Book an appointment with your veterinarian if your dog’s scratching becomes excessive or causes any self-mutilation.
Unless otherwise instructed, don’t bathe your dog more than once a month.
Use a cone or socks to prevent your dog from causing self-trauma from scratching.
If using a home remedy, check with your vet first and test it on a small area of your dog’s skin.
Unless otherwise instructed, do not apply remedies to open wounds or sores.
Why is my dog itching and scratching?
Most dogs will inevitably encounter itching at some point. In most cases, it will be annoying for your pet but not serious. However, some conditions do need to be seen by a vet and will require treatment to prevent them from becoming worse.
When to Always Visit the Vet
Lumps and bumps: Though older dogs often develop benign fatty tumors under the skin, it is always best to have new lumps checked. Lumps that feel solid and do not move around under the skin should be checked as soon as possible.
Shortness of breath: This can be a sign of heart trouble.
Straining to urinate with no urine production: This is an immediate emergency. A blocked urinary tract can be life threatening.
Sudden change in appetite: Can be an indication of serious illness such as kidney failure or hyperthyroidism.
Sudden weight loss or gain: Can be a sign of thyroid dysfunction or other serious disease.
Change in water consumption: Can be a sign of diabetes or kidney disease.
Sudden change in temperament.
Lethargic or reclusive behavior lasting more than a day.
Limping or chronic lameness (not attributed to minor injury): Can be arthritis.
Vision problems, cloudy or hazy eyes, or abnormal eye discharge: Eye issues do not lend themselves to home treatment. Veterinary evaluation is important.
Persistent bad breath: Can be a sign of digestive disorder or more serious dental disease.
Please remember this is only a partial list. When in doubt, call your veterinarian’s office or local emergency clinic. For more information about specific health conditions please check our Holistic Healthcare Library.
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Why Is My Dog SO Itchy – the 5 Big Causes! – Dog Health Vet Advice
Itching, scratching, chewing and licking are all normal behaviors for a dog, but if it becomes compulsive or if they hurt themselves in the process, you’ll want to address it with your vet. The good news is that itching and scratching is almost never an emergency.
There are many possible reasons for your dog’s itchiness, so paying attention to the frequency, severity and itchy spots on the body will help your veterinarian form a proper diagnosis. Keeping your dog comfortable with a few veterinarian-approved home remedies can help alleviate some of the itchiness in the meantime.