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Dog's scratching driving you crazy? Consider how he must feel

August has been named Itchy Pet Awareness Month. Every dog scratches from time to time, but if your dog scratches excessively, it is time to make an appointment with a veterinarian to ease his discomfort. There are several reasons why he might be scratching, the two most common are parasites, such as fleas and ticks, and allergies.

Fleas and ticks feed on a dog's blood and can cause itching. They also carry diseases. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites and may experience more severe symptoms such as hair loss, scabby areas and hot spots as a result of intense scratching.

Ticks are large enough to be spotted if the dog's coat is examined carefully. Fleas are smaller but can often be spotted, too. Brushing a dog with a flea comb or looking at his favorite sleeping place often reveals flea dirt (poop), which looks similar to ground pepper.

The best treatment for fleas and ticks is to prevent them in the first place. Dogs should be on a year-round flea and tick prevention program. A veterinarian can help you choose which one is best for your pet.

Dogs can have environmental allergies, just like people, to grass, pollen, dander, dust mites and mold spores. Along with scratching and chewing, ear rubbing, head shaking and ear infections are also common. Talk to a veterinarian before giving a dog any medication, whether it is an over-the-counter product or a prescribed medicine. An antihistamine, a steroid or a medicated shampoo may be the answer. Oral medications, like Apoquel, also offer relief with very few side effects.

Allergic reactions from insect bites or stings are common during warmer months. Along with scratching, a dog may have swelling at the site of the bite or sting, swelling of the eyes or nose or hives.

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month. Ticks can cause itching in dogs, but there are many medications that can help prevent ticks and fleas. Associated Press File Photo

Contact allergies may also cause a dog to feel itchy. Shampoos, cleaning products used inside the home and pesticides used outdoors are all potential culprits. To minimize reactions, wash his feet (and belly, if it is a small dog) after he goes outside. After a walk, wipe his coat with medicated wipes designed to remove pollen and other irritants from his fur.

It is not common, but dogs can have food allergies. Besides itching, gas and diarrhea are additional symptoms. Food trials are often necessary to determine which foods a dog is allergic to. Hydrolyzed protein diets are available to be sure dogs are receiving proper nutrition without triggering allergic responses.

Skin, irritated from scratching, may develop infections. Symptoms of bacterial infections include redness, scabs and rashes. Skin affected with a fungal infection is red, greasy and smelly. Fungal infections are most often found on the head, paws and under the tail. Your vet may treat these infections with antibiotics, antifungals and medicated shampoos.

The sooner a dog is seen by a veterinarian for itching, the better it is for everyone. Identifying the cause and beginning the correct treatment provides relief sooner and minimizes the risk of a secondary skin infection. Treating just the cause of the itch is less expensive than treating the cause and secondary infections or other complications.

When you visit your veterinarian, she will ask how often and what part of the body your dog scratches the most. She will inquire if you notice the scratching happens more often when your dog is outside or at certain times of the year. She will want to know when you first noticed the scratching and if it is getting worse. Having answers to these questions will help her prescribe the appropriate treatment. She may also recommend a blood test, a skin culture or other diagnostics to rule out other diseases.

If your dog's scratching has been driving you crazy, consider how your dog feels. Make an appointment to see a veterinarian during Itchy Pet Awareness Month.

• Diana Stoll is the Practice Manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts. Visit redbarnpetvet.com, or call (847) 683-4788 (Hampshire) or (847) 426-1000 (Gilberts).

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