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An itch is caused by an inflammatory reaction that causes the release of cell mediators that irritate the skin. In response to this irritation, the dog takes a reflex and itches to relieve itself.
There are many factors that cause this inflammation. Here are the most common:
Fleas: these parasites are the number one cause of itching in dogs. They cling to the animal's coat at the slightest opportunity and bite it for food. The dog is likely to have an inflammatory reaction to the presence of fleas or their saliva, which then causes severe itching and redness. It is essential to protect your pet with regular parasiticides that are well suited to their needs. Fleas are sometimes very difficult to detect, which is why you should not hesitate to treat the dog's coat with an effective insecticide sold at the veterinarian or in pet stores as a preventive measure. In the event of an infestation, remember to thoroughly clean your entire house, as fleas colonize the dog's environment very quickly.
Other parasites: the dog can suffer from itching due to the presence of dog mites, ticks, bacteria (including staphylococci) or even parasites responsible for scabies. Digestive worms are also sometimes involved, as are some small fungi that cause irritant yeast on the surface of the skin. It is therefore important to protect your pet well from internal and external parasites throughout the year.
Allergies: Several types of allergies can cause itching in dogs. Flea bites are the most common cause, but it can also be a food allergy, a skin reaction to various allergens (dust, mites, pollens, etc.), but also a reaction allergic to other materials with which the dog is in direct contact (harness, plastic, blanket, etc.).
Pyoderma: this bacterial infection of the epidermis is a side reaction. When the dog scratches or nibbles and injures himself with his teeth or claws, bacteria can enter the formed wound and grow to infect the area. This is called pyoderma.
Behavioral problems: some dogs with behavioral problems may be itchy. These are often linked to a high state of stress or an environment that is not very stimulating and conducive to boredom and depression. Forms of eczema are not uncommon in this case and cause the dog to scratch to relieve himself.
Dog itching and its diagnosis
When you find that your dog is scratching excessively and abnormally, it is best to consult the veterinarian. The latter can then establish the exact cause and the consequences thereof in order to put in place an appropriate solution.
When no clear source is identified (such as fleas, bacteria, etc.), the veterinarian performs exclusion tests which highlight the factor in question. To do this, he uses a comb to observe the animal's coat and skin, and then he can scrape the surface of the epidermis to analyze it under a microscope. This painless test is very useful in identifying invisible allergens.
The diagnosis of itching is complex and is based on several points such as the breed of the dog, its age, sex, size and weight, the environment in which it lives and in which it walks, the date of appearance of first itching, their location, their period of manifestation (seasonality, regularity, continuity, etc.), the possible identical reaction on the other occupants of the household or on the members of the same litter as the dog if they are known, etc. .
How to treat itching in dogs