How to Stop Dog Scratching

Stop Dog Scratching

It may be possible to train your dog to stop scratching on command but in most cases dogs scratch because they have a physical itch.  Scratching may become a habit but there is nearly always an underlying physical cause.  In order to stop dog scratching you should look for the reasons that your dog is scratching and try to eliminate them.

Why Do Dogs Scratch?

Dogs scratch for several reasons.  One of the most common reasons dogs scratch is because of parasites.  These parasites can include fleas, ticks, mites, scabies and other creepy crawlies.

Fortunately, there are now more ways to protect your dog from fleas and ticks than ever before and these treatments are very easy to use.  Products like Frontline, Advantage, Revolution, K9Advantix, Program, Sentinel and Capstar are all available and can get rid of fleas and/or ticks.  Some of them work immediately, some may take a few hours.  Some of them keep working month after month and break the flea’s life cycle.  Talk to your veterinarian about which product might be best for your dog.

Mites, scabies and other similar parasites can be found on your dog’s body. If you suspect your dog has one of these parasites you should take your dog to your veterinarian.  They are easily treated but they can make your dog miserable while he has them.

Allergies

Some dogs suffer from allergies.  They can be allergic to ingredients in their dog food, to household cleaners, to flea bites, and to other various allergens.  Symptoms of an allergy often include itching, skin swelling, redness, wheezing, and watery eyes.  Your dog may scratch himself until he bleeds.  He may cause bald patches on his skin.

If your dog scratches to this extent or you suspect that your dog has allergies of some kind you should definitely take him to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian can perform some tests to try to determine if your dog is having an allergic reaction and to try to find out what your dog may be allergic to.

Food allergies are fairly common among dogs who do have allergies.  You may need to change the food you feed your dog.  Luckily there are many different kinds of dog food including foods that are made from uncommon grains and uncommon protein sources.  There are even grain-free foods, since grain is a common cause of allergies in dogs.  Your dog’s allergy and scratching may clear up if you change to a dog food with a different grain base or with no grain.

If your dog does have allergies, consult with your veterinarian about the changes you may need to make in your dog’s environment.

Immune System Problems

If your dog has a weakened immune system then it’s possible that he may develop various yeast infections.  These often occur in a dog’s ears but they can occur elsewhere on your dog’s body.  Yeast is always present on your dog’s body but it’s only when the immune system is compromised that the yeast gets out of control and causes a yeast infection.  Once there is a yeast infection it can lead to a secondary bacterial infection which can also be hard to clear up.

As you might imagine, both yeast and bacterial infections can cause your dog to itch and scratch. If you notice any infected areas on your dog; if his ears smell bad or if he is scratching them, see your veterinarian.

Boredom

Some dogs do scratch out of boredom.  Scratching can become a habit or even a compulsion.  They may have an underlying reason to scratch but the scratching takes on a life of its own.  In these cases you should make sure that your dog is getting plenty of exercise so he will be more likely to rest.  Make sure you’re feeding him a good diet.  Check the label on your dog food and educate yourself about nutritional requirements.  Sometimes inferior foods can make a dog itchy.  And, make sure that you are providing your dog with plenty of toys and safe things to chew on so he can entertain himself.  If you take care of all of your dog’s needs he will be much less likely to scratch.