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Dogs, cats, and animals all over the world scratch themselves. But sometimes, they can nibble, or scratch, a bit too much, and this is something to look out for. Of course, you might not even notice your pup scratching if she does it in private, but you will notice if she is becoming bald in spots that used to be full of fur.
When your pooch is spending more time scratching than having fun, the first thing to discover is what is causing the dog-scratch-fever!
VIDEO: Why Do Dogs Itch?
Finding The Right Dog Supplements For Dry Itchy Skin
There can be multiple reasons why your dog has taken to the scratchy way of life, but some of the most common reasons are as follows.
Fearsome Fleas
Believe it or not, the flea bite can be worse for some dogs than for others. Flea saliva contains allergens so one little bugger can cause a mess of trouble. If your dog can’t stop itching, and you see flea dirt on the skin (it looks like black pepper flakes) than your dog may have a flea allergy. Talk to your vet about flea prevention methods that can stop the critters in the first place. Some natural Dog Supplements For Dry Itchy Skin caused by fleas are:
Terrible Ticks
Ticks need blood to survive and they know that your pet is full of it. When the tick attaches itself to your pooch, it will stay there and feed for as long as it can. The longer it stays, the longer its itchy saliva will irritate your dog. Plus, a bacterial infection can set in after a while and that has its own set of itchy irritation. A natural tick control product or skin treatment such as this one can be one of the best Dog Supplement For Dry Itchy Skin if ticks are your trouble.
Maddening Mange
There are mites and parasites that are attracted to mange and they can make your poor pup’s condition even worse by burrowing into their already-sensitive skin. This can lead to secondary infections and misery for your dog. Consider trying a supplement such as Vet Organics EcoMange Dog & Cat Mange Skin Treatment.
Suffering From Seasonal Allergies
Spring, summer, and fall bring their own set of allergens that can affect your dog and make her skin itch like crazy – among other things. Plants, trees, weeds, and grass are the top culprits. Dog Supplements For Dry Itchy Skin caused by allergies include:
The Down Low On Dog Food Allergies
Most people think that a food allergy will only manifest itself through obvious GI problems, such as vomiting or diarrhea after the animal ingests its food. This is not always so! Dog food allergies can also present with itching, scabs, lesions, and hair loss. If you have looked at everything else that can be causing the itchiness, a food allergy might be the culprit.
Food Allergies Can Show Up At Any Time
Your dog might be born with an allergy to certain foods, or he might develop it as he ages. Even if your pup has been eating the same food for years, an allergy can crop up at any time. Though dogs tend to like corn and corn meal, this can be a source of allergy. Other allergy inducers are:
- Wheat Gluten
- Soy
- Dairy
- Seafood
- Beef and Lamb
- Chicken
But not all dogs can be allergic to these sources, so you’ll likely need a trial run to discover the source of the food allergy. You can begin by eliminating corn or grain from your dog’s diet first to see if it helps. Some popular grain free foods include:
- Taste Of The Wild Canine Formula
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain
- Purina One SmartBlend True Instinct Grain Free
If you discover the food allergy doesn’t derive from grain, you can also try mixing up your dog’s dietary choices to eliminate meaty culprits. For example, if your usual food is a beef-based formula, try switching to a chicken-based variety. Or, if the delicacy of the day is salmon or ocean fish, consider duck or pork. Chicken all day? Try fish or seafood. And if your dog has been eating a mixed grill, changing to something he has never tried before, such as venison or lamb, might be just what he needs. Some switched-up varieties include:
- Holistic Select Natural Duck
- Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison
- Nature’s Variety Limited Ingredient Lamb Meal & Peas
Additional Dog Supplements For Dry Itchy Skin
Other Dog Supplements For Dry Itchy Skin can range from supplements that are rubbed into the skin to supplements that are taken orally and work from the inside out.
- Digestive enzymes. Enzyme supplements can treat many health problems and itchy skin is one of them. It helps in digestion by breaking down protein, starch, and fats so they can be absorbed by the body. Try ample nutrition Daily Digestive Enzymes and see if you spot a difference in Spot.
- Probiotics. These can help balance the digestive tract by helping good bacteria thrive and keep bad bacteria from growing, which can ease many different skin conditions. Pet Wellbeing Ultimate Probiotic 9 Strains Dog Supplement is one popular option.
- Yucca. When attempting to avoid steroids, Yucca is a popular substitution when it comes to natural Dog Supplements For Dry Itchy Skin. It’s a natural cortisone that comes from a plant and can be found in capsules or liquid. Yucca Intensive works without gassy side effects.
- Fatty acids. Whether it’s flax oil, fish oil, or evening primrose oil, essential fatty acids are Dog Supplements For Dry Itchy Skin that can work wonders on your dog’s itchy skin. For Omega-3’s, try Amazing Nutritionals Omega-3 Chews. Salmon oil can be found in Grizzly Salmon Dog Food Supplement. A great flax seed oil supplement is Wysong E.F.A. without Fish Oil.
Work with your dog to determine what Dog Supplements For Dry Itchy Skin he needs to thrive. An itch-free pup is a happy pup and a happy pup is one of the best creatures you’ll ever meet.