Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Yosry
Updated on 08/05/2024
Reading time 5 min.
Overview
Severity: Low
Life stage: All
One of the most common causes of concern and a reason for dog owners to contact veterinarians is severe itching in their pet. Itching accompanies most skin diseases in animals, so before taking any action, a pet owner should immediately seek professional help from a veterinarian at Modern Vet Clinic.
Itching in a dog – consider common causes
The main causes of itching in a dog, resulting in severe itching, are:
- Flea dermatitis. The most common cause is when a dog experiences an allergic reaction to flea saliva that is ingested as a result of a bite. Although flea saliva is a protein, when ingested by the dog, it causes an allergic reaction that results in the dog scratching itself in many different parts of the body. While there may not be any fleas on the pet’s coat at all, after a single flea bite, the allergic reaction can be quite severe and long-lasting. The effects of a dog’s body reaction to a flea bite can last for 2-3 weeks, causing a lot of anxiety for the owner, who may not even realize that they have caused the pet’s severe itching.
- Food allergies. One of the rarest phenomena, occurring in only 10% of cases. Although there is a common stereotype that the main cause of an allergic reaction is chicken in the dog’s diet, in fact, the main causative agents are fish, pork and beef. In some animals, the body may react acutely to rice, buckwheat or other cereals in the diet. Usually, food allergies occur when a dog consumes a certain product for too long, such as for months or years.
- Atopy. Another common pathology, the causative agents of which are pollen, bed mites and even ordinary dust. Most often the pathology manifests itself in a certain season, for example, when various plants bloom. During this period, the dog’s skin becomes reddened, and as a result of scratching, pimples and other types of irritations appear. Sometimes atopy is genetically predisposed and is so severe that the dog may not only itch, but also bite itself.
- Demodecosis. This pathology is usually caused by the Demodex canis mite, which lives in the follicles of the hair of dogs, so it can often be easily detected with careful inspection. Under favorable conditions, the mite begins to multiply rapidly, because of which the dog’s immunity decreases and serious chronic diseases may appear. If demodecosis develops, the dog’s fur will begin to fall out and the itching will constantly increase.
- Sarcoptosis. Scabies of this kind is also caused by a type of mite and is contagious to dogs, so it is especially dangerous. The main areas of defeat are the muzzle and ears of the animal, but if treatment is not applied in time, then the pathology will begin to spread to other parts of the body.
- Heiletyelosis. Another type of mite that lives on the skin of dogs, and the pathology is transmitted from one individual to another. Itching and scabies are caused by the body’s reaction to the products of this species of mite.
- Otodectosis. An ear mite that lives and multiplies inside the dog’s shell, causing severe burning of the skin and itching. This kind of mite also promotes fungus and bacteria, adding more irritation to the pet’s skin.
- Stress. Severe stress can also contribute to skin irritation and severe scratching. During the development of a dog’s embryo, nerve tissues are closely intertwined with skin tissues, so when the animal is very excited and stressed, it will also start scratching itself.
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Writen by
Dr. Sarah Yosry
DVM
A product of a rich Australian/Egyptian heritage, Dr. Sarah Yosry stands as a testament to the union of diverse cultures and a shared love for animals….
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