How to stop uncontrollable dog itching
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There are more than 500 reasons your dog may suffer unbearable itching, says the website Dog Breed Info. Because there are so many possible causes, it is important to consult your veterinarian to determine the problem and find a suitable solution.
Fungal and parasitical infections are easily cleared up with medications, but uncontrollable itching may be a sign of a more serious disease. Your vet can help determine what course of action should be taken. In the meantime, there are a number of ways you can soothe your dog's itching.
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Trim the hair around the itchy area so that you can keep an eye on the area and watch for infection.
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Apply an antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream. Check with your vet about proper dosage and specific instructions for the type of cream used. Your vet can also recommend an antibiotic cream for infections, if necessary.
- There are more than 500 reasons your dog may suffer unbearable itching, says the website Dog Breed Info.
- Fungal and parasitical infections are easily cleared up with medications, but uncontrollable itching may be a sign of a more serious disease.
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Moisturise your dog's skin with calendula extract, fish oil or vitamin E. Apply calendula to the itchy spot directly and brush it through your dog's coat. Break open fish oil or vitamin E capsules and apply the liquid to the affected area. You can also add fish oil or vitamin E to your dog's food, reports The Daily Puppy.
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Give your dog a 10-minute soak in cool water. Add baking soda, Epsom salt or oatmeal to soothe uncontrollable itching. Pat your dog dry rather than rubbing it.
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Add fatty acids to your dog's diet. Evening primrose oil and fish oil supplements can help reduce uncontrollable dog itching, according to the website Dog Breed Info Center. However, it may take several weeks for the effects to be noticed.
- Moisturise your dog's skin with calendula extract, fish oil or vitamin E. Apply calendula to the itchy spot directly and brush it through your dog's coat.
References
Tips
- Never scratch your dog's itchy area. This will only increase the itchiness, says the website Dog Breed Info Center.
Writer Bio
Sumei FitzGerald has been writing professionally since 2008 on health, nutrition, medicine and science topics. She has published work on doctors' websites such as Colon Cancer Resource, psychology sites such as Webpsykologen and environmental websites such as Supergreenme. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of Connecticut where she also studied life sciences.