For dog owners, this is a common sight: your pup, on its haunches, scratching itself behind the ears with an air of satisfaction. As humans, we can sympathize. When you have an itch, you just need to scratch. And while the occasional itch is perfectly normal, if you’re seeing your dog constantly scratch, it may be cause for concern.
As noted by the Merck Veterinary Manual, the underlying condition of itchiness is dermatitis, a broad term for inflammation of the skin caused by a variety of issues. However, abnormal itching—known as pruritus—typically hints at something more serious.
What Should I Look For?
Here are some of the symptoms you should look for if your dog seems uncomfortable.
Dry Skin: Feel for patches of rough, irritated skin around the area your dog is itching.
Scabs: Healing wounds can be the cause of the itch, but if you’re noticing lots of scabs on the skin, your dog needs to see the vet.
Rash: There are a variety of rashes and skin conditions your dog may have picked up, but look for discoloration, sores, or raised or flat dots.
Dandruff: Look for white flakes on their fur or skin.
Hair Loss: While some breeds shed, if you’re finding clumps of hair on the floor or seeing visible bald spots on your dog, this is a cause for concern.
Depending on your dog’s coat, it may be difficult to notice some of these issues. And while these symptoms are likely causing the itching, there may be underlying (potentially serious) conditions that…
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