How Do I Get My Dog to Stop Scratching?

There are many possible reasons why your dog won’t stop scratching.

You obviously want to absolve your furry friend of their discomfort and put an end to their misery. To do that, you need to first understand the reasons for scratching so you can take the necessary steps.

Let’s go ahead and explore them so you know your next step…

Reasons Why Your Dog Won’t Stop Scratching

Parasites

We’re assuming the first thing you’d think when finding your dog is scratching too much is to associate it with fleas, ticks, or mites.

And it’s for a good reason: if parasites are not the reason behind your dog’s annoying itch, you’d have at least ruled it out first.

In addition, it can also be a condition that is caused by a parasite, such as mange.

Mange is a skin condition caused by mites that results in itching and scratches. You’ll know it’s what’s bothering your pooch if you notice a loss of hair and red and inflamed scaly, scabby skin.

Allergies

If you or your vet couldn’t find tiny, annoying skitters on your dog, it’s possible an allergy might be the cause for the scratch.

• Food Allergies

  
  Have you switched up your pup’s diet recently? That or a sudden intolerance to something you’re already feeding your dog might be flaring up some food allergies that could be causing his itch.

  You might be able to tell it’s a food allergy if you find inflamed skin patches around his ears, paws, rear end, or stomach, and also notice vomiting and diarrhea (though itchy skin is the most common symptom for that type of allergy).

• Environmental Allergies

  
  It can also be an environmental allergy – these four-legged creatures aren’t so different from us after all!

  Just like how some of us could be affected by a change in season, pollen, or even dust mites, your dog could be too.

• Flea Allergy Dermatitis

  
  And much similar to the mange we’ve discussed above, dogs could also get an allergic reaction to flea saliva – even if your dog doesn’t have fleas.

  Flea allergy dermatitis can be seen through excessive grooming, an unusual odor, or raised bumps on your dog.

Infections

• Yeast Infection

  
  Yeast infections don’t just happen to us – your dog can be a victim to it too!

  This type of infection happens because of fungi overgrowth on your dog’s skin and could very much be why he is scratching too much.

  Fungi or bacteria overgrowth are products of living in hot and humid weather. If this is you, consider the use of probiotics to ensure your pup is growing bacteria that’s good for him!

  Don’t be fooled if you can’t see the infection – it could be well hidden in his ears.

• Ear Infection

  
  A dog ear infection can also drive your pooch to scratch profusely, but this can be distinguished by scratching and rubbing mostly around the ears as well as shaking the head. Coconut oil is usually a good remedy for ear infections.

Other Causes

Dry skin and poor hygiene are also other reasons your dog could be trying to satisfy his itch, for obvious reasons.

But have you considered it could be an anal gland issue?

If the source of the scratch is particularly on the rear end, your dog could be having trouble expressing his anal glands.

Your dog could also be bored or anxious.

Just like how we might bite our nails when we’re anxious, dogs’ anxieties can also manifest themselves in the form of physical responses. Scratching is one example!

Home Remedies

Thankfully, there are many at-home remedies you can try to relieve your dog of his itch.

For example, if your dog’s diet comprises fully of dry food, you can add some moisture to it. More often than not, dry food is the cause of dry skin for your dog.

You can also try using CBD oil.

And a good thing to do, as easy as it is to forget, is to give your dog a warm bath. Although possibly temporary, it can definitely help alleviate your dog’s itch depending on what’s causing it.

But always remember, whatever at-home remedies you try, always remember to get your vet’s blessing!

Conclusion

By now, you know some different causes for your dog’s scratching.

It’s sometimes easy to forget that a dog’s itch could be as uncomfortable for them as a human itch could be for us. Remember, if you’re in doubt, speak to your vet.

We hope this article has helped you understand what you can do to help your pup stop scratching!