How to Scratch Your Dogs' Itch

Is your dog itchy? Who's isn't these days! As a groomer, I see lots of itchy dogs. There are lots of reasons dogs itch.

Before reading any further make sure your dog does not have fleas! If so, read the previous post on removing flea infestations.

A large reason for an itchy dog is allergies. Allergies come in many forms and from many different sources. This is probably the single most difficult and frustrating thing to figure out.

Most people don't realize that itching can come from the inside out. In other words, your dog eats or breathes something that they are sensitive to and it materializes as itching on the outside.

Food allergies can be singled out by eliminating each item and determining if the outcome is positive (less itchy). This can be tough with some dog foods that don't list all the ingredients. Also, sometimes the ingredients are listed but vague. For instance. my dog has sensivities to corn and potatoes. His dog food listed starch as the first ingredient. After 'scratching my head' :) for a while, I decided to call the food manufacturer. I was told that 'starch' was corn starch used to hold the food together. Aha! He's sensitive to that. A switch in food made a huge difference.

A list of food allergies can be obtained by a mouth swab test that a veterinarian in California has be pioneering. You can give it a whirl at www.hemopet.com .

Another source of allergies is environmental inhalants. This means that your dog breathes or sniffs something that makes him itchy. The Hemopet testing or allergy blood testing at your veterinarians' office can help determine these things.

Try to alleviate some of your dogs' symptoms by keeping him clean and well brushed, make sure food bowls are cleaned regularly, and evaluate all food ingredients. Good quality shampoos can be used often without compromising a dogs' coats, and anti-itch shampoos are also available. Also, table scraps are not dog food and can lead to allergies or sensitivites.

All said, talk to your veterinarian and groomer for a care plan tailored to your pet.