Is your dog itching and scratching frequently?

Does he seem uncomfortable or restless? Dogs can be itchy for many different reasons, and as a dog owner, it is essential to understand the root causes. We love our animals and want to make sure that they are comfortable, healthy, and thriving, including calm skin.

Hot Spots

One of the most common reasons for itching is “hot spots” or red, irritated areas that occur when your dog has rubbed, scratched, or irritated that area excessively. Certain dog breeds are more prone to hot spots than others,  such as golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, german shepherds, and rottweilers. These dogs have thick coats that trap moisture, making them predisposed to hot spots. Swimming and humid weather make hot spots more likely to develop during the summer when moisture is constantly trapped in their coats. Some treatments of hot spots include routine grooming, a cone to prevent scratching and licking the area, antibiotics, or creams. Shaving the fur around a hot spot can help significantly with healing and make sure the area doesn’t remain wet and irritated. 

Hot spots can also occur if your dog is licking one spot excessively, which could be due to boredom. If your pet seems bored, they may need more exercise, or even a puzzle toy can help keep them mentally stimulated. Licking can also be a sign of nerves or stress because, just like humans, dogs can experience many different types of stress. Some of the most common things that can stress your pup are loud noises, new environments, or being left alone for long periods of time.  Dogs are very social creatures, and loneliness and lack of mental and physical stimulation take their toll on animals.  Licking can be a helpful indication to change your routine or to look closely at how much stimulation your dog is getting. Consulting with your veterinarian is a good idea if excessive licking continues even when your dog is properly socialized and exercised.

Allergies

Dogs can also experience allergies from various allergens or foods. Environmental allergens such as mold, dust, grass, or pollen can cause your dog to start itching. Many cases of environmental allergens are seasonal, and they will typically impact your dog’s nose or ears more than other parts of their body. Symptoms of food allergies other than increased itching include vomiting or other stomach issues, facial swelling, and chronic ear infections.

If you believe that your dog may be reacting to their food, consult your veterinarian, who will be able to provide ideas for alternative food. Finally, they may be having an allergic reaction to a chemical or pesticide that they have come across, so make sure to use a hypoallergenic shampoo and regularly groom your dog to help them keep their coats clean and allergen-free.  Small dogs are often predisposed to itching and skin issues.  Hair loss or patchy spots on your dog’s coat can also be an indicator of skin issues or allergies.  

Licking may also be a sign of soreness, especially in older dogs who are more likely to struggle with joint stiffness. A dog may bite or lick an area of their body that is causing them discomfort, and as a dog owner, it is important to be aware of the signs of discomfort in our animals

Parasites

One of the most common reasons for dogs to be itchy is fleas, ticks, or mites. Your vet can recommend the best way to get rid of these parasites on your dog, but make sure to clean your dog’s bed and vacuum the carpets and furniture in your house after treatment to avoid a re-infestation. Some dogs are specifically allergic to flea saliva, so if they are itching more than usual and are red or have hair loss around the base of the tail, that could be a sign of a flea allergy.

Even one flea bite can cause a reaction in their whole body, so being vigilant and using a flea prevention product can help tremendously.  Mites or Mange are very serious and require veterinary attention to diagnose and resolve and can’t be treated at home.  

Dogs can also experience dry skin, especially if you live in a place with low humidity. This may look similar to dandruff on humans and can constantly cause your dog to itch and scratch. Dry skin can be caused by environmental factors or commercial food, which often does not have the oils that contribute to healthy skin and coat. High-quality dog food is well worth it to make sure your dog’s coat stays shiny and healthy with calm skin. Over shampooing or grooming can cause dry skin, as dogs do not require the same frequency of bathing as humans.

If the itching doesn’t get better or stop with any of these solutions, please reach out to your veterinarian.  The ElleVet team is also always there to help answer any questions you may have about your dog’s overall wellbeing and how we can help with itchy skin.  

How can ElleVet help your dog? 

ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA is proven effective in providing dogs support for itchy skin. We conducted a groundbreaking study in 2020 investigating the efficacy of our CBD + CBDA oil on dogs with pruritis, or itching. Results found that 65% of dogs enrolled in the study, who had not previously responded to other commonly used products, had a significant improvement in skin itchiness after using ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA, and many dogs stopped itching completely.   If you are noticing excessive itching, ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA products can address this irritation and discomfort and offer skin health support, which is important for maintaining a good quality of life. 

Stress in any form is not good for you or your pet. If you suspect that stress is leading to issues with excessive licking, ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA chews, soft gels, and oils can help put your dog’s mind at ease. In addressing your dog’s itchy skin, short- and or long-term stress, ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA can lead to improved overall well-being.  

As always, consult your veterinarian about any issues your dog is experiencing. For any questions about ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA products or how CBD can help your canine friend live their best life, give us a call (844-673-7287) or send us an email ([email protected]). We are here to help. 

The ElleVet Team
844-673-7287
[email protected]​