Itching in dogs can have different causes and mechanisms. The most common causes of itching are allergic, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal. Almost every skin infection can have itching as a symptom.
Parasitic infestation should be identified and eliminated. Bacterial infection and fungal infection should be managed along with concurrent anti-itch medications. A thorough history should be taken. There are various topical and systemic medications available to control itching in dogs.
Topical Anti-itch medicines for dogs
Shampoos and conditioners are given to control itching in dogs. Their action may depend upon
Removal of causative agents such as bacteria
local anaesthetic effect cooling or moisturizing effect of the drug
Itching and scratching is a common issues among dogs. 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.
Fleas, Ticks
Flea saliva is very allergenic, so a single flea can cause flea allergy dermatitis that makes your dog itchy at the bite site (often around the head, neck, tail base,..). Minimize your dog’s exposure by limiting his access to locations where a heavy burden of fleas may exist — wooded areas, dog parks, daycare, kennels, etc.
Discuss with your veterinarian if using a preventative for both ticks and fleas is ideal for your dog.
Mange
Mites like mange are microscopic insects that burrow deep into the layers of the skin to feed and live. Chewing their way through your dog’s skin creates inflammation and leads to secondary infections (bacteria, yeast, etc.). Skin-lesions from mange can manifest all over the body, but the armpits, groin, ear margins, and areas having minimal hair (elbows, etc.) are most commonly affected.
Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies, which mainly manifests with itchy skin in dogs, tend to be most prevalent during spring, summer, and fall
Nutritional Allergies
While dogs most frequently suffer from allergies due to environmental triggers, allergic reactions to food is possible. Some dogs may be allergic to certain proteins and/or grains. This allergic reaction may exhibit in a number of ways, including skin inflammation and itching.
. As each pet’s needs differ, consult your veterinarian to determine which type of preventative is most appropriate
Dogs always itchy
It wasn’t long after I had left a comment on my share of this Question, I realized my dogs had a worm problem. I dewormed Jolly and Bubu only a few months ago. Normally, this annual deworming would be enough as we don’t expose the dogs to fields, parks, etc. A year ago, we moved to a place with a compound/garden and the dogs would dig holes, eat soil, and get exposed to microbes in the soil. After the maximum deworm dosage over 3 days, Jolly expelled Pin worms.
Now I know my dogs need deworming every 3 months due to more soil exposure. After 2 weeks of the deworming, today, I follow up with another dose to kill the new worms that hatch from the eggs the last dose could not kill. These anti worm meds don’t kill the eggs, only the worms. I wonder why the stomach acid that is said to be able to dissolve metal can’t destroy worms or eggs? Anyway, this (update) is to share my recent research yielded that worms in dogs can be the cause of itching, inflammation, scratching, skin infections, loss of appetite, and fatigue.