are typically treated with insecticides. Yeast infections are treated with medications that are designed to eliminate the culprit; however, most dogs with yeast infections typically have underlying issues that must first be resolved before successful resolution can take place.

Prevention

Preventing certain skin problems is sometimes possible, depending upon the cause. Apply a flea preventative to your pooch to keep fleas and their potential problems at bay. In addition, avoid allowing interaction between your dog and any dog that is suspected of having mange or other parasites. Feed your dog a high-quality diet that is free of artificial colors, flavors or preservatives to potentially prevent food allergies. In addition, give your dog fatty acid supplements to help protect the dog’s skin from allergens.

Dog Food For Itchy Skin Problems

Dog Food For Itchy Skin Problems

Fellow Dog Owner, If You’d Cry If Your Dog Died, Then You Need To See This!

Discover The Deadly Secret The Dog Food Industry Spends Millions To Make Sure You Never Find Out!

Dog Food For Itchy Skin Problems Finding The Right Dog FoodSearch any grocery store or commercial dog food Dog Food For Itchy Skin Problems shop to purchase Pet Food and you’ll concur that attempting to select what is best for your pet is definitely an tiring task. Scanning the racks of products available, you are inundated by foods extolling different health benefits as well as a large range of prices. Your pet meals market is a multiple-big business and pet food manufacturers are eagerly advertising for each dollar. They are not only advertising us to death, but also creating new services to set up entrance people. Individuals items consist of “dry”, Inchprocessed”, Inchsemi-dampInch and wellness targeted items for example “seniorInch, “high quality” and Inchgourmet.So which meals is best for your dog? Discovering that out takes time and study. The simple truth is, the best dog food is the one that meets your canine’s dietary needs, which vary based upon the dog’s age, breed, bodyweight, inherited genes, and amount of exercise… and something that fits affordable. It is definitely really worth talking to a veterinarian for the greatest advice and nutrition plan for your dog. But for anyone that are looking to consider issues in your fingers, you will find detailed beneath the most important issues you will have to know.Pet Food LabelingSusan Powter one thinks of when considering Dog Food For Itchy Skin Problems meals labels. Remember this legendary commercial celebrity with the created phrase InchStop the Madness”? Her gospel about diet and the significance of staring at the ingredients on the side of the product packaging to differentiate the various components and just how each performs its part in general diet, was book in those days. It would appear that it was the start of the mass movement to better diet, tag reading and selecting products more carefully.With the current pet food product recalls, millions of dog owners have prolonged this scrutiny to selecting your dog food. But we can not pull from the Susan Powter gospel with this, simply because canine meals are produced below a series of various standards and regulations, help with through the AAFCO ( The Association of American Feed Manage Officials ). You will find special labeling requirements that require all dog foods to possess certain information on the label. So, in order that we can all create a proper option for our dogs, we must know how to read and comprehend the pet food tag.The AAFCO creates an official publication, on a annual basis, describing special requirements for pet food. Among all of the different requirements, they request all pet food manufacturers to adhere to tag regulations and should include around the bundle the next: Item Name Assured Analysis Nutritional Adequacy Declaration Giving InstructionsThe Name GameWhen shopping for dog food, what is the very first thing you look at? The product title, of course. We’ve all walked down the commercial dog food aisle and observed the product titles jump out as us…calling us. Displayed in bold type and fancy print styles such explanations as “With ChickenInch, InchAll Life Phases”, “Goose MealInch, Inch95% Beef”, InchNatural Dog Food”. But exactly what do these explanations really mean? Could it be just extravagant advertising? The AAFCO has established guidelines that dictate how components can be used in a product name.95% Guideline Pertains to most processed pet food that is made up mainly of beef, poultry or seafood. Identifies that a minimum of 95Percent of the pet food must be the named component on the label, not counting water and preservatives added for processing. Keeping track of water, the merchandise must nevertheless contain 70% from the product. If the name consists of a mixture of ingredients, the 2 mixed must equivalent 95Percent. The guideline only pertains to components of animal source, so whole grains and veggies cannot be used as part of the 95Percent guideline. Therefore if the product title was “Beef and Brown Grain”, the merchandise would still need to consist of 95% meat.25Percent or “DinnerInch Rule This guideline applies to many canned in addition to dry canine meals.

