Why Does My Dog Scratch So Much

First off go on a flea hunt.

Why does my dog scratch so much. Her fur seems dry and a bit dandruffy and she also seems to be shedding more than usual. Skin infections irritation parasites fleas or even boredom. If there s an orange halo around each speck this is flea dirt. Reasons why a puppy is itchy.

Look for those tell tale flecks of dark dust in the coat. Some causes of itchy skin include. Dogs itch and scratch all the time but when scratching becomes excessive it might be time to seek help. At a cellular level inside the body histamine release is the main reason why a puppy itches but sometimes simply the annoyance of a reoccurring insect bite can also cause a puppy to scratch itself.

Here are a few of the more typical reasons for itching and scratching in dogs and how to best help treat and prevent it from occurring in the future. If you can identify the cause of the itching such as insects or spiders remove it. Richter however if you notice your dog is doing it so frequently that it interrupts their playing or mealtime this may be considered excessive and be a cause for concern. If you notice your dog scratching on a regular basis it s natural to wonder why it s happening.

By patrick mahaney vmd. Itching and scratching is a common issue among dogs. Itching is never fun. There are many reasons as to why your dog might be scratching so much some simple some not so much.

Reasons why dogs compulsively scratch lick or chew. Recently my dog s nighttime scratching is keeping both of us awake. The first thing you should do when you notice your dog scratching excessively is check their fur for fleas. Fleas will leave behind small specks of black feces that look almost like pepper and will catch on a flea comb if you don t already have a high quality flea comb stop reading this and get one right now.

Dogs scratch lick or chew for a wide variety of reasons ranging from allergies to boredom to parasite infestation. Check the dog s skin especially in the itchiest areas. When there is some sort of irritation to the skin the urge to itch or scratch soon follows. However that doesn t make it any easier to witness your dog suffer.

Just like humans it s normal for all dogs to scratch themselves whether it s to relieve an itch or because it simply feels good says dr. Capture some on a piece of damp cotton wool. Dogs itch for many different reasons and sometimes for no reason and it s not uncommon for the scratching to seem worse at night when the house is quiet. Why does my dog scratch so much.

It can cause skin irritation dry skin and it can even end up being painful for your dog. When dog scratching gets out of hand it is often the result of allergies to food or environmental triggers including. Why is my dog scratching himself.