How Itching and Scratching in Dogs Can Be Caused by Poor Nutrition
Causes of Itchy and Sensitive Skin in Dogs
Are parasites causing your dog's itchy skin?
How can you tell if your dog has fleas?
Effective natural flea control
Natural treatment of a dog flea allergy
Natural flea control – our recommendations
Does My Dog Have Mites Or Mange? How You Can Tell
Natural treatment for mites - our recommendations
Natural treatment of ear mites in dogs - our recommendations
Dog Skin Allergies and Their Causes
The most common types of dog allergy
Healthy Treats for Dogs with Food Allergies - our recommendations
Natural Treatment of Skin Infections in Dogs - our recommendations
How Itching and Scratching in Dogs Can Be Caused by Poor Nutrition
The owners of itching dogs often assume the problem is external - this seems logical because the skin is on the outside of the body. But although there can be external causes, such as fleas and some dog skin allergies, your itchy dog is just as likely to be scratching because of what's going on internally.
Itching and the immune system
Itchy skin is often caused by a weak immune system - and that's usually down to what your dog eats. Most commercial dog foods contain artificial additives, preservatives, colours, animal and meat derivatives and derivatives of vegetable origin. They are a byproduct of the human food industry, a good way of using up the leftovers and yukky bits we don’t want to eat, such as intestines, bones, cartilage etc. These ingredients don’t have much nutrition left after being ground up and heated to very high temperatures.
There can also be toxins; they make your dog's immune system work in overdrive every day. When the immune system is struggling, it reacts in inappropriate ways, with very itchy results. To make matters worse, low quality dog foods provide very little in the way of nutrients, the vitamins, minerals and enzymes needed to support your dog's immune system. Your dog's itching and scratching could be caused by a general nutritional deficiency. Alternatively a lack of specific nutrients could be responsible - a shortage of omega oils, for example, usually leads to flaky, dry skin.
Stop your dog itching with proper nutrition
Of all the natural remedies for itchy skin in dogs, a good quality, balanced diet is often the best starting point. A quality food will support the immune system, keep the skin and coat healthy, and reduce itching. But remember - it's not just about meals! The treats and rewards your dog gets are also part of his dietary intake and should be as nutritious and free of unnecessary additives as possible. If you think that the treats are what are made with what’s left of the dog food, you get the picture!
Your dog might also benefit from a supplement to provide all the vitamins, minerals and enzymes needed for a healthy immune system. And if dry, flaky skin is responsible for your dog itching, remedies that include omega 3 and 6 oil supplements can be highly effective. In many cases, getting your dog's diet right will stop your dog itching. But if your dog is receiving a healthy balanced diet, and is still suffering from itchy skin, you will need to consider other causes, such as parasites and allergies.
Note - there's a difference between general diet-related itching and dog food allergies, which involve an allergic reaction to a specific type of food.
What to look for when choosing pet food
When looking at dog food in the store, the best way of determining if it’s a good food or not is to turn the bag around and read the back of the packet. Anything on the front side is fluff, written to attract you to it. Read the ingredients. If you see single protein sources listed e.g. lamb 26% then the meat must by law be flesh (not tendons or feet!). Look for vegetables, carbs and minerals listed separately e.g. potato, brown rice, carrots, seaweed etc. Stay away from EC Permitted Colours, Tapioca Starch, Maize Gluten Meal (look like wallpaper paste, cheap, dense fillers), sugar and any derivatives including meat, animal and vegetable. These really are the minced up dregs and provide little nutritional value for your dog.
Pay more, you’ll need to feed less, your dog will be happier it won’t cost you much more and will save you a fortune in vet’s bills in the end.
Hypoallergenic dog treats and rewards – some recommendations:
Antos Cerea Vegetable Chews
Burns Venison Ears - large rawhide alternative dog chew
Sheep Ears - small rawhide alternative dog chew
Burns Venison Tongues
Pet Munchies Chicken, Liver and Duck
Rib Racks Free Range Healthy Dog Chews
Dr Chew Sweet Potato Vegan Dog Chews
Natural Way Skin & Coat Dog Treats
Find our complete range of healthy dog treats here
Causes of Itchy and Sensitive Skin in Dogs
Itchy skin in dogs is incredibly common and most dog owners know about problems like dog allergies and parasites. But there are other causes you might not be aware of -- did you know, for instance, that your dog's skin could be itching because of what he eats?
The cause of your dog's itchy skin could be:
Nutrition -- itchy skin can be caused by a diet that is high in toxins and low in nutrients, which weakens the immune system.
Parasites -- another common cause of dog itching could be mites, ticks and fleas, which live on the skin, burrowing or biting.
Allergies -- like human allergies, dog allergies can be a reaction to a range of things, from the ingredients in food to pollens, dust, air fresheners and cleaning products.
Infection -- the most common types of skin infection are caused by bacteria and yeast; these itchy dog skin complaints can often be treated naturally or by your vet.
Environment -- the drying effects of winter can affect your dog -- itching and scratching often starts in winter months because the skin has become flaky and dry. Sand, dust, grass seeds and thistles can also cause itchiness in dogs.
