Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
Dogs that constantly scratch or bite themselves are in distress. Finding out the underlying cause can be difficult.
Skin conditions, external irritants, and even boredom may play a role in why your dog is scratching and biting at his skin.
Fixing the underlying problem should alleviate the behavior. If it doesn’t, a trip to your dog’s veterinarian can help.
Dogs itch and scratch their skin, shake their ears, and make lots of movements to get comfortable, clean their fur, and shake off irritants. These actions can all be part of normal dog behavior, but when your dog begins to lick, scratch, and bite at their fur incessantly, it may indicate a problem.
Not only are they in distress from an underlying irritant, but they may also cause damage to their bodies from scratching and licking. If you’ve begun to notice your dog’s scratching and biting behavior has intensified or is resulting in “hot spots,” it’s time to take action.
We’ll tell you why your dog might be itching and scratching and give you some tips on how to offer relief.
Because scratching and biting can be normal behavior, it can be hard to tell how much is too much. Most dogs will scratch themselves a few times a day and may even bite themselves to remove something trapped in their fur or alleviate a particularly itchy itch.
However, if your dog spends an excessive amount of time scratching and biting, there is probably an underlying issue.
Excessive scratching and biting can lead to:
Bottom line: If you begin to notice your dog’s scratching and biting, it’s probably because it has increased over the past few days. Now it’s time to play detective and find out what’s giving your dog itchy skin.
Dogs that are biting and scratching too much usually have a problem with their skin. Numerous triggers can cause itchy skin. Your dog may also scratch and bite for other reasons.
Here are some of the most common:
One of the most common reasons a dog will bite and scratch excessively is due to parasites. Parasites, like fleas, can infest your dog’s fur and make them incredibly uncomfortable.
Bites from these parasites can become itchy and cause your dog to scratch and bite the fur all over their bodies. Inspecting your dog’s fur can help. If you see fleas or ticks, they’ll need to be treated. Ask their veterinarian for the best way to eradicate the current infestation and how to prevent it in the future.
Dogs can have allergies, just like humans. If your dog is scratching their skin, it could be due to a seasonal or perennial allergen. Some dogs are even allergic to grass, making it difficult for them to even go outdoors to potty.
Symptoms of allergies include itchy skin and rash and may also include sneezing, wheezing, and watery eyes. If you suspect your dog may have allergies, their veterinarian can help. Allergy shots are available to dogs to help manage their symptoms, and some dogs may only need them during certain seasons.
Dogs can get dermatitis or minor irritations on the skin. These skin irritations may happen as the result of insect bites or contact with an allergen but usually go away within a few days. If you notice your dog continues to bite and scratch after two to three days, consider taking them to the veterinarian for a check-up.
Dogs who don’t get enough physical and/or mental stimulation may scratch and bite because they are simply bored. If you can’t find any other reason why your dog is biting and scratching, try increasing their exercise and/or playtime. You can also choose to give them treats on a snack mat or inside a toy that requires them to “work” to get the treat.
Hormones that regulate your dog’s skin and coat may cause them to lose hair and/or experience dry skin. Too much cortisol or thyroid hormone can create skin changes that may make your dog uncomfortable. The only way to know if your dog’s skin issues are caused by hormonal imbalances is to have their veterinarian draw their blood and test their hormone levels.
If your dog has a sore tooth or is experiencing gum pain, they may bite, lick, and chew on their own fur. If the pain is very severe, they may lose their appetite and refuse to eat or drink water.
Gum and tooth health are often overlooked in dogs. Over 80% of dogs age three and older have some form of periodontal disease, but only about 20% of their owners know about it. This means plenty of dogs have sore mouths and unhealthy gums that could be causing them pain.
In addition to pain, unhealthy mouths can lead to other health problems. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to systemic illness and even organ failure. Keeping your dog’s mouth healthy is important to help them stay happy, comfortable, and healthy.
If none of these causes seem to explain why your dog is scratching and biting, a trip to their veterinarian for a check-up is the best solution. Your dog’s vet can give them a head-to-toe examination to help discover the underlying cause of their scratching.
Once you have determined what is causing your dog’s scratching and biting, you can take steps to help them feel more comfortable.
If your dog’s scratching and biting is due to allergies or parasites, a simple medication may do the trick to prevent the behavior in the future. In addition, using a soothing shampoo can help with skin dryness and irritation and give your dog some relief.
For dogs that scratch when they are bored, increasing their activity levels and offering brain-stimulating activities can help reduce biting and scratching. In dealing with the reasons your dog scratches and bites, you’ll want to have their mouths examined for tooth decay and gum disease.
If it has been a while since they’ve had their teeth cleaned, ask their veterinarian if it is time. Some breeds need more than once-a-year cleanings. Small breeds, for instance, are at a higher risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay. These breeds may need their teeth cleaned more than once per year.
Dogs need more oral care support than just cleanings at the veterinarian. To keep your dog’s teeth and gums in great shape at home, you’ll need to start brushing your dog’s teeth. Dogs don’t particularly enjoy the experience of tooth brushing, but with a little practice (and a few rewards), they can be trained to have their teeth brushed regularly.
To brush your dog’s teeth, start with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a dog-safe toothpaste. Begin by brushing the front teeth and giving ample breaks, allowing your dog to get used to the sensation of having their teeth touched.
Move slowly to the back teeth and practice tooth brushing every day. After you’ve brushed, offer your dog a Yummy Combs® treat as a reward.
Yummy Combs are the only dog treat scientifically proven to remove hardened tartar on your dog’s teeth and gumline. The unique design of our treats is effective in removing tartar and flossing between your dog’s teeth, giving their teeth 360 degrees of flossing and scrubbing action to help support their oral care.
When offering treats, it is important to reduce your dog’s kibble intake to account for the added calories in the treats. This can leave your dog with nutritional gaps if the treats themselves aren’t made with high-quality, nourishing ingredients.
Yummy Combs are made from 44% chicken protein and contain a blend of longevity-boosting and nutritious ingredients to ensure your dog’s dietary goals are met. And if you’re concerned about treat safety, we are, too.
Some treats encourage dogs to gulp or swallow large chunks at a time. This is problematic and can lead to choking and blockages. Yummy Combs thin walls dissolve easily in your dog’s mouth, and the design cuts down on gulping. Our proprietary Slick’M™ ingredient keeps your dog’s digestive tract safe, helping our treats dissolve quickly once they are in your dog’s tummy.
Dogs that scratch and bite usually have an underlying skin issue, but sometimes, the problem could be their teeth. As a pet parent, it’s your job to play detective and discover the root cause of the issue so you can help your dog get relief.
Once you fix the scratching and biting, keep your dog’s oral care at the top of your priority list by brushing at home and offering Yummy Combs.
Sources:
External parasites | American Veterinary Medical Association
Seasonal Allergies in Dogs | PetMD
What to Know About Constant Licking, Biting, and Scratching
Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs | ScienceDirect
Updates, coupons, deals, and more!
Always feed the right treat size for your dog’s weight category. Always supervise your dog when feeding treats. This product is an adult only dog treat. Always provide ample fresh water for your dog.
Type anything...
We use cookies to provide you the best possible experience on our website. You consent to the usage of cookies by continuing to view our website. See our Privacy Notice for more information.
