8 reasons why dogs scratch their bodies. That symptom can lead to dermatitis!

Dogs scratch their necks and bodies daily. It is a normal activity but is your dog
scratching more than usual?

If you look closely and you see rough skin, it may be dermatitis. If we can’t stand the itching
and scratching, imagine our dogs, who can’t really communicate the problem with us.
In fact, I asked a veterinarian to tell me the cause and the solutions for itching, to help
our furry friends.

Sometimes, it’s nothing to worry about, but sometimes there may be a more serious issue! Why do dogs get itchy?

I would like to include otitis externa as the number one skin problem in dogs.
Skin problems are easy to see, and I think many people and dogs are suffering from
them. When it comes to itching of the skin, there are various types, from those that do
not require much concern, such as the effects of dryness and hair changes, to those
that require consultation such as pyoderma and allergies.

How can you tell if their body hair is missing because it’s their normal hair shedding or if
it is missing because of dermatitis?

The criteria for deciding whether to go to the hospital is that the hair becomes thin
enough to see the skin. If the skin is itchy, or only part of the hair is lost, there are
abnormalities such as redness and eczema on the skin, and the skin smells. If you see
these things on your furry friend, please take your dog to the hospital.

Allergies during the hair change period, psychogenic… 8 causes for dogs to itch

It seems that many owners are worried that their dogs are scratching their bodies
frequently. Is it possible that they are ill?

First, there is no problem if the scratching is a little more frequent than usual. If your dog
is scratching persistently, check its skin.

The causes of itching in dogs are as follows:

1. Dryness

2. Hair loss that is clinging to them during the hair shedding period

3. Pills/medicines 

4. Insect bites

5. Otitis media (It is difficult to scratch their ears, so you may scratch their neck,
etc.)

6. Atopic allergy

7. Bacterial infection/ectoparasite

8. Autoimmune disease

In addition, some tumors may be itchy or psychogenic.

There are so many causes! Sometimes the hair doesn’t come off well during the
shedding period. I think daily care is important in this case, what should you do to help
your dog?

If the hair does not come off well, it is possible that there is insufficient daily brushing.

If you find that brushing your dog hurts him or causes him discomfort, take him to a
groomer; they can teach you easy ways to brush while your dog is shedding.

Shampoo causes the growth of bacteria and germs!

Like humans, a dog’s skin can become dry and inflamed.
If your dog has dry skin too much shampoo can be the issue.

You should avoid using a large amount of shampoo, as dirt will be removed from your
dog to some extent just by rinsing thoroughly with hot water.

Also, shampooing the skin that is not properly wet is not good, and could cause
irritation.

You can get the dog wet enough by putting him in the bathtub and then soaking it in hot
water for a while, or by putting the showerhead in close contact with their skin. If you
use the shower head, make sure the water isn’t too hot.

If you have a problem with your dog’s skin, you will want to wash it thoroughly, but you
have to be careful. There are also precautions to take when shampooing your dog.

When shampooing, please rinse and dry your dog thoroughly all year round. Insufficiency can lead to dryness and bacterial growth. It is also a good idea to attach a humidifier to prevent the air from drying out.

Can you prevent scary allergies and illnesses?

Here’s what to do in case of atopy or allergies.

With allergies, the degree of itching is also severe, often with red skin, hair loss, other
symptoms at the same time. As a countermeasure, it is all about getting a medical
examination early and treating it appropriately.

You may not know what the allergen is, but what should you do in that case? For
contact allergies, your dog can also wear a special suit to keep allergens out of their
body.

If your dog has a food allergy, he will need a therapeutic diet prescribed at the hospital.

It is important to note that dogs that receive everything from human food may have poor
skin conditions. Food meant for humans can cause skin damage, as well as other
conditions. Human food can cause obesity and strain on the internal organs of dogs,
and once you give your dog human food, your dog will continue to want it, so it is
important not to make a habit of giving it.

Is there a way to tell if there is a bacterial infection?

In the case of dermatitis caused by bacteria or fungi, itching, redness of the skin,
eczema, and unique odors occur, so the odor may be an indicator. If you feel that your
dog’s body odor is different, you should take him to the hospital.

Another indicator may be hair loss that can be seen because of hormones. This is
especially seen in middle-aged and older dogs, where hair loss often occurs
symmetrically. Since it is caused by hormones, not only hair loss but also internal
organs may be affected, and since this is invisible to the eyes, please take your dog to
the hospital as soon as possible.

What should I do if itching is caused by fleas and ticks?

First, ask the hospital to prescribe an anthelmintic to get rid of the parasites. If the
degree of itching is low, this is all you need to do, but if your dog has a strong itch and
you have scratched it, your dog will need anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics.

It’s also important to prevent parasites on a daily basis.