Itching in a dog is an unpleasant phenomenon, accompanied by severe scratching. It is not an independent disease, but only acts as a symptom, warning about the danger. If your pet constantly scratches its body, then without timely help it will tear off its skin. Numerous injuries will lead to secondary infection and aggravate the existing problem.
How does itching appear in dogs?
It's quite easy to suspect something is wrong. The dog constantly itches and chews itself in a certain area or throughout the body. Due to unpleasant sensations, she sleeps poorly and refuses games and favorite treats. Appetite decreases, which quickly affects weight. The hair gradually falls out until some areas become completely bald. The skin becomes red and inflamed.
The probable cause of itching in a dog can be determined by its location. Active scratching of the ears indicates a high probability of otodectosis. If your pet rubs all parts of its body against furniture and rolls around on the floor, it may suffer from a skin disease or an allergic reaction. Regardless of the cause, treatment is carried out only after diagnosis in a veterinary clinic.
Why does a dog itch and chew itself?
If the dog itches infrequently, then there is nothing wrong with it. The alarm should only be sounded if the dog clearly hints with his entire appearance that something is wrong with him. If a dog picks its skin at corners, fidgets on the floor, or bites an itchy spot, the pet must be treated. The cause of itching is irritation of the nerve endings that are located on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes. If the irritation is severe, it can lead to muscle pain.
A common phenomenon that is extremely disturbing and debilitating for the animal is itching.
An allergic reaction is triggered by histamine, a hormone that is responsible for a rapid immune response. Some anti-itch medications only temporarily reduce the amount of itching or neutralize this substance without affecting the root cause of the problem.
There are two types of itching:
- weak (periodic);
- severe painful (episodic).
The first type is an instinctive reaction when the pet scratches to remove some elements from the fur: insects, objects, dirt, and so on. The second type is a symptom of some disease, it is difficult to eliminate; when a problem appears, a course of treatment must be started immediately. If you are taking flea prevention or have your pet checked by a veterinarian, most likely the cause is not parasite infestation.
Dog and human bodies are very similar in structure. You need to take your pet's health as seriously as your own.
Diagnosis and identification of the cause
Using medications before diagnosis can distort test results. Veterinarians recommend avoiding self-medication and seeking help immediately after an alarming symptom appears.
After a visual examination and history taking, the veterinarian performs the following diagnostic tests:
- stool and urine analysis;
- clinical and blood biochemistry;
- skin scraping, as well as scraping of secretions from the affected areas;
- allergy tests;
- Ultrasound and X-ray.
If there are symptoms of a fungal infection and negative results of basic tests, additional tests may be required. The most popular diagnostic method for this disease is the Wood's lamp.
Inflammation and blockage of the anal glands
Some dog owners never learn that their pets have special glands under their tails that secrete a special secretion that has a unique scent. This is a very informative component, with the help of which canines scare away their brothers and attract them during the mating season.
When you have a bowel movement, the stool presses on the secretion sacs, and it is excreted in the feces. In addition, this may occur due to a spasm that occurs against the background of fear, pain, or nervous excitement. In a healthy dog, complete emptying of the glands occurs every time he walks “largely.” But in some cases this natural process does not occur:
- when the secretory fluid thickens, the glands do not completely get rid of the accumulated secretion, swelling appears. Most often this is the result of a metabolic disorder or the development of a disease;
- if the secretion becomes too liquid, this disorder occurs due to the fact that the glands begin to function more intensively than necessary, the pouch does not have time to empty in a timely manner, fills with liquid and swells;
- change in the consistency of feces - to cleanse the glands of secretions, it is necessary that the feces be moderately dense, but not very hard.
How can an owner understand that a pet’s anal glands are not functioning correctly? At the initial stage of development of the pathology, there are no obvious signs, except that the dog may pay attention to the area under the tail more often than usual. When flakes appear in the secretion, the animal begins to be bothered by severe itching in the anus and soreness
The dog begins to itch, bite and lick the area around the anus.
When the itching becomes unbearable, the dog begins to crawl his butt along the floor, sidewalk, floor coverings, trying to get rid of the uncomfortable sensations. During mechanical action, part of the secretory fluid is released, and it remains on the pet’s fur and skin. Through the skin, the secretion penetrates into the bloodstream, which causes allergies and itching, but in the area above the tail, and not below it. Also, damaged areas of tissue in the anus and nearby become inflamed, as pathogenic microorganisms penetrate into them.
Parasitoses
Most often, itching in a dog occurs when infected with external parasites. This is due to lack of timely processing.
Fleas
Flea infestations cause an allergic reaction to the parasites' saliva. It contains a foreign protein that is rejected by the body of an infected animal. If there is a severe infestation of blood-sucking insects, you can notice them yourself. They look like small black or brown grains.
