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Home Care for Itching or Scratching Dog

Itching, also known as scratching or the medical term pruritus, is a common problem in dogs seen in veterinary clinics. In fact, it is one of the most common reasons people take their dog to the vet.

What Is Dog Itching?

Itching is the unpleasant sensation that causes the desire to rub or scratch.

What Causes Itching in Dogs?

Itching is caused by stimulation of certain nerves within the skin by mediators of inflammation. Thus, any skin condition that causes inflammation can cause itching. The act of scratching may stimulate the release of inflammatory mediators and worsen the itching causing a vicious cycle.

Itching is a symptom that results from a variety of causes and many different diseases. Causes of itching may include:

The health impact on the animal depends on the severity of the itching. Mild itching will have a minimal impact. Severe itching, however, causes intense scratching which may lead to skin lesions that are painful and may become secondarily infected. These animals will often whimper or cry out, or may have trouble sleeping.

For a full list of possible causes – go to Causes Pruritus in Dogs. Pet owners commonly ask, “What can I do at home?”

Home Treatment or Care for Itching and/or Scratching in Dogs

Specific treatments of Itching and/or Scratching are dependent on the cause. Here is the general approach to dealing with a dog with itching:

– Administer only prescribed medications by your veterinarian.

– Bathe your dog in soothing shampoo. Shampoo therapy may be very helpful in managing pruritus. Shampoos that contain colloidal oatmeal are soothing and since these shampoos are moisturizing, they can be used frequently without drying the skin. Some oatmeal-based shampoos contain topical anesthetics or topical corticosteroids that are very safe and further help to reduce itching. A shampoo with aloe and oatmeal and sometimes control symptoms. Use lukewarm to cool water. Hot water can often irritate the skin more.

– Have your pet examined by your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.

When Is Itching in Dogs an Emergency?

If the itching cause red inflamed skin, you see fleas you can’t control, or if your pet acts lethargic, doesn’t want to eat and/or starts vomiting, then medical attention is warranted. Please see your veterinarian!

When the above therapies are not effective, corticosteroids such as prednisone may be used and is a prescription drug. This class of drugs is very effective for itching induced by some skin conditions, but is less effective with others. There are many side effects associated with corticosteroids that restrict their long-term use. Dogs are more prone to these side effects than cats, but both species can have severe side effects if they are not used carefully. Examples are increased thirst and hunger, which may lead to obesity, suppression of the immune system which may lead to infections, irritation of the stomach, and damage to the liver or adrenal glands. Short-acting, oral corticosteroids are much safer than long-acting injectables since they can be cleared from the animal’s body rapidly in the event of side effects.

Itching and scratching can be a frustrating problem for pet owners because there are so many different causes and therefore, many different treatments. Thus, it is extremely important that the pet owner stay in close communication with their veterinarian until the problem is resolved.

For more details about Itching, go to Itching and Scratching in Dogs

Related topics – go to Flea Infestation in Dogs, Allergies in Dogs, Hot Spots in Dogs, and/or Mange in Dogs.

Disclaimer: Advice given in the Home Care series of articles is not meant to replace veterinary care. When your pet has a problem, it is always best to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. But in some cases, it is not always possible to seek veterinary care. You could be traveling, it could be after hours and there are no 24-hour clinics near you, or maybe you simply can’t afford it. Whatever the reason, when your pet has a problem, you need answers. Most vets will not give you any information over the phone – they will tell you to bring your pet in for an office visit. So, when these difficult situations arise, many pet owners don’t know what to do – and they end up doing the wrong thing because they don’t have sound veterinary advice. When your pet has a problem and you can’t see your vet, the information in this series of articles can help guide you so that you will not inadvertently cause harm to your pet. However, this information is not a replacement for veterinary care.