Itching in Dogs

Itching is almost as frustrating to dogs as it is to owners and veterinarians. There are many diseases, of very different causes, the most noticeable symptom of which is itching and skin changes caused by scratching, biting, licking, rubbing against objects. Frustration in dogs can be so strong that there is a change in behavior - intolerance and aggression. One of the extremely common symptoms for which dogs are brought to the veterinary clinic is precisely scratching. It is interesting that the mechanism by which scratching reduces the sensation of itching has not yet been clarified. The veterinarian should perform a detailed clinical examination of the dog in order to determine exactly what kind of skin changes are involved and at the same time question the owner in detail about the circumstances of the appearance of itching. 

Guidelines for determining the cause of itching:

Age Demodicosis and dog scabies occur more often in young animals, and atopic dermatitis, food allergies and pyoderma (purulent inflammation skin) more often occur in middle-aged and older dogs.

Breed Golden retrievers, dalmatians and many small terrier breeds have a high tendency to develop atopic dermatitis. The Shar Pei breed is extremely prone to the development of atopic dermatitis, food allergy, pyoderma and demodicosis.

Nutrition In addition to food allergies, food with insufficient essential substances can cause itchy skin. . Thus, for example, food that does not contain enough essential fatty acids can cause seborrheic changes on the skin. Food rich in carbohydrates (corn, rice, potatoes, peas, etc.) causes the growth of fungi that cause itching and unpleasant fur odor.

Environment Animals that are free and spend a lot of time in nature and with other animals they are more prone to parasitic invasions. When atopic dermatitis occurs, it is important to try to determine whether it is an allergen from nature or the home environment. Flea infestations and allergies to flea bites are certainly the most common cause of itching in dogs. It is important to emphasize that a dog that has protection against fleas (whether it is a flea collar, spot-on liquid, etc.), but stays in an area that has not been adequately cleaned of fleas or is in contact with animals that have not been cleaned of fleas may still have a flea problem because fleas only die when they drink the blood of a dog that has flea protection, so fleas will still attack your dog.

Other pets Presence or absence itching in other pets is also very important information. Multiple scratching animals may indicate a parasitic etiology. A cat that is free can be a source of fleas for a dog that is normally a house dog.

Contact with people The fact that people who are in contact with animals also have skin changes can be very important. for the diagnosis of the disease (round red changes on the owner's skin indicate dermatophytosis).

The affected area For the diagnosis, it is very important where the skin changes first appeared and how they looked. Dogs very often create skin injuries through frequent scratching that hide the original appearance of the changes. Dog scabies, for example, most often starts on the edges of the ears and starts to spread from there. Dogs suffering from demodicosis very often look like they have glasses, because hair loss occurs most often around the eyes.

Frequency of scratching The gradual development of itching, of a milder intensity, is usually associated with atopic dermatitis, food allergies, pyoderma and seborrhea, while parasitic invasions and drug reactions are characterized by the rapid onset of intense scratching.

Seasonality of occurrence The occurrence of itching in a certain period of the year usually indicates atopic dermatitis. Dermatitis caused by the fungus Malassezia pachydermatis occurs more often in the months when there is high humidity.

Response to therapy Allergic diseases should respond to corticosteroid therapy to a greater or lesser extent. A dog suffering from atopic dermatitis or a flea bite allergy will respond better to corticosteroid therapy than a dog suffering from a food allergy. Successful resolution of itching with antibiotics suggests pyoderma. When a dog scratches frequently, the first thing to suspect is a flea infestation. After fleas have been eliminated as a possible cause, it is necessary to take skin samples from which it will be determined whether the dog had any other type of parasite or whether there may be an infection with bacteria or fungi. When all these possibilities are ruled out, it is possible to start suspecting allergic conditions - atopic dermatitis or food allergy. Atopic dermatitis will respond relatively well to corticosteroid therapy. The basic approach to food allergies is a strict elimination diet, which sometimes has to last for three months in order to see real results. 

An alternative approach to the treatment of itching Locally, skin changes can be treated with diluted apple cider vinegar, oat mucilage baths, and aloe vera gel. Therapy for itching that is not caused by flea infestation or other ectoparasites is based on alleviating the inflammatory reaction and strengthening the immune system.

That is why it is important that food which the dog eats rich in:

Omega 3 unsaturated fatty acids

• Reduces inflammation
• Blue fish is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids

Vitamin A and E

• Vitamin A deficiency causes dry, scaly skin that is prone to cracking and thus causes itching
• Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and reduces inflammation
• Liver is an excellent source of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) which, in combination with fatty acids that are also found in the liver, are well absorbed in the body. The dog should be fed liver in small quantities to prevent diarrhea.

• Probiotics
• They are extremely important in the treatment of diseases caused by changes in the microflora of the skin and intestines
• A natural source is fermented dairy products, eg kefir, and an excellent source of Lactobacillus acidophilus is raw beef rumen (fillet, tripe). 

 it can also be harmful to the body).