Despite the species classification based on the final host, fleas quickly adapt and can feed on the blood of any animal, including humans. The most dangerous species is the rat. These parasites are more likely than others to carry dangerous infections. A bitten dog can become infected with rickettsiosis, helminthiasis, endocarditis and other diseases.
Ticks
It is possible to find out why a dog itches if it does not have fleas by observing the accompanying symptoms. Tick-borne infestations are characterized by yellowing and severe peeling of the skin, as well as the formation of purulent inflammations. With otodectosis, dark brown discharge forms in the ears, and the sick pet constantly shakes its head.
Infection with subcutaneous mites is fraught with problems with the lymph nodes, kidneys, stomach, spleen and liver. Due to numerous wounds, the risk of death from sepsis increases. Once a secondary infection occurs, the chance of recovery is only 50%.
Like fleas, ticks carry infections. An infected person may suffer from hepatozoonosis, ehrlichiosis, bartonellosis or piroplasmosis.
lice eaters
Lice eaters are the closest relatives of lice, resembling white grains of dandruff and characterized by a quadrangular head shape. They feed on particles of fur and skin, causing severe itching in the dog. Most often, the symptom of infection occurs at the base of the tail, ears, belly or thighs. The affected skin becomes rough and thickened. The condition of the coat is deteriorating. Bald patches form.
Puppies can become infected from a sick mother. In addition to the listed symptoms, the presence of lice in young animals can lead to developmental delays. Also, these parasites often carry helminth eggs, which is especially dangerous for pets under 1 year of age.
Additional Research
To understand why a dog scratches its paws, the doctor must not only carefully examine the dog and interview the owner, but also conduct a number of additional studies.
So, the doctor must take fingerprint smears from the skin to understand whether there is a secondary inflammation and what it is associated with (bacteria or fungi).
Multiple scrapings (diagnosis of demodicosis, sarcaptosis) and hair plucking (diagnosis of demodicosis in the interdigital spaces) should also be performed to confirm or exclude parasites. It is important to remember that if the doctor does not find sarcoptes scabies mites in the scrapings, but the dog’s symptoms are similar to this disease, then treatment for this parasite will definitely be prescribed!
In addition, a surgeon may be invited to the appointment to assess the functionality of the dog’s musculoskeletal system.
Skin diseases
Owners often do not understand what to do if the dog is itchy all the time, but it does not have fleas or other parasites. The fact is that parasitosis is only one of the possible causes. The symptom may also occur due to allergies, exposure to high or low temperatures, fungal or bacterial infections, or malfunction of the exocrine glands.
Allergy
Increased sensitivity to certain irritants causes the dog to experience itching, peeling of the paw pads and redness of the interdigital area. Watery discharge appears from the eyes and nose, and swelling and rash appear on the skin. Diarrhea and excessive sweating may occur, which can be easily detected by a damp sleeping area.
Allergic reactions in four-legged pets are more severe than in humans. They get worse with age, so it is recommended to stop attacks immediately after they occur.
Irritation from cold or heat
Overheating and frostbite injure the skin, so the animal constantly licks itself. This leads to the development of acral dermatitis - compulsive licking, leading to the formation of dense ulcerations and tissue death. This disease causes severe intoxication and is difficult to treat. Heat can also cause itchy pyoderma and even cancer.
Fungus (lichen)
The most dangerous fungal infection is ringworm. It is caused by fungi of the genus Microsporum. A sick dog constantly scratches its hind legs, neck and head. As the disease progresses, the fungi spread to the back and eventually affect the entire body. Infected skin develops circular redness, dry scabs and bald areas with well-defined borders.
Bacterial infection
Skin diseases are often caused by bacterial infections. The most common causes of pathology are streptococci and staphylococci, which cause pyoderma. This disease is accompanied by the appearance of erosive and ulcerative formations, purulent papules and skin inflammation. The patient's body becomes covered with dandruff and begins to emit a pungent smell of rot. The dog itches and bites the itchy areas, becoming weak and lethargic.
The hips, anus and base of the tail are primarily affected. The affected areas become covered with a rash, and their temperature rises. When touching the inflamed areas, the pet experiences a feeling of pain. Without treatment, inflammation spreads to neighboring areas, which can lead to necrosis and sepsis.
Hyperfunction of the sebaceous glands
Hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands, or sebaceous tail, occurs due to a disruption of the secretory function. The exact cause of this pathology has not been identified, but veterinarians identify several predisposing factors:
- lack of regular skin and coat care;
- the presence of other skin diseases or allergies;
- being kept in poor conditions and having a poor diet;
- sudden decrease in immunity.
Itchy sensations appear near the anus and at the base of the tail. Blackheads, redness, lumps and dandruff appear in these places. The fur begins to stick together and fall out.
