How To Stop Dog Scratching
It may seem that dog scratching is just one of those habits you can take for granted. But, lots of dog owners all over the world are eager to learn how to stop dog scratching. Apart from fleas, food allergies, and also fixations on their skin, a dog that keeps on scratching can cause hot spots, infections, and additional skin problems. And if not treated correctly, can progress to severe long term problems.
The Causes of Dog Scratching
Before finding out how to stop dog scratching, you must first recognize what causes it. Here are the various reasons why a dog might scratch incessantly.
Infection - infections can either be due to bacteria, yeast, or fungi. You can check for infections by merely looking for greasy sores, hairless patches, or red swelling for any of the three.
Neurogenic - in some cases the cause can be a lack of exercise or mental stimulation and also separation stress. Excessive licking and chewing are also signs of nervous issue.
Allergenic - skin conditions from food allergies, plant allergies, dust and also flea allergies, and some other allergies can lead to severe itching to a dog.
Nutritional - if your dog doesn't get the proper nutrients in their diet can make their dry skin, and will grow into eczema, sores, or simply bad hair that results in dryness.
Environmental - if your dog is quite the adventurer, something in the environment might have triggered the incessantly scratching. Too much water from swimming, digging, or playing outside can trigger scratching.
Parasites - All parasites can lead to itching, this includes fleas, gnats, ticks, flies, and mites. But don't worry, because almost all medications can prevent parasites.
Visiting the Vet
Although you can check for yourself, you have to consult the veterinarian and have your dog thoroughly examined to be sure. Not to mention that the vet can give you with the right medicine for various causes of the itching. For example, the vet will give you antibiotics or anti-fungal if your dog has an infection. Antihistamines added with an adjustment in a diet for allergies and flea baths, and medicines for parasites.
Dealing with Neurogenic Scratching
Unlike the other five conditions, neurogenic scratching is the hardest to stop. Simply because you have to first pinpoint why the dog feels the urge to scratch his skin continuously before treating him.
Normally, your dog might be simply bored and has developed tick to scratch and lick incessantly. You can simply stop this by ensuring that your dog gets plenty of exercise. You can also put bitter apple spray or cayenne pepper on your dog's favorite licking spots.
You can also get a cone from the veterinarian that will not allow the dog to get to those itching hot spots. You can remove the cone and spray as soon as the dog has more active exercise plan.
But if your dog continues scratching, visit the vet again to make sure you rule out any other physical conditions.
Although usually dog scratching can be easily treated, you still need to pay attention to dog and what he does. Prevention is much better than cure and you can never be too careful.
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