The good news is that in most cases, the solution to itchy dog skin is simply a matter of ensuring your pet is getting the right nutritional balance (not always easy with modern complete diets) coupled with effective parasite control.
Are parasites causing your dog's itchy skin?
If your dog is itching and scratching, it makes sense to look for parasites. The most common dog parasites are fleas and mites, ticks in summer in wooded areas, all can cause intense itchiness.
Alternatively your dog may be having a reaction to pharmaceutical flea treatments such as Frontline and Advocate. Replacing conventional flea repellants with natural flea treatments can eradicate this problem. Just remember to begin using natural flea repellant approximately 2-3 weeks before your dog’s next treatment is due in order for it to build up in the his or her system for maximum effectiveness.
Nutritional supplements for dogs– our recommendations:
Yumega Plus - Itchy Sensitive Skin
Salmopet Salmon Oil for Dogs and Cats
Dorwest Keepers Mix
Dorwest Mixed Vegetable Tablets
Resist! - Skin Problems - Dull Coats - Recovery from Illness
How can you tell if your dog has fleas?
When a flea bites your dog it’s saliva gets under the skin and causes itching. And if a dog is actually allergic to fleas it may have a severe reaction, even to just one bite. A dog flea allergy can result in the dog itching and scratching constantly.
You may already know that your dog has fleas because you have spotted them in the fur. But if you're not sure, check at the base of your dog's tail -- they tend to hide there because it's a difficult spot for the dog to reach. They may also be visible scuttling across the dog's tummy, where the fur is thinner.
If you can't see any fleas, check for flea poo. Comb your dog with a fine-toothed comb, looking for dark specks like grains of pepper. If these are flea droppings they will contain blood products making them easy to identify -- just drop some of the grains on a wet tissue. Flea poo will dissolve, creating tiny red stains and confirming that your dog has fleas.
Effective natural flea control
Natural flea control can work 'from the inside out', through natural ingredients. If your dog has fleas but you want to avoid using conventional flea treatments such as Frontline or Advocate, which contain harsh pesticides, on your pet, choose a natural flea treatment such as Billy No Mates herbal flea repellent. Billy No Mates contains mint, seaweed, fenugreek, Neem leaves and lemon balm - sprinkled on your dog's food, or a spoonful as a tincture. Once established in your dog's system, they naturally repel fleas. BNM takes two to three weeks to build up so start using them at Easter to be ready for the flea season.
As an adjunct to natural flea repellant use Neem oil for treating flea bites, sore skin, wet and dry patches. Neem is a proven natural flea repellent that can be used safely even on dogs with sensitive skin. When you use a shampoo containing Neem oil, the effective compounds are absorbed by the dog's skin and spread through the sebaceous glands (microscopic glands that lubricate the skin). And the effect is cumulative, so the protection gets stronger every time you use it.
Natural treatment of a dog flea allergy
It only takes one flea bite to set off a dog's allergic reaction that can last for hours or even days. It can be heartbreaking to see a flea allergy making your dog sore from scratching; some dogs end up nearly bald. If you know that your dog has a flea allergy, preventative measures are essential. Homeopet Flea Bite provides quick, effective relief for dog suffering from minor flea allergies.
Treat the environment AND the dog
In addition to using a natural repellent to keep fleas off your dog, it's wise to take measures to control fleas in the environment. During the summer months of the flea season, vacuum carpets, rugs and furniture as often as possible to remove fleas and their eggs, and wash the dog's bedding weekly. Bear in mind that any flea eggs collected inside the vacuum cleaner can still hatch in the bag, so seal it well and throw it away after use, or put it in a plastic bag in the freezer overnight after each vacuuming.
Natural flea control – our recommendations:
Billy No Mates Herbal Flea, Tick and Mite Treatment and Repellent
Billy No Mates Tincture - liquid form
Ekoneem Oil
Ekoneem Organic Neem Oil Shampoo Bar
Homeopet Flea Bite
Homeopet Skin & Itch
Does My Dog Have Mites Or Mange? How You Can Tell
Apart from fleas and ticks, other parasites that could be causing your dog's itching are mites or mange. They live and breed on a dog's skin, and some types can cause severe problems if left untreated. Finding out whether mites or mange are responsible for your dog itching and scratching may not be as straightforward as spotting fleas.
1) Surface mites
These live on the skin's surface, causing itchiness and scratching. The most common types are cheyletiella mites (which are sometimes referred to as 'walking dandruff' because they are light in colour and large enough to see moving about) and harvest mites, tiny orange mites which are most prevalent in the autumn, and tend to hide between the dog's toes or on the legs and stomach. Surface mites can be treated in the same way as fleas.
Natural treatment for mites - our recommendations:
Ekoneem Organic Neem Oil Shampoo Bar
Billy No Mates Herbal Flea, Tick and Mite Treatment and Repellent
Billy No Mates Tincture
Homeopet Flea Bite - Allergies to Flea, Bug & Insect Bites
2) Mange mites
These burrow in to the skin, so they can't usually be seen by the naked eye and will need to be diagnosed by your vet, using a microscope and skin scraping. The most common types of mange mites cause Demodex mange and Sarcoptic mange.
