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| Sophie |
| Violet and Cody |
| Sue's Views Sniffles and Friends Newsletter - February 2010 |
| Sue's Views |
| Sniffles' Friends |
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Dogs - Itching, Scratching - and Why!
One of the most annoying issues with dogs (at least with mine) is excessive
scratching and associated skin scratching or licking. Scratching is one of
the main reasons dogs see a veterinarian each year, and there are many
reasons they do it.
The most common reason dogs scratch is allergies. Allergies to various
objects in a dog’s environment are one of the most common reasons dogs
scratch themselves. Rather than affecting a dog’s respiratory system,
allergies often affect the skin and make them itchy and uncomfortable. Some
dog breeds are more susceptible to skin allergies than others.
A dog can be allergic to almost anything with which they come into contact.
Of course, the most obvious allergy for a dog is fleas, and this is always an
annoying situation for any dog parent. Also, atopy (which is sensitivity to a
substance that has been inhaled or to which the dog has come into contact)
as well as food allergies are also common culprits.
A skin infection can involve bacteria, or yeast; although skin infections
usually occur in tandem with something else. Skin infections are commonly
secondary infections, which are caused by skin damage brought on by a
parasite or some other random cause.
Control and treatment of a skin infection can relieve itchiness almost
immediately; however if the underlying reason for the itch has not been
addressed the skin infection is very likely to rear its ugly head again once
the treatment has been discontinued.
Another common cause of scratching for dogs is ear infections. Ear
infections can occur either by themselves, or they also may be a side-effect
of allergies. Sometimes itchy ears can be part of a larger, more serious
problem. One time after a regular grooming session, we were told that our
Lhasa apso, Buddy, had been fussing with his ears, and that the groomer
had seen a dark, tarry discharge in his right ear canal. After our vet did a
thorough investigation it was discovered that Buddy had a tumor in his
inner ear. He was scheduled immediately for surgery to remove the mass,
and Buddy has been fine ever since. But, of course, only a vet could be able
to determine something serious, so if itching persists for longer than seems
to be the norm it’s always best to consult your vet.
Another skin condition common to dogs (as well as cats) is ringworm.
Ringworm is a fungus (tinea), and is known to cause excessive itchiness
and hair loss. Also, ringworm is contagious. Tinea is the same fungus that is
found in human conditions such as athlete’s foot, so it’s able to be passed
from dogs to humans and vice versa.
Another reason dogs itch is mange. Mange is caused by mites, and there
are multiple types of mange. Demadectic mange is most common, but this
strain of mange doesn’t cause extreme itchiness. However, sarcoptic
mange does tend to precipitate severe itchiness and is also easily
transmitted to humans.
Obviously there are many reasons for dogs to itch, scratch, or fuss with
their skin. It’s frustrating for us and it can be uncomfortable and
bothersome to them. As always, it’s best to consult your vet for thorough
testing and treatment options.
One of the most annoying issues with dogs (at least with mine) is excessive
scratching and associated skin scratching or licking. Scratching is one of
the main reasons dogs see a veterinarian each year, and there are many
reasons they do it.
The most common reason dogs scratch is allergies. Allergies to various
objects in a dog’s environment are one of the most common reasons dogs
scratch themselves. Rather than affecting a dog’s respiratory system,
allergies often affect the skin and make them itchy and uncomfortable. Some
dog breeds are more susceptible to skin allergies than others.
A dog can be allergic to almost anything with which they come into contact.
Of course, the most obvious allergy for a dog is fleas, and this is always an
annoying situation for any dog parent. Also, atopy (which is sensitivity to a
substance that has been inhaled or to which the dog has come into contact)
as well as food allergies are also common culprits.
A skin infection can involve bacteria, or yeast; although skin infections
usually occur in tandem with something else. Skin infections are commonly
secondary infections, which are caused by skin damage brought on by a
parasite or some other random cause.
Control and treatment of a skin infection can relieve itchiness almost
immediately; however if the underlying reason for the itch has not been
addressed the skin infection is very likely to rear its ugly head again once
the treatment has been discontinued.
Another common cause of scratching for dogs is ear infections. Ear
infections can occur either by themselves, or they also may be a side-effect
of allergies. Sometimes itchy ears can be part of a larger, more serious
problem. One time after a regular grooming session, we were told that our
Lhasa apso, Buddy, had been fussing with his ears, and that the groomer
had seen a dark, tarry discharge in his right ear canal. After our vet did a
thorough investigation it was discovered that Buddy had a tumor in his
inner ear. He was scheduled immediately for surgery to remove the mass,
and Buddy has been fine ever since. But, of course, only a vet could be able
to determine something serious, so if itching persists for longer than seems
to be the norm it’s always best to consult your vet.
Another skin condition common to dogs (as well as cats) is ringworm.
Ringworm is a fungus (tinea), and is known to cause excessive itchiness
and hair loss. Also, ringworm is contagious. Tinea is the same fungus that is
found in human conditions such as athlete’s foot, so it’s able to be passed
from dogs to humans and vice versa.
Another reason dogs itch is mange. Mange is caused by mites, and there
are multiple types of mange. Demadectic mange is most common, but this
strain of mange doesn’t cause extreme itchiness. However, sarcoptic
mange does tend to precipitate severe itchiness and is also easily
transmitted to humans.
Obviously there are many reasons for dogs to itch, scratch, or fuss with
their skin. It’s frustrating for us and it can be uncomfortable and
bothersome to them. As always, it’s best to consult your vet for thorough
testing and treatment options.