Dog Food For Itchy Skin Problems

Dog Food For Itchy Skin Problems If the Dog Food For Itchy Skin Problems called ingredient, or a mix of ingredients, located on the tag consists of 25% of the weight (but less than 95%) not including drinking water for sufficient digesting. The title should include a detailed term, for example InchSupper”, InchPlatterInch, InchMealInch, or InchFormulaInch. If several component is in the title, they must both total 25% combined, with every named ingredient equaling or going above 3Percent.3% or InchWith” Guideline Initially, this rule was intended to utilize only to components outlined on the package, outside the product name. It allows producers to highlight minor ingredients. The component should have a minimum of 3% added. The rule now enables manufacturers to use the word “WithInch within the item name.Be careful when studying the dog food label simply because “Meat Pet Food” and InchPet Food with Beef” are not the same. The very first must have 95% beef, whereas the latter only requirements 3Percent.Flavor Rule A portion of any one ingredient Dog Food For Itchy Skin Problems is not required. The word “FlavorInch should appear on the tag within the same font size and color because the ingredient name. The flavor might be the related component, but generally, it is another substance for example InchdinnerInch, “by-item”, a “stockInch or perhaps a “soup”.Guaranteed EvaluationThe guaranteed analysis is the next component that needs to be on a pet food label. It works as a general guide as to what the percentages from the primary nutrients along with other items are within the complete make-up from the product. At the bare minimum, the assured analysis should contain the next: Minimal Percentage of Protein Minimum Percentage of Fat Maximum Number of Dietary fiber Maximum Percentage of DampnessGo on and look at your label at this time. View it there? Great. Now, if you have a can of dog food along with a package of dried out pet food at your disposal, check out both labeling. After careful analysis you might want to request, “Hey Erina, I discover when looking at both labels that the dried out pet food has way more nutrients. I figured canned food experienced far more proteins…what provides?”Take this into account, as I have seen this too, the amounts of proteins along with other vitamins and minerals stated around the labeling appear to be less for canned versus dried out, but looks are deceiving. The main reason? Variations in dampness content material. Canned dog food, on average, consists of 75% drinking water, while dried out dog food consists of about 10%. So to make a accurate assessment from the nutrient amounts, we need to place each types on the same arena. To do this, we are transforming each products to dried out matter.To convert the vitamins and minerals, we have to pull out our hand calculators that we last used in senior high school, to be able to do some math. (And you said to your mathematics instructor, InchI will by no means make use of this in the real world!”), However I digress. Here’s the formula we are utilizing:% Assure divided by % Dried out Matter multiplied by 100InstanceIn a single corner, there exists a canned dog food that has a assured evaluation composed of 9Percent proteins, 6Percent fat, 1.5% dietary fiber and 78% dampness.In the other corner, there exists a dried out pet food which has a assured evaluation composed of 24% proteins, 14.5% body fat, 4Percent fiber and 10% dampness. Dry matter of processed: 100 – 78 Equals 22 Dry few dried out: 100 – 10 Equals 90 Now we are able to do our calculationsCanned Dog Food Protein: 9 Or 22 by 100 = 40.9% Body fat: 6 / 22 x 100 Equals 27Percent Dietary fiber: 1.5 / 22 by 100 Equals 6.8PercentDry Pet Food Protein: 24 / 90 by 100 = 26.6Percent Fat: 14.5 / 90 x 100 = 16.1% Fiber: 4 / 90 by 100 = 4.4%So after were done, have you detected the proteins? The processed dog food actually has 14% more proteins.Nutritional Adequacy DeclarationYou’ve seen it on the labeling…InchTotal”, “BalancedInch, InchFor All Lifestages”, among others. But exactly how are these claims substantiated? What rules have established yourself to manage such verbage? The answer is established, once again, by the AAFCO.The Nutritional Adequacy Statement is required and is among the most significant facets of a dog food label. This declaration guarantees us that the item meets all of a pet’s dietary needs. So how is a pet food substantiated for nutritional adequacy? They must use one of two methods:CalculationsThe technique where the dog meals contains ingredients formulated to provide levels of vitamins and minerals that meet a recognised user profileCalculations estimation the amount of vitamins and minerals possibly by a typical nutrient content of ingredients or results of laboratory tests utilizing standard chemical substance evaluation.If it fulfills the user profile established by the AAFCO, the label will have a statement the following: Inch(Title of item) is developed to satisfy the dietary levels set up by the AAFCO (Canine) Meals Nutrient Profiles for (particular existence phase).InchGiving Trials The merchandise (or a similar item made by exactly the same company) has been examined in canines under rigid recommendations and found to supply correct nutrition If it fulfills the profile established by the AAFCO, the label will have a declaration as follows: “Pet feeding tests utilizing AAFCO methods verify that (name of product) offers complete and healthy diet for (specific life phase).InchThe Dietary Adequacy Declaration will even incorporate a declaration about which life stage(utes) the dog food is suitable for. Two information are utilized. Here is a meaning of every and additional information about other profiles: DevelopmentOrLactation – A product intended for expanding puppies, for expecting canines or lactating females. Upkeep – Suitable for anyone, non-recreating dog of normal level of activity, but might not be adequate for any growing, reproducing, or hard working dog. Terms like InchOlder” or “Developed for big Type Grown upsInch indicates the dog meals fulfills what’s needed for the Upkeep profile, but nothing more. Something that doesn’t fit within the two information above must suggest that InchThe product is meant for sporadic or additional feeding,Inch except if it’s plainly identified as a treat or deal with.Giving GuidelinesFeeding recommendations are very broad, as you would expect. At a minimum, they ought to consist of instruction like InchNourish ___ Mugs For each ___ Pounds.” But keep in mind that these instructions are very tough estimates. Many people nourish their dogs way too much. In fact, 25% of pet’s are obese…causing problems such as: Diabetes Arthritis Coronary heart and Liver organ Problems Bladder Most cancersYou need to deal with the rules as a starting point. Engage with your veterinarian regarding your pet food and just how much to feed. They do know that nutritional requirements differ and, by understanding your pet, they will be able to recommend a giving schedule based on a number of elements including: Grow older Bodyweight Type Genetics Activity Level
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Itchy, sore jack russell

