Common Causes Of Dog Scratching

By Moses Wright

Dog scratching is one of the most common causes for veterinary examinations according to many veterinary resources. The causes of dog scratching can be parasites or a skin condition.

One of the most noticeable causes of dog scratching is fleas. Dog owners may see the fleas, see the flea dirt, or even get bitten by fleas themselves.

Hair loss and skin sores from scratching can develop from severe flea infestations. If a dog is allergic to flea saliva, the hair loss and damage to the skin from scratching can be significantly worse.

In addition to flea saliva allergies, other types of dog allergies can cause dog scratching. Dogs can develop allergies to dog food, medication, vaccinations, or 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.

Mange is a parasitic infection from mites that can cause intense itchiness. Tick bites and infestations of hookworms or lice can be causes of dog scratching.

Hot spots are common skin irritations that can cause scratching, licking, and hair loss. Hot spots occur when an irritation to the skin causes an intense reaction that often lasts longer than the initial cause. Hot spots can be due to poor grooming, an allergic reaction, or an infection.

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.

Some less common causes of itchiness in dogs includes pelodera dermatitis and calcinosis cutis. Pelodera dermatitis is an infection of larvae from a typically non-parasitic worm. Calcinosis cutis, often due to Cushing's disease, causes mineralization of the skin which can cause intense itchiness.

Some types of cancer can cause itchiness in dogs. Lymphoma and epitheliotropic lymphoma are two types of cancer that can be causes of dog scratching.

Stings or bites from insects can cause dog scratching. Severe reactions to insect stings can cause hives or ulcers. Dog owners should have dogs examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause and best treatment for dog itchiness. - 29953

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