It may seem that dog scratching is just one of those habits you can take for granted. However, millions of dog owners around the world are keen to learn how to stop dog scratching. Aside from fleas, food allergies, and also fixations on their skin, a dog that continues scratching can cause hot spots, infections, and additional skin conditions. And if not treated appropriately, can progress to severe chronic conditions.

The Causes of Dog Scratching

Before learning how to stop dog scratching, you must first determine what causes it. Here are the several reasons why a dog might scratch incessantly.

Infection - infections can either be due to bacteria, yeast, or fungi. You can examine for infections by merely looking for greasy sores, hairless patches, or red inflammation for any of the three.

Neurogenic - in certain cases the cause can be a lack of exercise or mental stimulation and separation stress. Too much licking and chewing are also signs of nervous issue.

Allergenic - skin conditions from food allergies, plant allergies, dust and also flea allergies, and other allergies can result in extreme itching to a dog.

Nutritional - if your dog doesn't get the right nutrients in their diet can make their dry skin, and will grow into eczema, sores, or just bad hair that results in dryness.

Environmental - if your dog is quite the adventurer, something in the surroundings might have caused the incessantly scratching. Excessive water from swimming, burrowing, or playing outside can cause scratching.

Parasites - All parasites can lead to itching, which includes fleas, gnats, ticks, flies, and mites. But don't worry, because almost all medicines can stop parasites.

Visiting the Veterinarian

Although you can examine for yourself, you have to consult the vet and have your dog thoroughly examined to be certain. Not to mention that the vet can give you with the right medicine for different causes of the itching. For instance, the veterinarian will give you antibiotics or anti-fungal if your dog has an infection. Antihistamines added with a change in a diet for allergies and flea baths, and medicines for parasites.

How to deal with Neurogenic Scratching

Unlike the other five conditions, neurogenic scratching is the most difficult to stop. Simply because you have to first identify why the dog feels the desire to scratch his skin continuously before treating him.

Most of the time, your dog might be simply bored and has developed tick to scratch and lick continuously. You can simply stop this by ensuring that your dog receives enough exercise. You can also put bitter apple spray or perhaps cayenne pepper on your dog's preferred licking spots.

You can also get a cone from the vet that will not allow the dog to get to those itching hot body parts. You can remove the cone and spray as soon as the dog has more energetic exercise routine.

But if your dog keeps on scratching, visit the veterinarian again to make sure you rule out any other physical ailments.

Although usually dog scratching can be very easily treated, you still need to pay attention to dog and what he really does. Prevention is better than cure and you can never be too cautious.

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