I ordered a packet of Bionic Biotic roughly 3 months ago for Paddy, a rough haired jack Russell, and it is the most amazing stuff!

Paddy is 9 years old now and has had skin redness/ soreness for years.

It seems to flare up in spring right through until the middle of autumn.

Over the years he has been back and forth to the vets for courses of steroids to calm his skin down.

It drives him mad. He bites his fur out down his sides and around his tail and had also started chewing on his front paws.

It gets so bad he makes himself bleed at times.

I noticed your ad in the back of Horse and Hound and I thought anything is worth ago!!

And it worked. 2 months down the line Paddy is looking really healthy, all his fur has grown back on his body and his feet and he just looks so healthy.

I wanted to say a huge thank you from Paddy and me.

You have saved us masses in vet bills, which I can now spend on treats for Paddy!

The most important I have a much happier dog.

I have enclosed 2 pictures the one of him sat down (below) you can see where his skin is bad and the 2nd picture (above) of the cheeky chap now fluffy and full of trouble!!

Thank you again,

Lucinda and Paddy

Paddy before: You can see the patches on his back

How to Diagnose and Treat Your Dog"s Itchy Skin Problems

Diagnosing your dog’s itching, scratching and chewing as a skin problem is the easy part. The hard part is figuring out what is CAUSING it, and then finding the right treatment! Below is useful information on how to solve this predicament.

Steps

1: There are many differing opinions as to the causes and treatments of what is now called an epidemic of canine skin disorders, the itching, scratching and chewing commonly referred to as “Summer Itch Hot Spots”. The symptoms of canine Hot Spots are an itch so severe that the dog scratches and chews itself to such an extent as to lacerate and traumatize the skin, creating open wounds and severe infections. Because the etiology of the source of the itching is unclear, most treatments available now only treat the symptoms, infections, and trauma caused by the scratching, but do not address the itch itself.

