What is Itching, Scratching, Chewing (Pruritis)?
When your dog chews and bites himself, he is trying to get rid of the uncomfortable feeling of itchiness. If your dog is constantly itchy and scratching to the point of hair loss and redness, this is considered pruritus. It can be in one certain area or the whole body. Itching may be caused by several disorders, such as contact dermatitis, allergy, and infection. The itching can also be caused by parasites, such as fleas or mites.
Inflamed skin caused by chewing or licking is common in dogs. It is also known as pruritus (itching), and it is not actually a disease or disorder, but a symptom of another problem. The key to treatment is to find the cause of the itching.
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Symptoms of Itching, Scratching, Chewing (Pruritis) in Dogs
If your dog is unable to stop the licking and scratching, take him to the veterinarian without delay before secndary infection affects the skin. Signs to watch out for include:
- Constant scratching
- Excessive skin licking
- Gnawing
- Rubbing
- Self-injury
- Redness of the skin
- Bald spots
- Whining
- Anxiety
- Aggravation
Causes of Itching, Scratching, Chewing (Pruritis) in Dogs
Your pet could display itching signs that are to the extreme, leading to distress and anxiety. Some of the causes for the uncontrollable itching, scratching, chewing or licking could be as follows.
- Allergy (atopic dermatitis)
- Infections (yeast, bacteria)
- Parasites (fleas, mites, ticks, lice)
- Contact dermatitis
- Hormonal disorders
Diagnosis of Itching, Scratching, Chewing (Pruritis) in Dogs
The first thing your vet will do is a physical examination of your dog’s entire body. He will pay special attention to the areas of redness and inflammation where your dog has been itching. Provide your veterinarian with as much detailed information as you can about the itching, such as when it started, any changes in diet or shampoo, if the itchiness is getting worse, and what was going on at the time of the itching.
A skin swab may be taken to be tested for bacteria or yeast infection while a skin scraping may help to identify any deep mites. The veterinarian may also do a CBC, blood chemistry, and skin allergy test to check for signs of a hormonal condition,, immune disorder, allergy, or other problems.
Treatment of Itching, Scratching, Chewing (Pruritis) in Dogs
Your veterinarian will give your dog some anti-itch medicine to stop the itching while you are waiting for results from the tests. Once the cause of the itching is determined, your veterinarian will decide on the best course of treatment.
Allergy
- If the itching is caused by allergy, the veterinarian will administer antihistamines and steroids '(or other anti-itch medicine) to suppress the itchiness. You may also be given a prescription for a medicated shampoo to use for 7 to 10 days. While not always possible, it is useful to try to identify the allergen, such as new food or shampoo. Changing your dog’s diet or shampoo will prevent the itching from returning. If the problem does not get better or if it returns, bring your dog back to the veterinarian for further testing. Frustratingly, many 'allergic' dogs will react to more than one thing and will react to things that are difficult to avoid such as pollen, grass and dust mites.
Infection
- If your dog’s itchiness is caused by infection, your veterinarian will prescribe an oral antibiotic and medicated shampoo to use for 2 to 3 weeks. They will also need an anti-itch medicine to break the itch scratch cycle. Infections are often secondary to other issues.
Parasites (including Scabies)
- Parasites (including scabies, a type of mange) are treated with anti parasite medicine and sometimes a special shampoo. Be sure to wash all the bedding that your dog has been laying on recently to keep the parasites from returning. Similarly, any in-contact animals must be treated.
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Recovery of Itching, Scratching, Chewing (Pruritis) in Dogs
Many forms of itching need to be treated continually to get rid of the problem. We cannot cure atopic dermatitis and flare ups are to be expected; the aim is to control signs as much as possible.
It may be necessary to use a prescription shampoo and anti-itch medicine for your dog for the rest of his life to prevent reoccurrence.
Treating conditions related to pruritis can be expensive. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.
Itching, Scratching, Chewing (Pruritis) Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $300 - $2,500
Average Cost
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Itching, Scratching, Chewing (Pruritis) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Rottweiler/Aussie shepard
Two Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Extrmely Itchy Licking And Biting His Paws All The Time
my dog has recently been extremely itchy and he normally bites and licks his paws but lately its all the time and his paws are very red and look sore and he is favoring his one paw over the other he cant walk more then a few steps without itching
Aug. 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
3 Recommendations
Hello, So sorry to hear about your dog. You can try Benadryl to see if that helps. A typical dosage is 1mg/pound. If this does not help, it would be best for your dog to see your vet. This is most likely due to allergies and there are many great prescription options for allergies in dogs. Also, medicated baths will help your dog's skin feel much better.
Aug. 31, 2020
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Standard Poodle
Rio
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Chewing
Chewing, Itching
Why is my dog suddenly and constantly itching and chewing on himself? He has Atypical Addisons disease, periodic seizures, a degree of separation anxiety, and obsessive behaviors. Standard male Poodle, almost five years old and is neutered
July 21, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Causes of itching in dogs can be related to parasites, bacterial or fungal infection, allergies, or allergic reactions. Since I can't see Rio, I don't have any way of knowing what might be causing the itching, and it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian to see what might be going on to make him so itchy, and to get treatment for him.
July 22, 2018
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Golden Labrador
Chloe
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Scratching
Chewing Paws
Licking Stomach
Dog constantly, licking stomach skin, biting & chewing paws, scratching. Has diet of lamb mince, brown rice & frozen veg (brocolli, cauliflower & carrot). Never anything else as she had some intolerances which made her very sick.
May 29, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Many things can cause the signs that you are describing with Chloe, including bacterial or fungal infections, parasites, or environmental allergies. Since I cannot see her or diagnose what is going on with her, it would be best to have her examined by a veterinarian, as they can look at her, determine what might be going on, and recommend any treatment that she may need.
May 29, 2018
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Pit bull
Sancho
11 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking
Scratching
Bitting
My dog is constantly bitting licking and scratching himself and i dont know what i can do for him and would that be a resort to him having a heartattack or seizures and what can i do for him at home i dont have the money to get him to a vet at this moment
May 23, 2018
2 Recommendations
Biting and scratching may be caused by various different conditions including allergies, infections, parasites, autoimmune diseases, chemical irritation among other causes; without a thorough examination I cannot say specifically what is causing these symptoms, try to think of any changes in the home before this biting and scratching started as this may be a possible cause. To start with you should try bathing Sancho with a sensitive dog shampoo and applying a flea and tick prevention product on him (if he hasn’t had one for more than a month). Monitor him for improvement, but if there is no improvement you should visit a Veterinarian regardless of cost. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 23, 2018
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Itching, Scratching, Chewing (Pruritis) Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $300 - $2,500
Average Cost
$500
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
