Why is my dog itching?

The medical term for scratching related to excessive itching is pruritus. This is the second most common reason people take their dogs to the vet (gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea top the list). The causes of pruritus can be quite complex, but there are two main reasons why dogs itch. read more

Compulsive scratching, licking, and chewing behaviors are quite common in dogs and have a variety of causes. They can also be harmful. One of the first signs your dog has a problem might be the development of a “hot spot” -- a red, wet, irritated area that arises from persistent chewing, licking, scratching or rubbing. read more

While a dog may be scratching, itching and chewing because fleas are biting at him, he also could be scratching and itching because his skin is irritated and/or dry. Allergens can cause itching in dogs. Often, dog itching is from a COMBINATION OF DRY SKIN, FLEAS, ALLERGENS, and IRRITATION. read more