Causes Of Dog Scratching
Several veterinary resources state that dog scratching is one of the most common reasons for veterinary visits. Several parasite infestations and skin conditions are causes of dog scratching.
Fleas are one of the most noticeable causes of dog scratching. The dog owner may be alerted to the presence of fleas by seeing the fleas or flea dirt on the dog or flea bites on people in the household.
A flea infestation on a dog and the dog scratching can get so severe that the dog may have hair loss and sores on the skin. Many times this is due to an allergic reaction to flea saliva.
Flea allergies are not the only type of allergies that can cause dog scratching. Dogs can have allergies to medication, dog food, vaccinations, and substances in their environments.
The cause of a dog scratching its ears is often ear mites. A dog with ear mites may also shake its head.
Intense dog scratching can be caused by a parasitic infection like mange which is due to mites. Other parasites, such as lice, ticks, and hookworms, can be causes of itchiness.
Hot spots are a common cause of dog itchiness. Hot spots are often triggered by an allergic reaction, infection, or poor grooming. In addition to itchiness, hot spots can cause hair loss and severe skin irritation.
Itchiness in dogs can be caused by infection of hair follicles by staph or hypersensitivity to staph. Sebaceous adenitis is a skin condition that causes destruction of the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous adenitis causes dog scratching and hair loss.
Pelodera dermatitis and calcinosis cutis are two less common conditions that can cause dog scratching. Pelodera dermatitis is an infestation of a worm larvae that is not normally parasitic. Calcinosis cutis is a condition commonly seen in dogs with Cushing’s disease that causes the mineralization of the skin.
Cancer is one of the possible causes of dog scratching. Lymphoma and epitheliotropic lymphoma can cause itchiness in dogs.
As in humans, mosquito bites and insect stings can cause itchiness. Bee and wasp stings can cause hives and ulcers. Itchiness is an uncomfortable symptom of many veterinary conditions. Dogs that are scratching frequently should be examined by a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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