What is itching in dogs?
Itching in dogs is a feeling of irritation of the skin that makes the dog want to scratch, lick, bite or rub itself. Itching is a symptom, not a disease in itself, and can be caused by many different causes, such as allergies, parasites, or infections. Itching can be a temporary symptom but often manifests itself as recurrent or chronic problems and can also worsen over time. Sometimes the itching is seasonal.
Symptoms of Itching in Dogs
In dogs, secondary skin infections with fungi and/or bacteria that cause inflammation of the skin and thus itching are common.
- Licks or gnaws on itself, for example on its paws or other place on the body where it can reach
- Scratching with their paws against their ears, neck or sides
- Often shakes his head
- Rubbing or sliding on the rear against carpets or outdoors
- The skin may become red, irritated, develop a rash and/or sores
- Dandruff and/or scab of the skin
- Bad odour from the skin
- Secondary infections (fungus or bacteria) can occur
- The dog seems anxious, sleeps less well or has difficulty relaxing
- Coat changes, hairless patches
Itching in dogs can manifest itself in several different ways
At first, no skin changes may be visible, but the first sign is often that the dog is scratching. But it's not just about the dog scratching its legs. But it can also be a sign of itching when the dog licks or bites itself, shakes its head or rubs itself against a carpet or against the ground, for example. The itching can be general and affect the whole body or localized to specific areas, but it can vary from dog to dog.
Itching can lead to inflammation
If the dog scratches, licks or gnaws excessively, it leads to skin lesions that in turn can become inflamed and thus more susceptible to infections with fungi and/or bacteria. Usually, it is the skin's own microorganisms that grow when the skin's protection is weakened and the skin's normal flora is disturbed.
Areas where dogs most often get itching
- Ears and face, around the mouth and in skin folds
- Groin/armpits
- Sides of the body
- Paws
- Anal area
Common causes of itching in dogs
Itching can have many causes, and it is important to investigate the root cause in order to be able to initiate effective treatment. Skin examinations are often time-consuming and extensive, and the root cause of the itching is not always found despite investigation. Often, you need to consult a skin specialist. In cases where a diagnosis cannot be made, the symptoms, i.e. the itching itself, are treated in different ways. Often you have to try out what suits you best for that particular individual. The purpose of the treatment is to relieve the itching, take care of the skin and safeguard a good quality of life for the dog. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Parasites: Fox scabies, Lice, Fleas, hair follicle mites and Dandruff mites are common parasites that cause itching.
- Allergies: Common allergies in dogs include atopic dermatitis (allergy to environmental substances, such as pollen or dust mites) and food allergies. A dog's immune system usually reacts to a protein in their diet. Many dogs have a mix of both atopy and Feed allergy.
- Otitis: If the dog scratches its ears a lot or shakes its head a lot, it may be a sign of an ear infection. Recurrent ear infections can be a sign of allergy.
- Anal sac inflammation: Can occur occasionally, but recurrent anal sac infections can be a sign of allergy.
- Skin infections: Inflammations/infections of the skin are often a symptom of underlying allergic disease. A bacterial or fungal infection of the skin can cause itching and inflammation. The itching, in turn, can aggravate the infection by causing the dog to scratch itself and damage the skin further.
- Hormonal disorders: dogs with hypothyroidism or Cushing's Syndrome may develop dry skin or infections, which can cause itching
- Dry skin: May cause itching, especially during winter.
Recurrent skin infections can be a sign of allergy
Skin infections that itch can have many causes. A single infection is usually easy to treat, but recurring skin infections should be investigated to find a possible underlying disease. Recurrent itching and infections can be due to allergies, and it is important to get help to try to find what the dog is sensitive to. Unfortunately, this is challenging and often you need to get help from a skin specialist.
Food allergy – a common cause of itching
Food allergy, also known as food allergy or the medical abbreviation AFR (adverse food reaction), means that the dog is hypersensitive to a protein source in the food. The typical symptom of food allergy, as well as of atopy, is prolonged or recurrent itching. Sometimes recurrent skin or ear infections are the biggest problem. To investigate the root cause and get help with the right treatment, you often need to seek help from a skin specialist. Food allergy and environmental allergy often occur simultaneously in dogs and are often complex to investigate.
Treatment of food allergy
The treatment is initially symptomatic to relieve the itching while trying out which protein source the dog is sensitive to with the help of a so-called elimination diet. A pure food allergic dog usually does not need any other treatment if you find and can exclude the protein the dog cannot tolerate.
Atopy – allergy to airborne substances
Atopy, or atopic dermatitis, is an environmental allergy in which the dog reacts to substances in the environment, such as pollen or mites. People with these types of allergies get a runny nose or asthma, while dogs instead get symptoms from the skin and ears.
Treatment of environmental allergy (atopy)
Treatment of atopy varies from individual to individual and often consists of a combination of medications, skin and fur products, dietary supplements, special foods and sometimes so-called allergy vaccination/desensitization.
What can I do myself?
If your dog scratches a lot, you can start by examining their skin and coat carefully. Here are some steps you can take at home:
- Feel through your dog's fur and skin: Look for wounds, bumps or redness. Check for areas where the coat is missing.
- Examine the ears: Look for redness, swelling, or bad odors that may indicate an ear infection.
- Look for parasites: Go through the coat carefully to see if you find fleas, lice or other signs of parasites.
- Observe the dog's behavior: Take note of when and where the dog scratches the most. Is it after walks, when changing food or during certain seasons?
Always seek veterinary attention for an examination if your dog has itching or recurring skin problems as this is painful for the dog.
How the diagnosis is made
When you visit the vet, the dog's skin will be thoroughly examined. The vet may also ask questions about when the itching started, where it is located, and if there are any other symptoms. Samples may be taken from the skin and fur to look for parasites, samples to see if your dog has an infection in the skin or tissue samples from the skin to possibly detect a skin disease. Sometimes the cause is found easily and quickly, but often a thorough investigation is needed with an elimination diet and sampling, if the veterinarian suspects any kind of allergy.
When do I need to see a vet?
- If the dog has itching, it is especially important in case of recurrent complaints. Dogs should normally not scratch more than occasionally.
- If the skin and/or ears and paws are irritated, red or sore with a rash
- In case of problems with the anal sacs
- If the skin and/or ears show signs of inflammation with redness, sores or itching
- If the dog seems anxious and bothered and often scratches
Prognosis for a dog with itching
The prognosis for a dog with itching depends on the cause and how quickly treatment is initiated. Acute problems, such as parasites or skin infections, can often be treated quickly and effectively. Chronic conditions, such as allergies or atopic dermatitis, on the other hand, require long-term treatment and sometimes lifelong measures, such as special food or medication. With the right treatment, most dogs can live a good life, even if they have recurring problems with itching. With the right treatment, you can reduce both the discomfort and the frequency of flare-ups.
