Help! My Dog Is Constantly Scratching and Biting Himself
Dogs might not have fingers but they can use their hind legs to scratch themselves when they’re itchy.
You’ve probably seen this before if you have a dog or have been around one.
Sometimes, they’ll also use their mouths. For example, they might lick or chew themselves if they have an itchy spot.
Nine times out of ten, however, this will make the situation worse as it will introduce bacteria to the already sensitive area.
To prevent that, it’s best to take them to the vet for a checkup. In the meantime, you can put a cone collar over their head, which will prevent them from getting at the spot.
My Dog Is Constantly Scratching and Biting Himself, What Could It Mean?
Allergies
Skin allergies can cause your dog to scratch and chew himself. For example, they might be allergic to something in the environment such as grass or pollen.
Pay attention to how they react after going outside. If they constantly scratch themselves or rub their face on the floor, it may indicate an environmental allergy.
Food allergies can also trigger allergic reactions that affect the skin. Some common culprits include chicken, eggs, beef, and dairy. Some dogs may also react to wheat and grains, though it’s less common.
While it can be hard to tell what’s causing the issues, there are ways to go about it such as switching to an elimination diet. The vet may also recommend putting your pup on hypoallergenic food.
Remember, just because your pup has eaten something before and has been fine doesn’t mean they can’t become allergic to it. They’re not born with food allergies after all; they’re developed overtime.
Some dogs will also react when they come into contact with certain substances such as poison ivy. Cleaning products such as shampoos and detergents can also trigger a reaction.
For instance, Hartz Dog Shampoo is notorious for causing skin irritation in dogs.
Fleas
Fleas are one of the most common causes of itching in dogs. They usually latch onto your pet through direct contact with infested animals.
For example, your pup can get fleas if they come into contact with a flea-infested dog at the park. They can also get them from wild animals such as raccoons, rabbits and squirrels, which is another reason why they should stay away from wildlife.
Rarely, fleas can also latch onto your clothes and be brought into the house where they can jump onto your pets.
During feeding, fleas will inject their saliva into the host’s bloodstream and it’s this saliva that triggers a reaction.
While they can be seen with the naked eye, they are small and fast. This can make them hard to spot, especially if you have a long-haired dog. Chances are, you’ll notice other signs before seeing the bugs themselves.
For instance, you may notice black specks or ‘flea dirt’ on your dog, which is essentially a mix of flea feces and blood meal.
If your dog has been scratching non-stop and has pepper-like flakes on his skin, he likely has fleas.
While you can grab a dog shampoo for fleas from the store, we highly recommend seeing the vet for a proper flea treatment.
Boredom
Dogs that are bored may scratch or lick themselves compulsively. This can cause all sorts of problems from skin infections to hair loss.
It’s also a common cause of hot spots, which are red and inflamed areas on the skin. Depending on the severity, the lesions can also ooze pus or blood.
Given how these compulsive behaviors stem from boredom, the best thing you can do is keep your dog entertained. This means taking them for a walk, giving them an interactive puzzle or bringing them to a play date.
You can also teach them new tricks, which will keep them mentally stimulated.
If you see your dog starting to scratch themselves again, redirect their attention. Give them a chew toy or ask them to sit (with a treat, of course).
The goal is to stop the compulsive behavior before it becomes a self-reinforcing cycle.
Hormonal Imbalance
Dogs with hypothyroidism have faulty thyroid glands that aren’t able to produce enough thyroid hormones and that can lead to dry, itchy skin, among other problems.
Cushing’s disease is another example, which occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. This can cause various symptoms including thinning of the skin, skin infections, and hair loss.
While there’s no cure for these conditions, they can be effectively managed with medications.
Dry Skin
It can be hard to tell since their skin is covered in fur but dogs can also get dry skin.
Normally, they have natural oils that keep their skin moisturized but certain factors such as cold weather and low humidity levels can cause it to dry out.
A poor diet can also contribute to the problem. For example, it can happen if they’re not getting enough omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which normally helps the skin retain moisture. Fortunately, they are available in supplement form.
Frequent bathing (more than once a month) can also strip the skin of its natural oils.
Left untreated, it will not only be itchy and uncomfortable for your pup but it can also lead to potential infections.
One way to help a dog with dry skin is by using a dog-safe moisturizer such as coconut oil. You don’t need a lot either, just a small amount will do.
Brushing their coat regularly can also be effective; it’ll help distribute the natural oils across their coat, which will help moisturize their skin.
Using a humidifier can help as well by adding moisture to the air.
