Why Is My Dog Itchy?
There are a number of different reasons your dog may be itchy, including allergies, contact allergies, food allergies, and even certain rashes or skin disorders. The best thing to do is to visit your veterinarian and get a proper diagnosis. Your vet can prescribe a treatment plan based on what’s causing your dog’s itchy skin. If your dog is constantly scratching and licking itself, it may be a sign of flea infestation.
Fleas live off of other animals and are often only noticed when their populations are large enough to infest your house. This is why you should regularly check your dog to make sure he’s not infected with fleas. Fleas live in warm, moist areas of your dog, including around the back legs, tail, and stomach. Fleas shed their feces, which look like black pepper, on your dog’s skin.
Aside from fleas, your dog can also have other problems, including yeast and bacterial infections. Although yeast and bacterial infections can affect any dog, dogs with allergies are more likely to develop a yeast infection. Some dogs may also suffer from hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease.
While there are many reasons your dog may be itchy, there are also several common reasons your dog is scratching excessively. Some cases can be easily treated while others require veterinary attention.