• Demodex mange is caused by mites that live in the hair follicles of almost all dogs and they aren't normally a problem. But if the dog has an impaired immune system, or is suffering from malnutrition or stress, the mites can overpopulate, resulting in hair loss and inflamed skin. This type of mange doesn't usually cause intense itching, and it isn't contagious.
• Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and intensely itchy. Dogs can cause permanent skin damage from scratching and biting. What's more, these mites breed incredibly quickly and will eventually cover your whole pet if left untreated.
If your dog has mange, it is very likely to need veterinary treatment. However, for Demodex mange where the dog has an impaired immune system or is suffering from malnutrition or stress, there are several natural solutions available. For the immune system boost try Resist! in the short term to bring your dog back up to health then Keepers Mix as a supplement for life.
For Demodex and Sarcoptic mange I highly recommend ekoneem shampoo also.
3) Ear mites
these live inside the dog's ears. Itching, irritation and a dry crusty discharge are common symptoms, along with frequent head shaking and ear scratching. What's more, ear mites can be easily transferred from one animal to another, so if you have more than one pet, chances are they will all need treatment, such as cleaning the ears thoroughly and using a natural repellant.
Natural treatment of ear mites in dogs - our recommendations:
Ekoneem Organic Neem Oil Shampoo Bar
Billy No Mates Herbal Flea, Tick and Mite Treatment and Repellent
Billy No Mates Tincture
Dog Skin Allergies and Their Causes
When a dog has allergy problems, the allergic reaction can include trouble breathing, vomiting or an upset stomach, but the most common symptom of allergies in dogs is itchy skin. If you suspect that your dog is itching and scratching because of an allergy, you'll need to try and identify the cause. And that's often easier said than done!
With humans, dog allergies can be difficult to diagnose because there is a whole range of different things that can set them off. Keeping a diary of when the allergy flares up can help you make links to possible causes. Another option is allergy testing at the vets. If you can identify the culprit causing your dog's skin allergy, you can take steps to avoid it.
The most common types of dog allergies
1. Inhalants
This is the most common type of allergy in dogs. Many dogs are allergic to seasonal inhalants, such as pollen from trees and grass, which tends to be around for a few weeks at a particular time of year. Other inhaled allergens - such as mould spores, house dust mites, chemicals on furniture and carpets, indoor air fresheners and fabrics like wool and nylon - can be a problem all year round. The symptoms are usually scratching and biting, especially in the areas of the feet, armpits, tummy and face.
For hypoallergenic dog and cat beds try Hypoallergenic Hemp or Organic Cotton dog beds
2. Flea allergy
Many dogs are allergic to fleas - or, more accurately, to the saliva that fleas inject when they bite. Just one flea bite can set off a severe allergic reaction in some dogs, causing a frenzy of itching, scratching and hair loss.
Please read my previous articles on fleas and mites, and the natural remedies that are available.
3. Food allergies
It's thought that food allergies cause about 20% of the problems with itching and scratching in dogs. The most common dog food allergies (in order, starting with the most common) are: beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, fish, eggs, corn, wheat, and soya products.
The only way to find out which of these, if any, is causing your dog's allergic reaction is to use an 'elimination diet' in which you feed a special diet (consisting of protein and carbohydrate that your dog has never come into contact with before - and absolutely nothing else) for 12 weeks. If the allergy symptoms disappear, your dog may have a food allergy. Then you can try introducing different foods back into the diet one at a time, to see which causes a reaction.
Once you have identified the cause of your dog's food allergy, you can avoid it. But be aware that dog food allergies often develop as a result of prolonged exposure to an ingredient, so rotate your dog's diet to include different foods.
Note - true dog food allergies are different to food intolerances, which cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Food intolerance is when a dog finds a particular food difficult to digest (similar to people getting an upset stomach after eating something that disagrees with them).
Healthy treats for dog with food allergies - our recommendations:
Burns Venison Ears - large rawhide alternative dog chew
Sheep Ears - small rawhide alternative dog chew
Burns Venison Tongues
Pet Munchies Chicken, Liver and Duck
Rib Racks Free Range Healthy Dog Chews
Dr Chew Sweet Potato Vegan Dog Chews
Natural Way Skin & Coat Dog Treats
Find our complete range of healthy dog treats here
I'll be writing more on food allergies, what goes into commercial pet food and what's good to eat if you're a dog who wants to be a healthy dog!
4. Bacterial allergies
Some dogs are allergic to bacteria in the environment that are harmless to most dogs. If the dog has a weak immune system, the bacteria can penetrate into the skin, causing an infection.
Natural treatment of dog skin infections - our recommendations:
Ekoneem Organic Neem Oil
Dorwest Mixed Vegetable Tablets
Resist! - pure echinacea for dogs
5. Contact allergies
Sometimes, dogs are allergic to certain chemicals that come into contact with their skin, for example: flea products, soaps, shampoos, detergents, plastics, rubber, and other synthetic substances. Signs of the reaction (irritated red skin) are usually found on the feet, tummy, neck and chin. This type of allergy is rare. Removing the substance from the dog's environment usually solves the problem.
