Monday, August 15, 2011

Itchiness in Dogs

The actual health-related term often used by vets for extreme itchiness in dogs is pruritus. Itching in canines usually is not cause to worry, but if it becomes extreme it may possibly be a warning sign of a much more severe condition. There are some diverse canine skin problems that can be the cause of the itching and scratching. But if a canine's itching is contributing to the development of further skin conditions such as soreness and reddening of your pet's skin, skin abrasions and hair loss, or you observe the animal biting at his or her feet, then the dog really should be brought to an animal hospital for an examination for these are all indications of a far more severe skin problem. If it is not treated, the canine's scratching might give rise to infection. Though any breed of dog could develop pruritus, Cocker Spaniels, Westies, Poodles and Golden Retrievers tend to have a higher number of occurrences than most other canine breeds.

The Causes of Itchiness in Dogs

Itching in canines occurs as a result of a chemical response that occurs on or directly beneath the skin's surface. In the event it's extreme, it's generally a sign that the pet is stricken with one of several canine skin problems of a far more serious type.

Intense itchiness in dogs could perhaps be a symptom of the following canine skin problems:
  • Flea allergies are the most common source of dog allergies. When a flea bites a dog, it deposits a minute amount of saliva beneath the skin producing a chemical response that causes canine itching.
  • Seasonal dog allergiesare the second most common cause of itching and scratching in dogs. This form of allergy is comparable to hay fever and asthma in us. When the canine inhales substances such as dust, molds and pollen, it prompts an allergic reaction from the immune system of the animal. This form of allergy can also give rise to respiratory difficulties in addition to causing a dog's itchiness.
  • Yet another kind of allergy that isn't as common but can trigger itching and scratching in dogs is an allergy to foods. Food Allergies are triggered when the animal consumes food or a food constituent that it is allergic to.
  • Likewise add dog mange to our list of skin disorders in canines that brings about itchiness. Scabies, also known as sarcoptic mange, is caused by a mite burrowing right under the skin surface of the canine. The mite lives on substances at or beneath the skin of the canine causing intense and constant itching and scratching.
  • Bacterial and fungal infections may likewise be the cause of an animal's itching problems. This is normally brought on by open sores and scratches which aren't suitably cleansed. Ear mites frequently bring on this sort of skin problem in canines.
Identifying Skin Problems in Canines

Identifying the reason for canine skin problems has frequently turned out to be quite a challenge for most pet owners and veterinarians. To diagnose the cause of the difficulty, a variety of exams and treatments might possibly have to be run and diagnosis could take anywhere between a few weeks to several months. Primarily based upon the dog's symptoms and health background, the veterinarian will perform a number of lab screens that could include extracting blood samples, skin scrapings, obtaining culture samples and doing a biopsy of the skin.

Remedies for Itchiness in Dogs

Even if the fundamental cause of itching and scratching in dogs isn't yet known, there are formulas out there to treat the canine's skin and put an end to the itchiness. The vet could propose the use of skin creams, antihistamines, shampoos or maybe immunotherapy in more moderate cases. In the more severe cases, he could suggest treatment using steroids. Steroids have been known to cause undesirable side effects such as frequent urination, extreme panting and dehydration, and prolonged use could bring about the emergence of diabetes or Cushing's disease, so if you do plan to try them, heed great care. Some canines may well have to have constant treatment for their skin problem.

Natural Remedies for Itchiness in Dogs

More and more vets are now advocating all-natural itching dog remedies as a safer and soothing kind of therapy. It's an option to giving your dog steroids and other types of medication that could bring about dangerous side effects. You can choose from quite a few safe and effective holistic remedies for itchiness in dogs that offer the pet much needed relief by revitalizing the fur in addition to clearing up and cleaning the skin.

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