Dog Scratching 101 - How To Help Your Pooch... Defeat The Itch!
Dog scratching. The bane of any dog's existence! While pet owners usually dismiss this as a normal dog behavior, excessive scratching can signal an underlying health issue...
SYMPTOMS
Dog scratching is a symptom in itself. But you'll know if this scratching is beyond the "usual" behavior of your dog (and could indicate an ailment) when:
Continuous scratching and licking occurs
Your dog also scratches the floor, carpet, or your beddings
Your dog is already causing self-inflicted cuts, sores, and wounds because of his or her excessive scratching
CAUSES
There can be several causes to dog scratching. The more common causes are parasites like fleas and mites, allergy-causing allergens, and anxieties either due to separation or other causes.
It's important that when you see your dog scratching beyond normal, you should consult your veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis and treatment for the scratching.
SOLUTION
There can be several solutions to dog scratching. However, in order to apply the right solution, you have to address the problem at its root cause.
If scratching is due to parasites like fleas and mites, the solution can be to:
Control the growth and multiplication of these parasites either by natural means or treatment prescribed by your dog's veterinarian
Ensure that your dog is kept clean and well groomed at all times
Clean the surroundings. A clean and hygienic surrounding is not only good for your dog, but also for your own health
Feed your dog with a proper diet. Parasites thrive in dogs with a weak immune system. Give your dog the necessary nutrients to strengthen his or her immune system
If scratching is due to allergies:
Identify the type of allergies. If it's a food allergy, try to introduce a change in diet
Reduce your dog's exposure and contact to the allergens
Maintain a clean and healthy environment
If scratching is traced to anxieties:
Introduce behavior modification. Start training your dog to get used not being with you all the time
Reduce your dog's anxieties
PREVENTION
You can prevent dog scratching in many ways, such as:
You should have your dog regularly seen by his veterinarian
Keep your dog well groomed and hygienic
Provide a healthy environment for your dog. Make sure that his food and drinking bowls are clean as well as his beddings. Keep your home clean as well
Make sure that your dog is getting the right nutrients to help him stay healthy and strong. You may need to give him natural supplements aside from feeding him or her with the proper diet
Train your dog
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