2: These dog skin rashes are generally known as Hot Spots because these skin disorders are often associated with warm weather. Hot Spots are often diagnosed as Eczema, Pyoderma, or Seborrhea; allergies to fleas, foods, grass, mold, or other environmental substances; Pemphigus, Atopic Acral Lick Dermatitis, auto-immune disorders, thyroid problems, staph and yeast infections, and other skin disorders.

3: Itchy “Hot Spot” skin conditions must not be confused with mange or flea infestations, ringworm fungus, or hair loss caused by hypothyroidism, Cushings disease, genetically predisposed pattern baldness, rabies vaccine induced ischemic dermatopathy bald patches, or hormonally caused coat problems as a result of neutering. These are not “Hot Spot” itching and scratching!

4: Ringworm is not a worm, it is a fungus, causing itching, scabbing and hair loss in one or more areas on your pet. It is contagious and easily transmittable to humans and other pets. Treatment with a fungicide such as most athlete’s foot creams is usually effective.

5: Demodectic Mange and Sarcoptic Mange are Parasitic Mite Infestations and can be diagnosed by skin scrapings. Fleas and Mange can be successfully treated with Insecticides.

Demodectic (Red Mange) is caused by small mites found naturally on most dogs but do not generally cause skin problems unless the dog’s immune system is compromised. This skin problem may be inherited because certain bloodlines in some dog breeds are more prone to Demodectic Mange.

Democectic Mange is not very contagious and is generally passed on to nursing puppies by the mother and is most noticeable around the eyes and mouth. Most breeders will not breed these dogs.

Sarcoptic Mange (Canis Scabies) is very contagious and can be life threatening for the dog. It can easily spread to other animals and humans. Steps must be taken to eradicate the infestation in the dogs entire environment as well as on the dog and on any other pets that may be exposed to the infestation.

6: Thyroid hair loss problems are not caused by itching, chewing, and scratching but by systemic hair loss, a type of Alopecia or Balding.

7: If your dog is experiencing an extended bout of itchiness and scratching to the point of damaging his skin, take him to the vet for a proper diagnosis.

8: Use prescribed medication for your pet according to your veterinarian’s instructions, in order to control the itching and start the healing process.

9: Get a blood test to determine if your dog is allergic to anything.

10: Change your dog’s food to a holistic/organic food that is high in protein and low in carbs. This removes the GMO corn source from his diet that may be causing a reaction. Most dog foods at grocery stores have a very bad mix of ingredients and feeding him this food is akin to giving him Frosted Flakes or Lucky Charms cereals for each meal.

Symptoms

• There does not seem to be a consensus as to the cause of “Hot Spot” canine skin disorders but they do have a common set of symptoms.


• It appears that some dogs develop an itch so severe that the they chew and scratch and traumatize themselves to such an extent that this process causes open wounds, infections, loss of hair, and sometimes roughening of the skin (elephant hide).


• The most common areas of irritation are around the back and tail, the abdomen, and the legs and paws. These symptoms seem to be more prevalent in warm weather and mild moist climates like the sun belt in the United States but are known world wide as far north as Alaska and as far South as South Africa and New Zealand. Research has shown this canine skin problem is world wide and affects many millions of dogs.


• Statistically, no one breed of dog appears more or less likely to develop “Hot Spots”, and mongrels are just as likely to develop a “Hot Spot” skin condition as is a pedigreed show dog. Age also does not seem to be a factor, puppies can develop “Hot Spot” skin problems as early as a few months of age, and geriatric dogs may suddenly show signs of “Hot Spots” when they have had no previous history of any type of itchy skin conditions.


• At this time there are a growing number of researchers that believe there may be a connection between the over-vaccination of the domestic dog population and the Epidemic of “Hot Spot” skin disorders. #2


• Quite often, a dog’s skin problems become more serious and the dog may be ostracized by the family and even other pets as the skin problems become more visible and the dog’s skin may take on a very unpleasant odor. This can lead to the dog suffering serious depression that in turn aggravates the situation. Obviously, dogs feel the stress of being rejected in much the same manner as a human would.


