Is your dog itchy but doesn’t have fleas? Well, there could be several different reasons why your furry friend is itching like crazy. Here is everything you need to know as well as some treatment options for your itchy pup.
Dogs itch, scratch and eat things they shouldn’t all the time. However, it can cause worry when all of a sudden your beloved dog is itching uncontrollably. The first thing you probably checked for was fleas, but there are no bites or little jumping bugs leaping from your dog.
Why is your dog itchy but doesn’t have fleas?
Are you going crazy listening to your dog itch and lick themselves compulsively? Here are some of the main causes of itchiness for pups.
Allergies
dogs can become itchy from allergies and these allergies can change or get more severe with age. Dog allergies can develop through the types of food they eat or environmental triggers. The most common allergies found in dog foods is surprisingly the protein. Beef, chicken, dairy and wheat can cause our dogs to become itchy. Try switching them to a different protein and see if the itchiness subsides.
Additionally, environmental triggers like pollen, mold and even soap or pesticides can cause your dog to become itchy. You can get prescribes dog shampoos, antifungal creams, antibiotics and there are even some vaccines.
Boredom & Anxiety
Just like people, dogs get bored and anxious. However, instead of scrolling on their phones they will itch, chew or eat things they shouldn’t. If you suspect your dog is bored or anxious try spending more time with them. Ensure they are getting plenty of play time. A great tip for dog owners is to find out what your dog loves to do and do it at least once a day. If your dog loves playing fetch or going to the park, do it every day. Just like humans, they need stimulation too!
Dry Skin
Dry skin can be seasonal, from allergies or from fatty acid deficiencies. There are several ways to treat dry skin in dogs. You can get a prescribed shampoo and even adding a tablespoon of coconut oil to your dogs food will help with their coats and skin.
Hormones’
Some dogs have trouble producing enough thyroid hormone or they produce too much cortisol which both cause skin irritation. You may notice bald spots or it may appear that you dog is itching from allergies. Take your dog to the vet and get their hormones tested if you’ve ruled everything else out.
Parasites
It’s not just fleas us dog owners have to worry about, It is also ticks and mites. Ticks are often visible to the naked eye, but they can be very difficult to remove. If you pull them out the wrong way, their head can become stuck and cause even more issues. Additionally, mites are microscopic which means they are tiny and you probably wont be able to see them. It is best to take your dog to the vet to get fully examined.
Pain
When your dog is licking or chewing excessively, they might be in pain or are suffering from something that is making them uncomfortable. If they are biting at their paws, check to see if they have something stuck in there. It could also be an orthopedic problem, so it’s always best to get an expert opinion from a trusted vet.
Bottom line
If your dog is itchy but doesn’t have fleas, there are plenty of explanations. If you aren’t sure, go for a check up with your vet. They are probably pretty uncomfortable if they need to itch all the time and it could be more serious than you think.
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