Dog itching can happen for different reasons. Sometimes, for no apparent reason, the furry one starts scratching and then stops. It is a natural and instinctive behavior, if it is not repetitive. There are cases, however, in which dog itching can mean a more serious problem and needs the intervention of a veterinarian. Want to know what reasons can make the dog scratch?scratching too much? O Paws of the House has prepared a guide to help you.

1) Fleas and ticks cause a lot of itching in dogs

Fleas and ticks cause a lot of itching in the animal and, depending on the severity of the infestation, can even cause wounds in dogs. The flea puts saliva on the dog's hair, so it is important to intervene immediately to avoid major problems. The tick in dogs is harmful not only because of the itching, but also because it sticks to the animal: the parasite is able to decrease its ability to crawl.immunity of the puppy and also the number of platelets - issues related to tick-borne disease.

2) Dog scratching a lot and hair falling out may be mange

Scabies in dogs is transmitted by mites. This disease makes the dog itchy and hair loss, causing sores all over the body and a great nuisance for the furry one. When you notice that your dog is scratching too much and that his hair is falling out, go to the vet. He will be able to diagnose and indicate the remedy for dogs when they are scratching because of scabies. They will probably bespecific medicines and products are needed at bath time, such as medicated shampoos and soaps.

3) Itching in a dog is sometimes a sign of otitis

Canine otitis is a disease that bothers dogs a lot. As the ear is a sensitive region that is very exposed, it ends up being a target for bacteria, especially when it does not receive the ideal cleaning frequently. Another factor that contributes to otitis is the entry of water into the ear. Therefore, when taking your dog to the beach or anywhere else where he will have contact with water, it is necessary to checkBathing a dog also requires some care, such as using a small piece of absorbent cotton to protect the area.

4) Food allergy leaves dog scratching itself

"My dog scratches a lot, but he doesn't have fleas" is a question that can leave many owners puzzled. However, the answer may be quite simple: the animal may have an allergy to some substance present in his food or diet. Some dogs (especially breed dogs, such as Shih Tzu and Bulldog) are prone to food allergies. It can be any food, even proteins like chicken.So, it's important to keep an eye on what your furry one is eating. If you're feeding natural food, take your dog for an allergy test before you start the diet. And oh, research the safest options for vegetables for dogs first!

5) Atopic dermatitis also provoke the itching in dog

Canine atopic dermatitis is a hereditary disease, which manifests itself when the dog has contact with dust, mites and even stronger cleaning products. It is considered a serious dog allergy, as it causes a lot of skin irritation - in addition to leading the animal to look for places to scratch and relieve that discomfort. Dog sores can be caused by this act of excessive scratching.Unhealed wounds can develop into more serious infections.

6) Dog scratching a lot can be a sign of canine seborrhea

Canine seborrhea is an endocrinological problem: it manifests itself when there is a problem in the sebaceous glands of dogs, responsible for filtering sebum from the skin. In the case of seborrhea, these glands end up producing more sebum than they should, causing the pet's body to be full of crusts, sores, red spots and, of course, itching. It can be a disease of hereditary cause,but it can also manifest itself in dogs that have had a recent hormonal problem. If the problem is indeed hereditary, there is no cure. But if it is for another reason, it is possible to follow some treatment. So be wary if your dog starts scratching frequently and gets a body full of reddish spots.

7) Pyoderma is a dermatological disease that results in the dog scratching itself

Pyoderma in dogs is one of the causes of itchy dogs - which may be due to a bacterium that naturally inhabits the canine organism. This bacterial infection usually happens when the dog has low immunity, causing the bacteria to proliferate rapidly and cause canine pyoderma. Symptoms, in addition to itching, include the presence of papules,pustules and folliculitis. Hair loss can also occur.

8) Ringworm is another possibility for itching in dogs

The presence of fungus in a dog can cause ringworm that leaves the animal scratching a lot. The main fungi that can cause this are Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton. Ringworm is transmitted from contact with infected animals, and is considered a zoonosis. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention and responsibility with the treatment of the dog.

9) Dog scratching a lot may have to do with anxiety and stress

Dog itching can also be related to psychological disorders. In this case, it becomes a compulsive behavior and is common when you have a stressed or anxious dog. The causes can be varied, from changes in the animal's routine to lack of physical and mental stimuli. In any case, some attitudes, in addition to itching, that can accompany the pet are: the dog licking the pawexcessively, digging into the wall or going to the wrong place.

10) Plants can be the cause of itching in dogs

Some plants are toxic to dogs. Even if the dog does not come into contact with the pot or eat the plant, the smell alone can cause an allergy. It is this allergic reaction, then, that will leave the dog scratching a lot. Therefore, it is important to research which plants are toxic to dogs before placing them in your home.

What to do when the dog is scratching too much?

When you notice that your dog is scratching a lot, it is best to make an appointment with a vet as soon as possible. As there may be different causes, it is necessary to have a specialist evaluate and diagnose the animal's condition. It is important to avoid any kind of self-medication, as this can make itching worse. The vet will give you the most appropriate treatment for your dog's situation.Follow his recommendations to the letter.