Itching and Scratching and Flakes, Oh My!

Anyone who has ever shared their life with a pet with skin issues knows the frustration of standing by while your dog is itching and scratching. The challenge is not only fixing the problem but trying to figure out just what is actually causing the “itchy” skin. Feet licking, scratching at the ears, and biting/licking skin are just symptoms of the larger problem. Continue reading for causes of itchy skin in dogs and tips for what you can do to help.

K9Power Show Stopper

Itchy Skin and Allergies

When it comes to a dog itching and scratching, allergies are a very common problem. Our pets can be allergic to everything from foods to fleas to their environment. In fact, many common household products can trigger allergies in some pets. Often times, “fixing” these issues requires a multi-prong approach. Some dogs may find relief through oral antihistamines, while others may need more help to win the allergy “wars.”

It’s important to realize that most allergy issues cannot be completely fixed topically. Many dogs can benefit greatly from simply adding the right supplement to their diet. Quality supplements such as the K9Power Show Stopper and TheraCoat are two such supplements. They contain essential fatty acids and other ingredients that help improve your dogs’ condition from the inside out. I have used both of these awesome products and often refer to them as a “miracle in a canister!”

Itchy Skin and Bathing

Jeffers Vanilla Walnut Conditioning Shampoo

A common misconception among owners of “itchy” dogs is that more bathing will help the condition. Often times, over-bathing simply makes the itching and scratching worse.

However, when a bath is needed, Davis MicoHexidine Medicated Shampoo is a great choice because it addresses infections, greasiness, hair loss, and scaly skin. Also, Davis KetoHexidine Shampoo contains colloidal oatmeal, which will help soothe and moisturize irritated skin.

For a little “freshening” between baths, One Shot Dry Clean Spray is a wonderful option. Dogs suffering from seborrhea dermatitis, non-specific dermatoses, and bacteria will benefit from Davis Sulfur Benz Shampoo because it aids with the shedding of skin cells which allows new skin to grow. Jeffers Vanilla Walnut Conditioning Shampoo conditions the skin and coat and remoisturizes dry coats.

The vanilla extract acts as a desensitizer for allergy-prone pets. Use Davis Oatmeal Leave-On Conditioner for immediate and long-lasting relief. It contains 2% Colloidal Oatmeal, which will help reduce redness and dryness and will continue to soothe long after the coat is dry.

For more infomation on how to choose the best anti-itch dog shampoo, check out Jeffers' blog Choosing The Best Anit-Itch Dog Shampoo.

Other Causes of Itching and Scratching in Dogs

Hot spots, flea allergy dermatitis, and pollen allergies are just a few “triggers” that can have your dog itching, licking, chewing, and biting their skin. Medicated Hot Spot Spray with Lidocaine will give topical relief at the site of the itching and will help reduce swelling associated with skin irritation.

Jeffers Itch Halt spray contains Clove Oil and Eucalyptus Oil which act as natural anesthetics which will help break the itching/scratching cycle, giving your dog much-needed relief while not leaving a greasy or sticky coat. M.E.D. Topical Skin Spray is a fabulous product. It's a non-stinging spray that's applied directly where it’s needed to help provide relief on contact.

Silver Biotics Pet Vet Antibacterial First Aid Gel is helpful for hot spots, lacerations, abrasions, and skin irritations. It contains silver which may help inhibit the growth of microorganisms while promoting healing. Davis 4% Chlorhexidine Spray is a convenient and non-stinging spray that can be applied directly where it’s needed to help provide relief in localized areas.

All of these products can be used as needed, alone, or with other products for additional relief.

Capstar Oral Flea Treatment for Dogs

Hot spots and most skin disorders will respond to Pierce’s All-Purpose Nu-Stock, which provides fast and effective relief to your pet. HomeoPet Healing Cream is a non-steroidal, anti-infective cream that can promote rapid healing in wounds, cuts, bites & burns.

Itchy Skin and Fleas

Flea allergy dermatitis is very often the cause of tremendous discomfort for your pet. For dogs that are highly allergic, one flea bite can cause a fairly severe reaction. Prevention is the best cure because once an infestation starts, it can be very difficult to get under control. Capstar Oral Flea Treatment is a very effective “quick kill” that begins working within 30 minutes. Using Capstar, then applying a topical flea treatment such as Advantage II will ensure that any fleas already on your pet will be killed while giving the topical treatment time to work into your pet’s skin.

Renee Jones-Lewis is a certified professional dog trainer, having received instruction from canine behaviorist Dr. Pamela Reid, plus nationally acclaimed trainers: Patricia McConnell, Pia Silvani, and Jean Donaldson, to name a few. She serves as a Pet Marketing and Canine Specialist for JeffersPet and JeffersPet.com. Have questions about how to help your dog with itching and scratching? Questions about this article, training in general or non-emergent health concerns are welcome. Renee can be reached most days from 9am – 5pm Central Time (Mon-Fri) at 1-800-JEFFERS (533-3377) ext 381 or by email at rsjones@jefferspet.com.