There is nothing worse than seeing your four-legged friend crouched over gnawing on their leg or tail to scratch some itch. Dogs are a very sensitive animal and as such, one thing can set them off, even if it is not fleas.
Dog itching but no fleas, there are several reasons why a dog will continue to scratch even though the fleas have been taken care of.
Causes for Itching (Non-flea Related)
One of the main reasons that a dog can have continued itch even after fleas are gone is a severe allergic reaction. Because dogs are a sensitive animal, even one bite from a flea can send them into a frenzy for weeks until the reaction runs its course.
This means that even if you have taken care of the fleas and there are none present, if your dog has a severe allergy to fleabites, you may have to watch your poor pooch suffer for several days or even weeks after the infestation has been cleared.
Another cause is dry skin. If you have a pet that gets washed or groomed frequently, the shampoo may be drying out your pet’s skin. Aside from grooming, exposure to the sun and drastic climate change can also bother your pet’s skin.
When you have dry skin it itches, it only stands to reason that the same thing happens to dogs when their skin gets too dry.
Ways to Cure Itchy Skin
Do not fear there are some ways to combat this itching without having to make your pet wear a cone around their head. One great way to stop itching is an allergy pill or shot. This will take care of any itching associated with the allergy to a fleabite.
Another solution if your pet has dry skin is to apply soothing shampoos or balms to help calm itching. If your pet is groomed often, try switching to a moisturizing brand or one that has hypoallergenic properties. In addition, hydrocortisone sprays or lotions also help to stop unpleasant itching.
If you pet is suffering because of inconsistent climate like switches from hot to cold, try regulating their temperature so that their skin does not dry out.
Any of these causes or solutions may help you get to the bottom of what is making your companion itchy. One of the most important things to remember is that if the problem does not clear up with simple change of habits you may have to go to your vet to make sure there is not something more serious going on.
You never know when there could be an underlying medical condition to blame for a simple reaction like being itchy. Try administering these simple at home solutions and if that does not work see your vet to find out what the real cause of the problem is.