It may look like that dog scratching is just one of those habits you can take for granted. However, millions of dog owners all over the world are eager to learn how to stop dog scratching. Apart from fleas, food allergies, and also fixations on their skin, a dog that continues scratching can trigger hot spots, infections, and additional skin conditions. And if not treated properly, can progress to severe long term problems.
The Causes of Dog Scratching
Before finding out how to stop dog scratching, you must first determine what causes it. Here are the several reasons why a dog might scratch persistently.
Infection - infections can either be due to bacteria, yeast, or fungi. You can examine for infections by simply looking for greasy sores, hairless patches, or red swelling for any of the three.
Neurogenic - in some cases the cause can be a lack of exercise or mental stimulation and also separation stress. Too much licking and chewing are also signs of nervous problem.
Allergenic - skin conditions from food allergies, plant allergies, dust as well as flea allergies, and other allergies can lead to severe itching to a dog.
Nutritional - if your dog doesn't get the proper nutrients in their diet can make their dry skin, and will grow into eczema, sores, or just terrible hair that results in dryness.
Environmental - if your dog is quite the adventurer, something in the surroundings might have caused the incessantly scratching. Too much water from swimming, digging, or playing outside can trigger scratching.
Parasites - All parasites can lead to itching, which includes fleas, gnats, ticks, flies, and also mites. But don't worry, because almost all medicines can stop parasites.
Visiting the Vet
Although you can check for yourself, you have to consult the veterinarian and have your dog thoroughly examined to be certain. Not to mention that the veterinarian can give you with the right remedy for different causes of the itching. For example, the vet will give you antibiotics or anti-fungal if your dog has an infection. Antihistamines added with an adjustment in a diet for allergies and flea baths, and medicines for parasites.
How to deal with Neurogenic Scratching
Not like the other five conditions, neurogenic scratching is the most difficult to stop. This is because you have to first pinpoint why the dog feels the urge to scratch his skin continuously before treating him.
Normally, your dog might be simply bored and has developed tick to scratch and lick continuously. You can basically stop this by ensuring that your dog receives enough exercise. You can also put bitter apple spray or cayenne pepper on your dog's favorite licking spots.
You can also get a cone from the veterinarian that will not allow the dog to get to those itching hot body parts. You can take away the cone and spray as soon as the dog has more energetic exercise routine.
But if your dog continues scratching, visit the vet again to make sure you rule out any other physical conditions.
Although usually dog scratching can be very easily dealt with, you still need to pay attention to dog and what he really does. Prevention is better than cure and you can never be too careful.
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