• Unfortunately, many dog owners at this point in time, may be faced with the heartbreaking task of choosing to have their dog euthanized to end the dog’s suffering rather than continue expensive and painful treatments that have not been successful in controlling the dog’s skin disorder . According to a recent survey of Animal Control Facilities many dogs suffering from out of control skin conditions are brought to public animal shelters where they are considered to be un-adoptable and many thousands of dogs in these shelters are euthanized for this reason. Many other dogs are also euthanized by private veterinarians to alleviate the dog’s suffering under the same circumstances.

1: If your dog is experiencing an extended bout of itchiness and scratching to the point of damaging his skin, take him to the vet for a proper diagnosis.

2: Use prescribed medication for your pet according to your veterinarian’s instructions, in order to control the itching and start the healing process.

3: Get a blood test to determine if your dog is allergic to anything.

4: Change your dog’s food to a holistic/organic food that is high in protein and low in carbs. This removes the GMO corn source from his diet that may be causing a reaction. Most dog foods at grocery stores have a very bad mix of ingredients and feeding him this food is akin to giving him Frosted Flakes or Lucky Charms cereals for each meal.

Treatments

• Because of the differing opinions as to the cause of this serious skin irritation problem, there are many different treatments prescribed by the veterinary community. The first treatment of choice is the steroid Prednisone, which may temporarily relieve the itch and inflammation. The use of steroids is a severe treatment and can result in serious negative side-effects, such as kidney failure, over an extended period of use. An antihistamine may also be used to quell a reaction.


• The next order of treatment is usually an antibiotic or other treatment to fight infection because the dog has irritated the skin to such an extent that it is an open and infected wound. Analgesics and pain suppressing ointments may be provided as well. These treatments are only designed to treat the pain symptoms and infections and do not address the etiology of the problem or the cause of the itch. Some pain relief may be achieved but the itch remains and as soon as the pain relievers wear off the itch returns and the whole painful cycle begins again.


• Some veterinarians believe that “Hot Spots” are the result of a sensitivity or an allergic reaction to some substance. Allergy tests and treatments with antihistamines, changes in environments, and special diets, including specially formulated dog foods, raw food diets and supplements are often touted as the cure for “Hot Spots” but these treatments are inconclusive as to their efficacy and statistically these treatments do not appear to help with these skin problems.


• Over-the-counter remedies such as medicated or coal tar shampoos, Tea-Tree and Emu oil, Aloe Vera and other home remedies such as turpentine, petroleum jelly, mouthwash and vinegar are all part of a last ditch shot-gun approach to the problem that owners will often try in the hopes that something will work. Some flea shampoos will also further irritate open skin wounds.


• At this time there is no statistical evidence that any of the above treatments actually work to control the itch problem. While some temporary relief may be provided by some of these therapies, it is usually only temporary unless the itch syndrome is controlled. Many of these therapies can also be harmful and threatening to the dogs health.


• One can easily conjure up an image of a mad scientist, wearing goggles, a mask and rubber gloves, ‘treating’ an afflicted dog with useless shots, painful and dangerous chemical treatments, or shampoos so strong they advise against contact with human skin, then fitting the dog with plastic collars, taping the paws or putting on little gloves to prevent the dog from scratching and chewing itself raw. At this point you must ask yourself how you would feel if someone did that to you and then prevented you from scratching your itch?


• About 25 years ago Cornell University Veterinary School in New York did a study of Canine Hot Spot skin treatments to determine if any of the treatments available at that time were effective in treating this disorder. The study found that all of the standard medical treatments employed in the study were inconclusive as to their efficacy and that 30% of the dogs recovered from their skin problems with no treatment at all! These are basically the same treatments being employed today!


• This 30% recovery rate, with or without treatment, has given rise to a large industry of questionable alternative methods of treating this painful canine skin disorder. These alternative treatments are unsupported by statistical or scientific method as to their efficacy and are generally referred to in testimonials with little, if any, testing to back up such claims.


• It is estimated that Americans spend more than $ 100 Billion Dollars a year struggling with these dog skin problems and it is also estimated that more than 50% of the total veterinarian income in the Southern United States is derived from treating “Hot Spot” dog skin problems alone.


• However, don’t give up hope just yet! Recent scientific breakthroughs are giving real hope that there may be some actual relief in the future for the estimated 100 million or more dogs world wide that suffer from this painful problem. This research is published and readily available on the Internet by typing in search terms as – ‘Canine Itch Treatment Research’ or ‘Alternative Dog Skin Treatment Research’ on any major search engine.

