Surprising it might sound, but the second most common problem to hit the vet’s door is your dog’s itchy skin. It is a nightmare for a pet to get infected with itching, and it is equally terrifying for the pet owner to face this nightmare. Face the fact, and learn how to combat the situation.
Compulsive scratching, licking, and chewing are among the most common behaviours in dogs. These behaviours have several symptoms and varieties. A visit to your vet would confirm the condition as an allergy or other skin disease. And the most commonly prescribed medicine is Atopica for dogs which is used to treat dogs who suffer from allergic dermatitis—a skin reaction caused by contact with an allergen.
Compulsive scratching, licking, and chewing are among the most common behaviours in dogs. These behaviours have several symptoms and varieties. A visit to your vet would confirm the condition as an allergy or other skin disease. And the most commonly prescribed medicine is Atopica for dogs which is used to treat dogs who suffer from allergic dermatitis—a skin reaction caused by contact with an allergen.
What causes itching in dogs?
It is common to see compulsive scratching, licking, and chewing behaviours in dogs which is nothing but extremely harmful to say the least. Dogs are often found scratching, licking, or chewing for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from allergies to parasite infestation to even because they are bored!
a. Allergies: When you find your dog scratching uncontrollably, it is often the result of allergies to food or environmental triggers, which include mold and pollen. Dogs may also develop a skin irritation called allergic dermatitis when they encounter substances like pesticides or soap.
b. Anxiety or boredom: Humans are often found to bite their nails or play with their hair when bored or anxious. Dogs have the similar habit and their physical responses to psychological upset often results in scratching. In fact, some dogs do develop a condition akin to human OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) which result in scratching, licking, or chewing behaviors that can cause severe damage.
c. Dry skin: There are several factors that might lead to itching, including winter weather and fatty acid deficiencies. And the reason might be dry skin in dogs which, your pet, might respond by scratching or licking at her skin or fur.
d. Hormonal imbalances: Skin infections might also occur if your dog’s body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone or putting out too much of the hormone cortisol. Under such condition, you may notice bald spots on your pet’s fur where he might scratch or lick leading to possibilities of skin allergies.
e. Pain: When trying to figure out the exact reason of compulsive licking, it is advisable to be sure of considering the possibilities of something that is making him totally uncomfortable. It can be a thorn or sharp stone stuck in his foot pad too which he is probably trying to soothe himself of. Compulsive chewing or licking can also result from orthopedic problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia.
f. Parasites: Another common cause for compulsive dog licking, chewing, or scratching behaviors are fleas, ticks, and mites. Whereas ticks are visible to the naked eyes, fleas and mites are often unnoticed until there is a large infestation.
The hotspot of itching and redness
When you find your dog constantly itching, one of the first signs your dog has a problem is denoted by the development of a “hot spot” which is a red, wet, and irritated area arising from persistent chewing, licking, scratching or rubbing. These hot spots can be anywhere in the dog’s body, but are most often found on the head, chest, or hips. Due to incessant scratching, licking, or biting at a single place, it eventually becomes irritated, enlarges, and becomes incredibly sore rather quickly.
How is Atopica effective?
All the above causes of itching are equally uncomfortable for your pet. Though, you really can’t do anything when he is bored or anxious other than keeping him distracted, the other five situations can be treated by treating the root cause, which, mostly is allergy.
Allergic Dermatitis is common in canines with allergies. The condition causes the skin to become uncomfortably itchy, scaly, and red with visible inflammation. Atopica for dogs works by targeting the root of the problem thereby relieving itching in your furchild. The pet, when treated, doesn’t feel the urge to incessantly scratch, rub or lick.
You can order Atopica from any trusted online animal pharmacy, and PetRx2Go is a reliable source to get in touch with. Visit their website https://www.petrx2go.com to place your order. You can also call up at 1-800-798-2165 for more details.