Methods for treating dogs for itching without fleas
Methods for treating itching in the absence of parasites:
- with increased sensitivity. It is necessary to normalize the dog's nutrition. The modified diet should contain the optimal amount of various vitamins and minerals that your pet needs. It is also better to exclude your pet from eating meat for a while;
- with weeping lichen. You need to use special drugs, for example, Mercurius. Such products must be used according to instructions. As secondary measures, it is necessary to apply bandages with ointments and carry out water procedures. It’s better for your pet to forget about meat and potato dishes for a while;
- for dry lichen. Changes in skin color, rashes, peeling and itching are symptoms of lichen. In this case, it is necessary to isolate the pet from other animals and begin a medicinal course of treatment. You need to bathe your dog as often as possible with a mild, soothing soap, treating wounds with linseed oil. Add no more than 10 drops of Dulcamara 3 or Phosphorus 3 to food;
- for scabies and scabs. The diseases are too contagious, and because of this, the pet must be isolated from other animals. You should carry out water procedures with special creolin soap and linseed oils, change your pet’s diet;
- if you have a food allergy. It is necessary to ensure that the pet does not consume an allergenic product, which can be detected with the help of a veterinarian.
Most often, special means are used to treat itching:
- antihistamines. They can relieve your pet of itching only in 50% of cases. The only side effect may be drowsiness, but otherwise these drugs are safe. Typically, antihistamines are used in the absence of any serious diseases. May also be used for other allergic symptoms;
- fatty, natural acids. They are an auxiliary remedy that is used for minor illnesses;
- anti-inflammatory lotions and ointments. In some cases, ordinary cool water may have a similar effect;
- colloidal oatmeal. Has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and removes toxins from the body;
- sulfur-based solutions. They are versatile and effective. Such products dissolve proteins on the skin, but the downside is an unpleasant odor and a change in the color of the dog’s coat;
- anti-parasite shampoos. Such shampoos are very versatile, have a calming effect and are usually applied for a while and then washed off;
- solutions or sprays containing gum lac. There is no need to wash off such products, as they dry themselves after spraying. It is better to use together with a sulfur solution;
- corticosteroids. Such substances are used for particularly severe forms of disease. They have properties that negatively affect the body.
In addition, folk remedies can be used. You can relieve itching at home using cold herbal infusions: calendula, echinacea, comfrey. Aloe vera juice can also come to the rescue.
You can relieve your dog of itching during shedding using a special comb.
Dog owners should never forget about the help of veterinarians, because only they can give truly accurate and practical advice. Home treatment can only harm your four-legged friend. No one can make diagnoses in absentia, so if your pet has itching, feel free to take him to the veterinary clinic.
Other reasons
The remaining causes are associated with psychological and internal disorders, as well as inflammation of the anal glands - small sacs with secretions that allow animals to distinguish each other by smell. With frequent inflammations, four-legged patients have to regularly visit the veterinarian for preventative cleaning of the glands. You can also learn this on your own.
Past stress
Constant scratching may be due to severe stress. It occurs due to experiences associated with moving, changing owners, having new family members, traveling by car, going to the veterinary clinic or grooming. If the animal’s condition returns to normal after a couple of hours or a day, then the stress is considered short-term and does not require medical intervention. In other cases, the resulting disorder is considered chronic. Without treatment it will only get worse.
Symptoms of mental disorders may include:
- mood swings;
- prolonged licking until the formation of bald patches;
- refusal to execute commands;
- excessive intrusiveness or desire for privacy;
- gnawing fur and biting the body;
- slight trembling and drooling;
- running in circles accompanied by barking or squealing;
- the emergence of interest in inedible objects;
- digging holes contrary to the owner's prohibitions.
Feeling changes in its body, the pet tries to get support and help from a person. To do this, he can spoil your favorite things and defecate directly on the floor. If your pet is well-bred, then such sudden changes are a serious reason to contact a veterinarian.
Diseases of internal organs
Itching in a dog is one of the symptoms of diabetes, endometritis, liver and kidney failure. Ultrasound and x-rays are used to identify pathologies of internal organs. These studies help determine the exact area and extent of its damage.
Inflammation of the anal glands
The anal glands are located just behind the entrance to the anus. The secretion they contain allows them to mark territory during bowel movements. When these pouches become inflamed, the dog rolls on its butt, bites its tail and licks the anus.
The cause of the inflammatory process is denser stool or clogged glands. This interferes with the natural release of secretions and leads to stagnation.
Hyperfunction of the sebaceous glands
Greasy tail in dogs
Some dogs exhibit a pathology called “greasy tail.” This pathology is more common in cats, but can also occur in dogs. Hyperfunction of the sebaceous glands, located like a rosary on the upper surface of the tail and around its base, leads to sticking of the hair, the formation of black spots on the skin, and the appearance of oily seborrhea. Itching causes the dog to chew its tail, “ride” on its butt, and causes severe discomfort. A dog's licking of affected areas can cause alopecia or serious tail injuries.
