Itching / Scratching
Itching and scratching are often caused by combinations of allergies, which can make diagnosis
and treatment challenging for veterinarians. Flea allergy dermatitis, an allergy to flea bites,
is the most common. Hair scratched away from the back above the tail is a key symptom. Inhalant
allergies caused by pollens, dust and other particles in the air frequently cause itching and
scratching. Dermatitis from food allergies and from skin contact with an allergen is also
possible, but less common. It's important to diagnose before things progress because secondary
skin problems, such as dandruff, hair loss and infections, can result.
If the symptoms are severe or don't improve, see your vet to diagnose the source of the allergy.
Fleas
The key to getting your dogs flea-free is keeping fleas out of their environment. Don't just
shampoo your dogs but regularly clean their sleeping areas as well. Remember a healthy coat is
great protection from all kinds of things, even fleas.
When faced with a stubborn flea infestation, here's a three-step plan to follow for clearing
fleas from your pet's environment, keeping them off each pet and using the right skin care to
promote healthy skin and coats.
Treat your house and yard against fleas. Fleas don't live on your pet. They just hop on to bite.
Be sure that the treatment kills, not only the adult fleas, but also the flea larvae, which
otherwise will hatch in a week or two to re-infest the area. Repeated treatments are recommended.
Wash pet bedding and vacuum thoroughly before the treatment. Throw away the vacuum bag. Wash your
pet's bedding often.
Coordinate those steps with baths for all of your pets. You will probably want to use a topical
flea control product that prevents fleas from biting or kills them when they do. For the itching,
a hypoallergenic shampoo and moisturizing conditioner can be very effective.
Hot Spots
The "hot spots" that can result from excessive licking and chewing usually are secondary bacterial
infections in the raw skin. They can start off looking like a little red area the size of a dime,
and quickly spread to become a huge, oozing lesion by the end of the day. Hot spots can be very
painful and should get immediate attention.
Work with your veterinarian to identify the underlying cause, whether allergies to fleas, pollen
or food, and eliminate it. Many veterinarians prescribe cortisone, an anti-inflammatory steroid,
to stop the itch-scratch cycle and antibiotics to fight the infection. But unfortunately, steroids
can have serious side effects over an extended period of time. And many topical sprays contain
alcohol, lidocaine, hydrocortisone, or other harsh chemical ingredients that can damage, burn or
dry out your pet's skin.
A more natural approach is often the most effective. Tea tree oil is a natural healing ingredient
that has been used for centuries to protect the skin, reduce inflammation and itching, and clean
infected areas. Aloe Vera and Chamomile are soothing ingredients to ease pain and promote healing.
Ear Odor
Red, itchy or painful ears that smell bad can be the first sign your dog has allergies. In
addition to ear problems, itching and scratching in general is often caused by inhalant allergies
? from particles such as pollens and house dust to molds and dust mites. Other allergies can come
from food. This can often lead to an itch-scratch cycle.
To break this cycle, the first step is to use a specially formulated ear wash to gently clean out
all of the wax and debris. The second step is to use a natural dry formula that works together
with the ear wash to keep your dog's ears clean, dry and pH balanced. Natural ingredients work
best because they soothe and clean without the added irritation or painful burning of alcohol.
Long-eared dogs are particularly prone to excess wax and dirt buildup which can result in ear odor.
Not much air can get in to keep ears dried out, so moisture can build. And moisture breeds infection.
The ear can start itching and scratching will start. Redness, soreness and odor often follow. Proper
ear care is important to keep your dog comfortable.
Food Allergy
Food allergies mean your dog is allergic to a certain ingredient in the diet. Severe itching and
scratching can result. Ear or digestive issues are other symptoms to watch for. The most common
foods that cause reactions in dogs are beef, dairy, wheat, corn and soy.
Food allergies last as long as your pet is exposed to the offending food. To test for a food allergy,
try a hypoallergenic diet for about three to six weeks with an exotic protein or one your dog hasn't
been exposed to. Try to avoid preservatives, colorings, flavorings and foods that your pet has eaten
previously.
Pollen Allergy
When and where your dog itches can provide your veterinarian with valuable clues to the cause of the
problem. For example, seasonal episodes of itching on the face and paws are typical of allergies to
pollens from grasses, weeds and various trees. Pollen allergies are inherited and usually first
appear when a pet is between 1 and 3 years old.
The best treatment for allergies to pollens or other inhalants such as tobacco, smog, house dust and
perfume is simply to avoid exposure. Daily vacuuming and air filtration systems can be helpful in this
effort.
Sunburn
Sunburn isn't just for humans, dogs can burn too. White or light-colored dogs, especially those with
large pink areas around the nose, are most at risk. And, when your dog has a fresh, short haircut, sun
protection is a must. Keep your dog out of the sun as much as possible until protective hair grows out
again. We recommend keeping a sunscreen on hand for all these situations.
Shedding
Seasonal shedding is normal for dogs, but excessive year-round shedding is not healthy - neither is the
dry, itchy skin. Your dog's skin is his largest organ and can often signal if he has overall health
problems.
Dietary help is most likely a big part of the solution. Your dog needs a balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6
fatty acids (found in Fish Oil) to maintain healthy skin, normal shedding levels and a shiny coat. These
fatty acids must be obtained through food sources, as the body cannot produce them on its own.
Consult your veterinarian if things don't improve.
