Reasons dogs scratch and how to deal with it

16th January 2020

Sometimes dogs will scratch simply because they have an itch, but if your dog scratches to excess it could be an indication that they may need treatment. Here’s what to look for if you are concerned about your dog’s scratching behavior.

Why dogs scratch

One of the most common causes of scratching in dogs is the presence of fleas. To find out if your dog has fleas, take a look through your dog’s fur. If you discover small black flecks, these are likely to be flea dirt.

Mange caused by mites can be very irritating to a dog and can lead to hair loss and painful sores. Skin conditions and allergies can also make your dog want to scratch.

Monitor scratching

If you are not with your dog all the time, you may not notice if your dog is scratching more than usual so it might not be until the problem is quite advanced that you notice. To spot the signs early, give your dog an Animo to wear. As well as monitoring a dog’s activity and identifying changes in barking and shaking behaviors, Animo can detect when a dog is scratching more than usual.

Animo records when a dog scratches and displays the amount they scratch in graphs within the Animo app, highlighting when they scratch more than usual. Animo, also detects sleep quality during the night, so you will be able to see if their scratching might be keeping them awake.

Treatment

You should always speak to your vet if you are concerned about your dog’s scratching behavior. A vet will be able to diagnose the problem and suggest the best treatment.

If your dog has fleas, it’s best to treat your dog as well as your home to ensure the fleas are fully eradicated so that the problem does not recur.

To make them feel more comfortable, try bathing your dog using a dog shampoo designed for itchy or sensitive skin.