Treatment consists of treating the wool with special shampoos to regulate the function of the sebaceous glands. Until the cause of hyperfunction is determined, this is the only method.
Treating the root cause
The main goal of treatment is to eliminate the root cause. Symptomatic therapy is carried out in combination. Depending on the diagnosis, the following treatment options are offered:
- Parasitoses
. The four-legged patient is prescribed insecticidal drugs (Spregal, Anandin, Frontline) that destroy the causative agent of the disease.
- Allergy
. Allergic reactions are suppressed with antihistamines (Suprastin, Tavegil, Diphenhydramine). Food allergies are blocked with a therapeutic diet that excludes allergenic foods, or with therapeutic hypoallergenic food.
- Irritation from cold or heat
. Secondary infections are suppressed with antibiotic therapy and glucocorticosteroids. Damaged areas are restored with anti-inflammatory ointments with a healing effect.
- Fungal and bacterial infections
. Eliminated with antibiotics and antifungal drugs. An animal with lichen is isolated in a separate room to prevent infection of other family members.
- Hyperfunction of the sebaceous glands
. It is treated with antibiotic therapy and treatment of inflamed areas with antiseptics.
- Stress
. The animal is protected from irritating factors or gradually accustomed to them. The veterinarian may also recommend taking sedatives (Fitex, Stop-Stress) or collars with pheromones that reduce anxiety.
- Diseases of internal organs
. Treatment focuses on repairing the damaged organ.
- Inflammation of the anal glands
. In case of severe inflammation, the veterinarian prescribes a course of antibiotics and suppositories. In other cases, the stagnant secretion is released by manual stimulation.
If the dog itches, then bathe it more often, relieving inflammation with the help of special shampoos. For faster healing, the affected areas are lubricated with linseed oil. For the same purpose, it is recommended to use decoctions of oak bark, birch leaves, oat grains and strawberry roots.
Ectoparasites
Insects that parasitize animals include not only fleas, but also other arthropods - ticks, lice, lice.
Tick, louse, lice eater
After treating your pet for fleas, you cannot be completely sure that you managed to get rid of them. After all, flea eggs and larvae can remain on the dog’s bedding, in furniture upholstery and carpets. Therefore, you should once again examine the dog’s fur to identify eggs and adult fleas.
If the dog itches, but there are no fleas, it is worth examining the skin for the presence of other insects:
- mites: ixodid, gamas, subcutaneous (demodex), scabies, ear mites, etc.;
- lice eaters.
The Ixodid tick causes diseases such as piroplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, hemobartonillosis, and Lyme borelliosis. The secretion of the salivary glands of mites causes severe itching and scratching in dogs in the neck, ears, and head. There can be an allergic reaction to a tick and flea bite, which leads to rashes and itching. The dog itches all the time, causing damage to itself. Only a veterinarian can describe how to treat an animal for piroplasmosis.
The gamas mite parasitizes small animals (mice, rats) and birds (chickens, pigeons). The parasite can migrate to the dog's torso if there is no usual host nearby.
The subcutaneous mite is capable of parasitizing on the surface of the epidermis for a long time, feeding on horny scales. When immunity decreases, the mite penetrates deep into the skin, causing severe itching. The female lays eggs in the hair follicle, which becomes inflamed, forming a characteristic red rash. Demodicosis is most often noted on the dog's face. Itching causes scratching and red spots on the nose, around the mouth and eyes.
The scabies mite, which is called itching due to the symptom accompanying the infection, provokes scabies.
Subcutaneous mite
Interesting!
Itching occurs on a dog through prolonged contact of the skin of a healthy and sick animal. The insect is “screwed” under the skin and for this it needs at least half an hour. The animal is infected by an already fertilized female, who lays eggs in the outer layer of the skin. The emerging larvae actively move, gnawing passages, which is why the dog itches.
Ear mites parasitize the ears of cats and dogs, feeding on the secretions of the sebaceous glands and wax. Temporarily, until it gets into the ear canal, the insect can be on any part of the body, gnawing passages in the skin to get to the lymph. The affected area begins to itch very much, so the dog shakes its ears and begins to scratch them vigorously.
Any type of mite has symptoms both characteristic of a particular species and common to all, among which the main one is itching. Treatment includes local and systemic drugs. The complex is prescribed only by a veterinarian; self-medication can lead to serious consequences.
But infection with ticks, lice and fleas can be prevented by treating the dog with one of the medications in the form of spray Bars, Bolfo, Frontline, Defendog). The drops have proven themselves well.
- Frontline;
- Bars Forte;
- Barrier;
- Blokhnet;
- Advocate;
- Celandine;
- Advantix;
- Practitioner.
It is also recommended to put a collar on the animal (Kiltiks, Foresto, Celandine).
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