Tips

• Don’t use perfumed human shampoos; your dog may not be very happy with you if you do.


• Bathing is good for itchy skin, just don’t use human shampoo. Human skin is acidic, dog skin is base.


• Don’t over-wash: a bath once a month is all most dogs really need, some need even less.


• Try to use holistic/organic products to eliminate allergens from GMO corn used in standard dog food kibble.


• Look for a money-back-guarantee in case the product does not work as advertised.


• Do your research, the internet is a tool, don’t be afraid to USE IT.


• Don’t shave your dog’s fur. Dogs have long hair for a reason and a close clip is about all they can stand, even in the heat of summer.

Warnings

• Don’t be taken in by claims of cures without statistical back up; look for for more than product testimonials. Ask for information about products if the company is legit. They will be happy to provide you with scientific testing and statistics to back up their claims.


• Steroids and antibiotics should be a last resort, as they can cause serious side-effects.

Why Is My Dog So Itchy? Top 5 Causes Of Itching In Dogs

by Lorie Huston, DVM  

Dogs can become itchy and begin to scratch for many different reasons. However, allergies of various types are among the most common causes.

Canine Flea Allergy Dermatitis

An allergy to fleas is one of the most common reasons dogs become itchy. When a flea bites a dog, it injects a substance into the dog’s skin which causes the allergic response.

For a sensitive dog, one flea bite can make the dog extremely itchy. 

One of the most difficult things to understand is that often no overt evidence of fleas is present even though a flea allergy is the reason for the dog’s discomfort. This inability to find evidence of fleas stems from the fact that only one flea need be present and bite the dog in order for the allergic reaction to occur.

In addition, dogs frequently groom themselves and remove the evidence of the fleas through their grooming behavior. Therefore, not being able to find fleas does not rule out a flea allergy as a cause of itching in a dog.

Canine Atopy

Canine atopy is a type of allergy that causes a hypersensitivity reaction to environmental stimuli, such as dust mites or pollens. It is a common disorder in dogs and typically causes scratching and itching. Finding the source of the allergy in these cases can be challenging.

Food Allergies in Dogs

Food allergies are another common cause of itching in the dog. Food allergies can result from reactions to any ingredient within the food but beef, chicken and wheat are some of the most common culprits.

Bacterial Skin Infections in Dogs

Bacterial infections in the skin, commonly called bacterial dermatitis, are another common cause of itchiness in dogs. Bacterial skin infections frequently occur as complications to canine allergic skin disease and are usually a secondary disease.

Bacterial dermatitis must be successfully treated with antibiotics in order to evaluate and control the underlying allergic skin condition.

Canine Yeast (Malassezia) Skin Infections

Yeast skin infections most commonly involve a specific type of yeast known as Malassezia. Like bacterial skin infections, yeast infections are generally secondary to another underlying disease, often allergic in origin. Antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole, are needed to treat canine yeast infections.

Most Common Causes of Itching in Dogs

The three most common causes of itching in dogs are flea dermatitis, atopy and food allergies.

Any of these three types of allergies can be complicated with secondary bacterial or yeast invaders resulting in bacterial and/or yeast skin infections in affected dogs. These skin infections can become quite itchy in their own right and cause extreme discomfort and distress for the infected dog.

Less commonly, other causes, such as canine ringworm (dermatophytosis) or sarcoptic mange may cause itchiness and discomfort as well.

***

Lorie Huston has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 20 years. Besides a successful career in a busy small animal hospital in Providence, RI, Lorie is also a successful freelance writer specializing in pet care and pet health topics. 

Currently, she is the feature writer for the Pet Care section at Suite101.com and the National Pet Health Examiner at Examiner.com. Lorie also publishes her own blog, The Pet Health Care Gazette and manages an increasingly popular facebook page, The Voice of Pet Care. 

Articles by Dr. Huston:
Lyme Is Lame (Pun Intended)
The Ticking Bomb
Don’t Let Heartworm Become A Heartbreak!
Summer Perils: Blue-green Algae
Your Dog And Leptospirosis
Canine Parvovirus
Canine Distemper Virus