3. Dry Skin
Canines like humans can suffer from dry skin too. Fido’s dry skin concerns can develop due to various reasons like weather changes, too much bathing, or even fatty acid deficiencies. Most of the time, canines will react to dry skin the way they react to allergies or pests – with lots of biting, licking, or scratching.
If you’re wondering how excessive bathing can lead to dry skin – that’s simple. Your pet’s skin contains natural oils that help keep it supple and protect it from bacteria and other types of nasties.
But, when you bathe your pet more than required, you strip the skin of its protective oil, leading to dryness and irritation.
(How To Deal With It)
There are quite a few ways to keep your pet’s skin well moisturized and avoid dry skin-related itchy problems. Firstly, invest in an oatmeal-based shampoo to keep your pet’s fur and skin soft and supple.
If you suspect the cold weather is behind the dryness – you can use a humidifier indoors to you and your pet’s advantage.
It’s also a good idea to discuss your pet’s diet with your veterinarian to ensure your doggo’s nutrient needs (specifically Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids) are being met.
4. Pain
Despite popular belief, licking and biting in canines isn’t just limited to skin problems. Sometimes, the behavior can indicate pain or a medical reason. It’s not uncommon for Fido the lick the spot where it’s experiencing pain – to the point that the spot becomes sore and inflamed.
Common reasons behind such behavior can be internal injuries (like a torn ligament) or orthopedic problems like elbow or hip dysplasia.
(How To Deal With It)
Drive down to your local veterinary clinic and let the doctor check your pet for signs of pain. Animals, especially canines, are renowned for hiding their suffering until the pain becomes too much. That’s why it’s best to let a professional handle the situation.
What’s more, if your pet’s stress levels are spiking, it may not be too comfortable letting your touch the source of its misery and may act out if you force your touch on it.
Thankfully, vets can pick up on the source of your pet’s suffering after a thorough physical checkup – meaning they’ll be able to prescribe your pal the right medication to relieve the pain and help improve your pet’s overall condition.
5. Allergies
Not only are dogs susceptible to food allergies, but sometimes, their itchy conduct can also be the result of environmental allergens like pollen or mold.
It’s also possible for Fido to develop contact dermatitis – which is a type of skin irritation caused by substances found in soap or pesticides.
(How To Deal With It)
The treatment of an allergy will depend on its cause. For instance, if food allergies plague your pet, your vet may ask you to switch to a diet or brand that’s free of allergens like soy, corn, wheat, or even chicken or beef.
It’s also essential to keep checking your house for mold growth during the rainy season because mold tends to thrive in areas with a lot of moisture.
Finally, if your pet has seasonal allergies (related to substances like pollen), your vet may likely prescribe antihistamines. You can also discuss supplements (with natural ingredients like yeast, flaxseed oil, among others) with your vet to manage the condition.