Understanding Dog Scratching: When It’s Harmful and How to Help

Ever caught your dog scratching continuously and wondered if it was more than an itch?

A bit of scratching here and there is to be expected in dogs. But if your dog keeps scratching, licking, or chewing their skin most of the time, something is likely amiss. Too many pet owners think that it's just a phase and it'll magically disappear by itself. But the reality is, excessive dog scratching is not always harmless. It may, in fact, make your dog's condition worse in the long run.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) about 1 in 4 dogs experience some type of skin issue in their lives.

Knowing what is causing the itch and why prompt action is important can significantly impact your dog's comfort and well-being. Many dog owners turn to vet-recommended treatments and available itch-relief medicine like Apoquel tablets and chewables to help their dogs get lasting relief from itching.

What Causes Itching in Dogs

Dogs scratch for several reasons. While it may seem like a random itch or skin irritation when it happens, excessive scratching, biting, or licking can be due to something more underlying.

A few of the most common causes of dog itching are:

• Environmental allergies (such as pollen, dust, and mold)
• Flea bites or other parasites
• Food allergies
• Seasonal allergies
• Skin infection (bacterial or fungal)
• Contact with irritants such as grass, cleaning items, or grooming items

No matter what the cause is, what matters is that your dog's skin is trying to communicate that something is bothering it, and scratching is how they're attempting to deal.

What Happens When Your Dog Keeps Scratching

Though finding your dog scratching its skin appears instinctive, it has a ripple effect that creates more irritation for your dog. The following are the ways it impacts them:

1. Skin Damage

Regular scratching or chewing removes the top skin layer, resulting in raw areas, scabs, or open wounds. They become more susceptible to infections and bacteria.

2. Inflammation and Sensitivity

Irritated skin becomes inflamed and tender to the touch, even to the lightest touch. This makes your dog itchier, causing a greater urge to scratch.

3. Risk of Infection

After breaking, bacteria enter and cause infections that can be treated with antibiotics or other medications. In some instances, fungal infections might occur, particularly in wet or warm environments.

4. Hair Loss and Thickened Skin

Excessive dog scratching can result in patchy hair loss and thick, leathery skin. This indicates that the itching has been prolonged and is more than a simple irritation.

5. Sleep Disturbances and Changes in Behavior

Dogs that are constantly itchy tend to have a hard time sleeping. They will be more active or restless at night. Chronic discomfort impacts not only their physical body but also their mood and attitude.

When it comes to managing itching long term, following your vet’s prescription can make all the difference in how quickly your dog finds relief. You can look at some popular dog itch-relief medicines that many vets recommend.

The Itch-Scratch Cycle

When dogs feel itchy, they start scratching. That scratching irritates the skin, making the dog itch even more. This cycle is called the itch-scratch cycle, and it's difficult to break once it's begun.

It may appear that your dog is being temporarily relieved, but excessive dog scratching will only add to more irritation. The longer it goes on, the worse it gets, both on the surface and under the skin.

This cycle is particularly prevalent in dogs with allergies, where the skin is constantly inflamed and hypersensitive in the long run. If left unchecked, what began as mild dog itching can become a chronic skin condition that requires constant maintenance.

How To Break the Itch-Scratch Cycle

If your dog keeps scratching and is caught in a perpetual scratching cycle, perhaps it's time to consider medical intervention. Apoquel is a prescription medication designed to stop itching and inflammation in dogs.

Unlike topical over-the-counter creams or band-aid remedies, Apoquel attacks the itch from the inside out. It addresses the origin of the itch in your dog's body and quiets it down without dampening the immune system like steroids usually do.

Why Vets Prescribe Apoquel Products

It's a science-backed, practical solution to providing relief for your dog, particularly when the scratching is beginning to impact their quality of life.

• Quick relief: Most dog owners see improvement in as few as 4 hours.
• Safe for long-term use (with vet monitoring): Apoquel can be administered daily without the same risks associated with long-term steroid use.
• No drowsiness or lack of energy: It makes your dog feel like they’re themselves again without making them sleepy.
• Works for many kinds of itching: Apoquel has proven effective for different causes of dog itching, including seasonal allergies, food allergies/sensitivity, and mysterious chronic itch.

Stop the Scratch

If your dog has been scratching excessively, it's not something to brush off. Excessive dog scratching can go from minor irritation to severe discomfort in no time. It can harm the skin, invite infection, and leave your pet in misery.

Pay attention to the first signs and know the consequences of continuous scratching. Fortunately, relief can be achieved. Apoquel is a secure and effective itch-relief medicine that can control your dog's itchiness and make it more comfortable, usually within hours.

Note: If your dog is having excessive itching or skin problems, consult your vet. They can assess the cause and decide if Apoquel is the appropriate medication to make your dog feel like itself again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the reason behind excessive dog scratching?

Excessive scratching usually indicates allergies, parasites, infection, or irritants. Scratching is your dog's way of responding to discomfort in its skin. Identifying the problem behind your dog's irritation as early as possible is crucial in preventing further irritation, skin damage, or chronic issues.

What environmental factors most likely trigger my dog's itchiness?

Pollen, dust mites, mold, grass, and cleaning or grooming products with high levels of irritants can affect your itchy dog in varying ways. The irritating products often irritate sensitive skin and/or create an allergic reaction, whereby dogs are usually caught in a cycle of longing to scratch again after hopefully bathing it away.

What are the most effective ways to break the itch-scratch cycle?

A successful approach combines finding the cause, using vet-prescribed treatment of medication such as Apoquel, and using some common sense to limit exposure to allergens. Apoquel works internally to stop itching and inflammation. It is excellent for trying to break the itch-scratch cycle quickly. (Use only with veterinary supervision)

What lifestyle changes can minimize the risk of skin damage?

Daily grooming, a hygienic environment, hypoallergenic products, and a balanced diet minimize skin irritation. Flea prevention and regular vet checkups keep the skin healthy and reduce scratching damage.

Which is the most effective medicine for excessive dog scratching?

Apoquel is a fast-acting, vet-recommended medication that stops itching within hours. It addresses the underlying cause of itching with a very low chance of sedation. It is safe for long-term use with veterinary supervision in dogs with all types of itch-related conditions.