It sure is miserable to be itchy!
The only response a dog can have is to scratch itself.
Scratching can lead to self mutilation, secondary infection, terrible sores and a miserable existence.
An itchy scratching puppy upsets the family. The children of the family will despair at their fluffy bundle of joy scratching and mutilating itself.
An itchy puppy is worrying and troubling. Problems were not expected so soon after arrival.
So what is causing the itch?
In the puppy, external parasites are the most likely cause of pruritis or itching. External parasites include fleas, and mites. Mites cause mange. Ear mites cause irritation of the ears and ear infections which might make the puppy scratch at the ears.
Sarcoptic mange or scabies causes an intense unrelenting itch that makes the puppy scratch at the legs, tummy and head. Constant chewing is a feature also.
Fleas however are the single most common cause of pruritis. A flea bite may be itchy for up to two weeks after the bite. If your puppy had fleas and you killed or removed the fleas, the puppy may scratch for a few days and up to two weeks following removal of the fleas.
This concept is difficult for many new dog owners to understand but relate it to a flea, mosquito or midge bite to yourself. The itch persists long after the biting insect has flown away.
If external parasites have been ruled out, food allergy needs to be considered.
Some puppies start scratching as soon as they start solid food. Ear infections and an itchy bottom sometimes occur. Rubbing the face on the carpet shortly after eating is a symptom of itchy lips and face. You will need to do an elimination food trial.
The only response a dog can have is to scratch itself.
Scratching can lead to self mutilation, secondary infection, terrible sores and a miserable existence.
An itchy scratching puppy upsets the family. The children of the family will despair at their fluffy bundle of joy scratching and mutilating itself.
An itchy puppy is worrying and troubling. Problems were not expected so soon after arrival.
So what is causing the itch?
In the puppy, external parasites are the most likely cause of pruritis or itching. External parasites include fleas, and mites. Mites cause mange. Ear mites cause irritation of the ears and ear infections which might make the puppy scratch at the ears.
Sarcoptic mange or scabies causes an intense unrelenting itch that makes the puppy scratch at the legs, tummy and head. Constant chewing is a feature also.
Fleas however are the single most common cause of pruritis. A flea bite may be itchy for up to two weeks after the bite. If your puppy had fleas and you killed or removed the fleas, the puppy may scratch for a few days and up to two weeks following removal of the fleas.
This concept is difficult for many new dog owners to understand but relate it to a flea, mosquito or midge bite to yourself. The itch persists long after the biting insect has flown away.
If external parasites have been ruled out, food allergy needs to be considered.
Some puppies start scratching as soon as they start solid food. Ear infections and an itchy bottom sometimes occur. Rubbing the face on the carpet shortly after eating is a symptom of itchy lips and face. You will need to do an elimination food trial.
The itchy puppy is sad and frustrating. For a FREE "Home Diagnosis manual to the Itchy Dog" and information about treating an itchy puppy go to http://www.scratchingdoghelp.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_T_Hill
No comments:
Post a Comment