An itchy canine is a standard
incidence within the vet clinic, however a number of issues may very well be inflicting this
discomfort. Let’s take a better take a look at the highest causes of itching and the way we
deal with it to supply your canine with some itch aid.
Reason #1: Fleas
Fleas are a sort of
parasite that may trigger extreme itchiness and it’s the commonest explanation for
continuous itching. Some canine are extra delicate to fleas than others, however all
are affected to some extent. Flea preventatives are the easiest way to guard
your pup from fleas and keep away from the necessity for canine itch aid merchandise.
Once a flea infestation
has been identified, it’s also really useful to deal with your own home and yard for
fleas to additional exterminate the flea inhabitants. Your veterinarian will
decide which flea product is greatest on your canine primarily based on its medical
historical past, life-style, and ease of administration.
Reason #2: Food allergy symptoms
Like individuals, canine may be
allergic to meals. Contrary to standard perception, most canine are allergic to the
protein supply in meals, not grain. To decide which meals ingredient(s) to
keep away from, it is suggested to carry out a meals eating regimen trial. This may be carried out in
a few methods:
- Novel protein eating regimen trial: Pet house owners compile a listing of all meals merchandise their pet has ever acquired to the very best of their information, and feed a protein their pet has by no means acquired. Usually, pet dad and mom will use unusual protein diets like rabbit, bison, or whitefish. Thankfully, there are non-prescription diets, like Freshpet’s Vital Salmon & Ocean Whitefish recipe, which might be available.
- Hypoallergenic
eating regimen trial: A hypoallergenic
meals eating regimen trial requires a pet to obtain a prescription hypoallergenic eating regimen.
In each situations, pets can solely obtain the diets accepted for the meals trial,
together with treats, for about 4-12 weeks.
Want to be taught extra about our novel protein choices? Take a take a look at our best chicken-free dog food recipes.
Reason #3: Environmental allergy symptoms
Dogs may also be
affected by environmental allergens. This contains each seasonal and
non-seasonal allergens. If you think that your canine’s itching is brought on by
allergy symptoms, there are checks that assist decide what particular allergens your canine
is allergic to in addition to the severity of their allergy. Ideally, these checks
are carried out by a veterinary dermatologist so your veterinarian might refer you
to a different clinic if there isn’t one out there on the follow.
To assist present your canine
with some itch aid, there are drugs which might be very efficient in
minimizing the signs of those allergy symptoms and are designed for long-term use.
Reason #4: Mange
In addition to fleas,
there are different parasites, specifically mites, that trigger itchiness in canine and lead
to a bunch of secondary points together with:
- Bacterial pores and skin infections
This leads to a standard
illness often called mange. To diagnose mange, your canine will endure a pores and skin scrape
check which may be carried out at most veterinary clinics. Thankfully, there are
drugs that deal with mites and supply your canine with itch aid.
Reason #5: Toxin publicity
There are toxins that
could cause itching and irritation to your canine’s pores and skin. It may be brought on by:
- Common family cleansing merchandise
- Plants, reminiscent of poison ivy
- Heavily scented merchandise, reminiscent of candles or air
fresheners
Usually, contact
allergy symptoms resolve when the supply of publicity is faraway from the pet’s
atmosphere. Medications could also be indicated to heal any pores and skin lesions or present
your canine with itch aid, however usually are usually not wanted long run.
In addition to those 5 causes, some canine simply naturally have extra delicate pores and skin that’s liable to itchiness. If your canine falls into this class, it may be a good suggestion to change them to a eating regimen that’s designed particularly for delicate pores and skin, reminiscent of Freshpet® Select Sensitive Stomach & Skin recipe.
In basic, selecting a
eating regimen that features recent animal proteins will present your canine with extra fatty
acids, which is able to in flip hold their coats wholesome and assist forestall dry pores and skin!