Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Conditions That Cause Itchy Dog Skin

Skin problems are common among many dog breeds
and there are many factors that can cause this
condition. A significant number of these are
caused by food allergies. Learn how you can
eliminate the problem from your dog's diet and
avoid these types of allergies.

=>Food Allergies

One of the main causes of itchy dog skin are
allergies which can be triggered by certain food
ingredients. Ten percent of allergies in dogs are
caused by food. In addition, mold and pollen can
cause an allergic reaction. If you suspect that a
food allergy is the culprit you will want to
methodically change the dog's diet according to
your vet's recommendation.

This is done by using an elimination diet where
the current food is replaced by one that he has
never had. When you notice that the dog has
improved you can begin reintroducing foods from
the old diet starting with those that may be a
problem. Beef and wheat products, for example,
can often be troublesome, however, dairy
products, eggs, lamb, chicken, rabbit, pork, soy,
and fish can be included as well. Most dogs will
have more than just one allergy. If a reaction is
going to occur it will be within 2 days to a few
weeks.

Some breeds including most retrievers, German
shepherds, dachshunds and cocker spaniels are
most likely to have food allergies.

=>Dry Skin

Dogs can get dry skin just like humans and it can
be caused by allergies, mange or other skin
conditions. During the winter when there is low
humidity dry skin is more prevalent. A lack of
fatty acids as would be found in fish oil can
cause itchy dog skin due to dryness. A fish oil
supplement will not only help but will add luster
and shine to the coat.

=>Fleas

Anyone who has had a dog or a cat knows that
fleas can cause itchy dog skin. Fleas are visable
to the naked eye but are difficut to spot
particularly on a dog with a heavy coat. What you
will see are the droppings or eggs on the surface
of the coat. Another indication that your dog has
fleas is that he will lick or scratch excessively
and will develop scabs or hot spots. Blood loss
and anemia can result in extreme cases of flea
infestation. If fleas are ingested they can cause
tapeworms. The best way to combat fleas is with a
topical or oral treatment plus decontamination of
the home and yard.

If you suspect that you have a flea problem but
need confirmation you can pick off some of the
droppings on the coat which look like dirt. If it
turns red when you add a little water to it the
flea diagnosis is confirmed.

=>Hot Spots.

Another problem that can cause itchy dog skin is
hot spots. These are small red spots that appear
irritated and inflamed. They will be most
prominate on the head, chest or hips and will
feel hot to the touch. There is a wide range of
conditions that cause hot spots including insect
bites, infections, allergies or excessive licking
or chewing. In order to treat hot spots
successfully the first step is to determine the
cause. Changing the diet and supplementing with
fish oil can help relieve hot spots.

Golden retrievers and other long hair dogs are
more susceptable to hot spots in warm, humid
weather.

=>Hormonal Imbalance

If your dog's thyroid gland is not functioning
properly or produces too much cortisol this may
cause superficial skin infections. These would be
indicated by small, red spots that your dog will
scratch as if they were allergies. Your vet can
perform a thyroid test to determine if this is
the cause.

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You can learn more about related dog remedies at:
http://www.HealthyMethods.com/itchydogskin

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