Itchiness is a form of skin allergy known to trouble dogs profusely and makes them uncomfortable. The irritation is caused due to several reasons, which include everything from food to environmental factors. Veterinarians suggest various home remedies and other kinds of therapies to relieve symptoms and help itchy dogs stay at ease. So, let’s learn more about the cause of itchiness, the diagnosis, and the available treatment options in detail.

Primary reasons behind itchiness in dogs
There are several causes for the itchiness in dogs, and these include:

Atopic dermatitis
One of the major reasons for itching is atopic dermatitis or allergic dermatitis, which is caused due to the body’s reaction against allergens like pollen, plants, or dander in the environment.

Bacterial infections
Pets also suffer from itchiness due to infections caused by bacteria or fungi, which may lead to hair loss, inflamed skin, and a strong unpleasant odor.

Flea allergy dermatitis
This is another form of allergic disease found in dogs caused by fleas. These insects inject saliva into the pet’s body which triggers the immune system to react, leading to itching in dogs.

Allergy due to food
Certain foods can trigger itchiness in dogs. Identifying these foodstuffs by trying different meals can aid in proper diagnosis and timely treatment.

Furthermore, itchiness in dogs can also result from hormonal imbalances and other skin problems. Moreover, certain breeds of dogs tend to suffer more from this condition, therefore, identifying the potential reason is the most important step in deciding the treatment plan.

Symptoms
The possible symptoms of Pruritus or itchiness among dogs are as follows:

• Excessive licking around the affected area
• Chewing the skin
• Rubbing against a wall or carpet
• Head shaking when there is discomfort in ears
• Scooting

How to diagnose itchiness in dogs
The diagnosis of itching comprises a diverse range of examinations that include everything from a skin allergy test to a blood test to identify the underlying problem. Some of the popular examinations undertaken to diagnose the problem include:

Intradermal testing
This testing involves pricking the dog’s skin and inserting a tiny amount of allergen into its body. If the treated area gets inflamed after 30 minutes, it is inferred that the pet is allergic to that substance.

Skin Cytology
This test is conducted to identify if the itchiness has occurred due to bacterial or fungal infection. The procedure comprises taking a tissue sample and observing it under the microscope.

Radioallergosorbent test
This blood test is conducted for itchy dogs who might be suffering from allergies due to pollens.

Available treatment options for itchy dogs
Natural and alternative treatment options are available for itching in dogs, and a therapy plan is adopted based on the conditions. Some of the natural remedies include:

Regular bathing
If the pet suffers from allergies due to environmental factors, then giving regular baths and frequent grooming proves great to keep them comfortable. Oatmeal-based shampoos are available; lathering the pets with these aids makes their skin smoother and relieves itchiness. Additionally, frequently brushing the pet helps eliminate dead skin, which removes allergens present along the fur.

Application of apple cider vinegar
Itchy dogs can get relief by applying a mixture of organic apple cider vinegar and water. It also aids in eliminating ticks and fleas, a significant reason for skin irritation among animals.

Adding Omega-3 fatty acids to the diet
Dogs more prone to allergies should be given foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids as these aid in maintaining the dog’s coat and keeping the skin moisturized.

Some of the alternative methods adopted to treat Itchy dogs comprise:

Use of antibiotics
If the dog’s itchiness has occurred due to a fungal or bacterial infection, the veterinarian may suggest giving antibiotics to get rid of the skin infection.

Use of antihistamines
Veterinarians may recommend antihistamines to treat dogs’ itchy skin, which is usually considered safe and effective.

Special diet
If the allergy is known to occur as a result of food, the veterinarian may suggest a special diet to keep a check on the symptoms.

Pest control
If itchiness in dogs occurs due to insect bites, limiting the pet’s exposure to those organisms and undertaking pest control on the property is important.

Itching in dogs is a very common condition. Finding the exact reason is a vital part of determining the treatment option. So keep a check on your pets to detect any discomfort. Although the treatment goal depends on the diagnosis, a few things can be done at home to keep their itching at bay. These include avoiding food allergens and bathing your canine regularly.