photo credit: Melody.loves.youJust like humans itch every now and then, dogs do too. But if your dog has been scratching incessantly of late, there must be some reason behind it. Treating such itching problems is sometimes as easy as changing their food or shampoos, however, it’s important that the underlying cause be determined, to ensure that your dog’s not suffering from a serious health problem. Food and flea allergies are two of the most common dog itching causes.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Dogs suffering with Flea Allergy Dermatitis, experience loss of fur in the area near the base of their tails, and behind the hind legs. Along with these symptoms, reddish bumps will appear in the patches where the dog is losing fur. It’s obvious that he/she has an allergy to fleas. The saliva of fleas is what causes FAD, and even a single flea bite can cause a problem in dogs that are prone to this type of condition. The obvious way of treating this condition, is to rid the dog of fleas. There are many dog products available in the market for combating fleas, and also to soothe any skin irritation your pet may be experiencing.

K9 Advantix Flea Control for Dogs, 6 Applications
$62.57

Merial Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control for Dogs and Puppies, 6 Doses, For Dogs 89 to 132 Pounds
$69.90

Advantage Flea Control For Dogs Blue over 55 lbs 4 mth sply
$40.20

Food Allergy Dermatitis

Food allergies are another common cause for dog itching. In general, food allergy symptoms are seen early on when the dog is a pup; however, sometimes symptoms may only present themselves in a dog’s adulthood. You may be wondering how you can determine whether your canine has this sort of allergy. Well, if he/she is suffering from diarrhea and a stomach upset, it is likely to be food intolerance. On the other hand, if your dog is suffering from excessive itching and hot spots, then it surely is a food allergy. For this, all you need to do is replace its existing food with a diet that agrees with him/her.

It is not necessary for your beloved pooch to suffer from such skin conditions. To free your pet from dog allergies, you can easily find some good dog food recipes, and learn how to get rid of fleas. By doing any one of these two things, you and your pooch will be able to live a happy and healthy life!

Dogs are fantastic pets and, by and large, they are not particularly prone to illness and disease.  It is quite rare for them to suffer from a serious illness but there are quite a few minor dog health issues that you need to be aware of if you are to give your pet the care that it deserves.

Dog healthcare should begin at home and probably the best time to concentrate on whether your pet has some form of issue is when you are grooming him.  Use an online pet grooming guide for information on how to best groom your pet and which tools you will require.

If you notice that your dog has been scratching or patches of hair have fallen out then he might have a case of dog mange.  Mange is caused by mites infesting the hair follicles and feeding beneath the skin.  It is highly contagious and so it is important to treat all pets.  Luckily it is easily got rid of by a short course of antibiotics which will need to be prescribed by your vet.

Dog worms come in five different varieties and so it is important to be aware of the symptoms and treatments for all.  Roundworm is the most common type and is generally found in puppies who have been infected by their mother before birth.  It causes their stomachs to become distended and the worms can often be seen in the stools or vomit.  Other symptoms are diarrhoea, vomiting and weight loss.  Treatment is worming tablets given monthly until 6 months old when he will become less susceptible to them.  The symptoms of hookworms are blood in the stools, loss of weight, becoming anaemic and listless.  If not treated with worming tablets then these worms can cause death.  Tapeworm causes itching around the anus and stomach pains and the worms themselves can often be seen in the stools, looking like grains of rice.  You should regularly de-worm your pet to stop tapeworm from occurring and, as they are caused by the ingestion of infected fleas it is important that you regularly check your dog for fleas and ticks.  Whipworm and heartworm are far less common but more serious and will need veterinary treatment.

Dog ear infections are rare but if they occur then you will notice a discharge from the ear which will need to be treated with ear drops which can be bought from any pet store.

Finally some of our canine friends suffer from dog allergies and just like humans the symptoms are itching, runny eyes and nose and sneezing.  Also, like humans, these can often be treated with antihistamines.