Itching in dogs: causes and treatment options

introduction

Pruritus, or itching, is a common problem in dogs and can have a variety of causes. In this article, we'll review the most common causes of pruritus in dogs and how to diagnose and treat them.

A persistent itch can be very uncomfortable for our four-legged friend and requires a thorough examination and solution.

A deeper understanding of scratching

How often and why does a dog scratch itself? Scratching, biting and rubbing are natural dog behaviors for personal hygiene or to relieve social stress. However, if the scratching becomes so intense that the dog develops bald or even bloody patches, it is imperative to see a veterinarian.

To understand whether the itch is real, observe when and where your dog scratches. If he only scratches when he's resting and stops when he's distracted, it could be actual itching. However, if the scratching starts suddenly when you ask him to do something or when other dogs are around, it could be a stress reaction.

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Common Causes of Itching in Dogs

Itching in dogs is a symptom that can have numerous causes. Some of the most common reasons for itching in dogs include:

1. Fleas
2. Mites, such as autumn grass mites, mange mites, hair follicle mites or ear mites
3. Insect bites
4. fungal infections
5. Ear infections
6. Dry, flaky or inflamed skin due to other skin conditions
7. Overfilled or inflamed anal glands
8. Allergies to environmental allergens such as dust mites
9. Food allergies
10. Flea saliva allergy
11. Contact allergies

You should have the exact cause of the itching determined by an experienced veterinarian. This person can examine the affected areas of skin and carry out allergy tests to determine the cause of the itching.

Common causes of pruritus/itching in dogs in detail

Allergies

Allergies are one of the most common causes of itching in dogs. This includes:

• Food allergies : These occur when the dog has an allergic reaction to a certain ingredient in the food. Symptoms can include itching, skin changes, and gastrointestinal problems.
• Environmental allergies : These are allergic reactions to environmental factors such as pollen, mold or dust mites. Symptoms are similar to those of a food allergy and can include itching, skin changes and breathing problems.
• Flea Saliva Allergy : Some dogs are allergic to the saliva of fleas, causing severe itching and skin changes.

Parasites

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites and lice can also cause itching in dogs. Examples of parasitic skin diseases include:

• Sarcoptic mange : Caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, causes severe itching and skin changes, especially on the elbows and tarsi.
• Demodicosis : Caused by the Demodex canis mite, can cause itching and skin changes, especially if a secondary bacterial infection is present.

Infections

Skin infections caused by bacteria or yeast can also cause itching and skin changes. Examples are:

• Bacterial pyoderma : A bacterial infection of the skin that causes pustules, crusts, and itching.
• Malassezia dermatitis : A yeast infection of the skin that causes itching, redness, and scaling.

Diagnosis of pruritus/itching in dogs

Diagnosing pruritus in dogs requires a thorough history and examination of skin lesions. This may include:

• Cytology studies : A microscopic examination of skin samples to identify bacteria, yeast, or inflammatory cells.
• Skin scraping : An examination of skin samples to identify parasites such as mites.
• Allergy testing : Skin or blood tests to determine allergies to certain substances.

Relief from itching in dogs

There are several options available to relieve itching, including:

• Local treatment of the skin with supporting skin care products (shampoo, lotion, spot-on).
• Support skin healing through nutritional supplements, such as anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids or immune-modulating additives such as colostrum.
• Systemic treatment with medications prescribed by the veterinarian (e.g. cortisone).
• Local treatment of the skin with medications prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Ignoring the scratching.

Appropriate skin care and optimal nutrition can also improve skin condition and relieve itching.

The distinction between normal and pathological scratching

Every dog ​​scratches from time to time, and this is part of normal grooming or is used to relieve social stress. However, if the dog goes so far in scratching and nibbling that it develops bald or even bloody patches, this is a reason to see a veterinarian.

Treatment of chronic pruritus/itching in dogs

In the context of itching or pruritus in dogs, there are various treatment methods to consider. Here are three common approaches:

1. Local therapy for itching in dogs:

This treatment usually involves the application of creams, ointments or shampoos aimed at relieving itching and treating any skin infections. For example, a veterinarian may recommend a medicated shampoo that contains ingredients such as chlorhexidine (to fight bacteria), ketoconazole (to fight fungi), or oatmeal (to soothe the skin). Creams and ointments may contain topical steroids, antihistamines, or local anesthetics to relieve itching.

2. Systemic therapy for itching in dogs:

This treatment may include oral medications or injectable medications that work at a systemic level to combat the itching. These may include steroids, antihistamines, or immune-modulating medications such as cyclosporine or Apoquel. In some cases, antibiotic or antifungal therapy may also be necessary to treat secondary skin infections.

3. Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT) of Itching in Dogs:

This approach is chosen when the itching occurs due to an allergic reaction. After the specific allergen (or group of allergens) is identified, the dog is given a series of injections containing small amounts of the allergen. The goal is to desensitize the dog's immune system and reduce its response to the allergen. This process can take several months and requires careful monitoring and adjustments by the veterinarian.

It is important to emphasize that the choice of treatment method depends on the underlying cause of itching, the dog's health status and other factors. Therefore, the decision should always be made in consultation with a qualified veterinarian.

Treatment for pruritus in dogs depends on the cause. While parasites and infections are relatively easy to diagnose and treat, environmental allergy causes require more in-depth research:

Diagnosis of environmental allergies for itching in dogs

Diagnosing environmental allergy requires a careful and systematic approach. A close examination of the animal's skin and surrounding area can provide helpful information. Allergy tests such as intradermal tests or serological tests can also help determine the exact cause of the allergy. It is important to note that these tests are not always reliable and can sometimes produce false positive or false negative results. Therefore, the diagnosis of environmental allergy should always be made in combination with the history, clinical symptoms and response to therapy.

Treatment of environmental allergies

Treatment for environmental allergies in dogs aims to reduce the allergic reaction and relieve symptoms. This may include the following measures:

1. Allergen avoidance : If the cause of the allergy is known, contact with the allergen should be avoided as much as possible. This can be accomplished through regular vacuuming, cleaning dog beds, and avoiding certain plants or chemicals.
2. Drug therapy : Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immune-modulating medications such as cyclosporine or oclacitinib may be used to relieve itching and inflammation. The dosage and duration of treatment should be individualized and monitored by a veterinarian.
3. Topical therapy : Medicated shampoos, creams, or sprays can help relieve itching and inflammation on the skin. Regular use of moisturizers can also help strengthen the skin barrier and prevent future allergic reactions.
4. Hyposensitization : Hyposensitization therapy (also known as allergy vaccination) may be helpful in some dogs. The dog's immune system slowly gets used to the allergen in order to reduce the allergic reaction. This therapy can be lengthy and requires patience and commitment from owners.
5. Supportive measures : A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction can improve the dog's overall well-being and help relieve environmental allergy symptoms.

Conclusion on itching in dogs

Pruritus/itching in dogs can be caused by a variety of causes including environmental allergies, food allergies, parasitic infections, and bacterial or fungal skin infections. A careful history, clinical examination, and targeted diagnostic testing are necessary to identify underlying causes and initiate appropriate treatment. Successful treatment of environmental allergies in dogs often requires a multimodal approach that includes allergen avoidance, drug therapy, topical therapy, hyposensitization, and supportive measures.

Collaboration between veterinarians , pet owners and, where appropriate, animal dermatology specialists is crucial to ensuring optimal care for dogs with environmental allergies. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the animal's quality of life and reduce the risk of secondary infections or chronic skin problems.

Research into environmental allergies in dogs remains an important topic in veterinary medicine, as new insights into the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of these diseases can help improve the well-being of affected animals. Future studies could focus on identifying risk factors for the development of environmental allergies, exploring new diagnostic methods and evaluating innovative therapeutic approaches.

Improved knowledge of the mechanisms that trigger environmental allergies in dogs, as well as a better understanding of the factors that influence treatment response, can help develop tailored therapeutic plans for affected animals and ensure effective prevention and control of environmental allergies in the dog population make possible.

Further sources on the topic

1. Olivry, T., Mueller, RS, & Prélaud, P. (2015). Criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of dogs with atopic dermatitis. Veterinary Dermatology , 26(1), 1-e2.
2. Nuttall, T., Uri, M., & Halliwell, R. (2013). Pruritus in dogs: a literature review. Veterinarian Dermatology , 24(1), 75-e22.
3. Hensel, P. (2017). Parasitic itching in dogs and cats: an overview of current therapeutic approaches. Small Animal Practice , 62(5), 268-281.
4. Marsella, R., De Benedetto, A. (2017). Atopic dermatitis in animals and humans: An update and comparison of the disease. The Veterinary Journal , 221, 9-18.
5. Noli, C., & Scarampella, F. (2014). Skin diseases in dogs and cats: from diagnosis to therapy. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice , 44(3), 507-524.

Please note that all information from the above sources is current at the time of writing. It is recommended to always consult the latest research and consult a veterinarian or animal health professional if necessary.