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My German Shepherd Scratches All The Time

Food Allergies Can Cause Skin Itching In German Shepherd Dogs

Why Is My German Shepherd Scratching So Much? 9 Crazy Quick Solutions!

As WebMD for Pets highlights, food allergies in canines are becoming an increasingly common issue for dog owners today.

In fact, current estimates indicate as many as 10 percent of all dogs alive today may be suffering from some degree of food allergies.

Interestingly, food allergies in people are also on the rise.

While researchers are not completely sure what is causing this uptick in interspecies food allergies, there are several suspects, from GMOs to global toxins.

Certain foods are known to be more prone to causing food allergies in German Shepherds and other dog breeds.

Chicken, fish, beef, eggs, dairy, soy, wheat , rabbit, pig , and lamb are some of the most frequently cited food-based allergens.

However, a German Shepherd may also have sensitivities to additional foods. For example, peanuts are known to be more prone to fungus, which can cause intense allergies in some dogs.

It is important to identify which foods are triggering the scratching because you will need to make sure to eliminate these foods from your GSDs diet.

Veterinarians who specialize in allergies and immunology are not sure exactly why dogs have sensitivities to foods that might ordinarily be a big part of their diets such as chicken and lamb.

Even if your dog previously was able to eat the food item, over time sensitivity can develop and it may be necessary to remove that food from the diet going forward.

Treating Your German Shepherds Itchy Skin For Good

Its heartbreaking to watch your German Shepherd itching constantly, uncomfortable, and even in pain. Your GSD might just need a change of diet or a quick spray of anti-itch solution.

There are simple ways to help your German Shepherd from itching and scratching like crazy. Most of the treatments you can order from home and apply right away.

A solid skincare routine can help alleviate your German Shepherds itchy skin for good and doesnt cost a fortune.

Dont let your itchy dog lie around uncomfortable when therere steps you can take right now to help them!

Want more help with your German Shepherds skin and fur?

What To Do About Your Gsd Scratching Itself

There are a number of things that you can do about your German Shepherd scratching itself. The best option will depend on the cause of it doing it. Below, are some options that you have.

Take it to a vet

If you are unsure of why your GSD has been doing it, it has been doing it excessively or it has been showing signs of being injured then it would help to take it to a vet. By doing so you will be able to get expert advice tailored to your particular GSD and to rule out medical causes.

Avoid negative reinforcement

Negative reinforcement is where you inadvertently reinforce bad behaviors by giving your GSD things that it wants when it does them.

Instead of giving your GSD things that it wants when it scratches itself, try to notice when it is about to do it and to divert its attention away from scratching itself.

Consider the shampoo you use

It could be the case that the shampoo you use on your German Shepherd is causing it to be scratchy. This would be more likely if it only scratches itself when you have recently put shampoo on it. In this case, it would help to change the shampoo.

Get rid of its fleas and allergies

It would also help to eradicate fleas from your home by doing things such as:

  • Washing the bedding with hot soapy water
  • Vacuuming the carpets and throwing the bad
  • Applying an environmental flee control
  • Applying a spray, pellet or non-toxic treatment for the yard
  • Treating your German Shepherd with a monthly preventative

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Why Would My Dog Need An Oatmeal Bath

Dermatological issues among dogs are fairly common â itchy, dry skin or other skin issues can be uncomfortable for your pup, and frustrating for you. These can be caused by anything from allergies or irritants to seasonal changes.

An oatmeal bath is one at-home remedy that can help calm minor itches. Though more serious issues will need a vets attention, you may be able to alleviate your poochs discomfort and save yourself some time and money with this method.

Remove Possible Sources Of Stress

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If all possible sources of stress are removed, dogs are not likely to itch and scratch. Stressors such as a lack of exercise, inadequate nutrition, an allergy or behavioral problems may need to be addressed in order for your pets condition to improve.

Remember that what works for one dog might not work for another it is important that you pay attention to why your dog is scratching the floor and remove any underlying causes. If there are no underlying issues, then at-home solutions may be all that is needed.

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How Do You Cure A Dogs Excessive Scratching

Using medication. Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to treat underlying problems contributing to your dogs persistent scratching. Additionally, your vet may recommend the use of topical or systemic antibiotics, steroids, or anti-itch products to treat existing hot spots or skin infections.

My Pet Won’t Stop Chewing Scratching And Licking His Skin What’s Going On

Licking, chewing, scratching, and self-biting are common symptoms in pets. Cats will lick excessively,

sometimes biting out their fur in clumps or excoriating the skin about the head and face with their claws. Dogs will scratch repetitively with their paws or gnaw incessantly target areas can include the whole body, or specific areas, like the backside, legs, and feet. Regardless of the form of the symptoms, when they appear in excess, they point to one thing: itchiness.

Known as pruritus in medical terms, itchiness is among the top reasons owners take their pets to veterinarians. To fix the problem, a vet must find the root of the problem. And thats often a tricky prospect.

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What To Watch For

Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your German Shepherd Dog needs help.

Stop All The Scratching

Why Is My German Shepherd Scratching So Much: Skin Issues That Plague GSDs

Lets assume that you havent found fleas in time, and now your poor German shepherd is having a hard, glowing with red irritation on its skin as well. What do you do?

How do you stop all the scratching? First of all, wash off all the fleas there are by following the recommendation above. Then, make sure there arent any possible sources for the problem to happen again, like too much dust, bad food and etc.

After this is done, be sure to find out what caused the problem, and eliminate it completely. If it worked, then you were successful! Otherwise, try something else before you finally deal with it. And, again, its best to ask help from the vet before doing anything!

Thank You for reading!

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The Importance Of Stopping Your Pets Itchiness

Although it isnt a life-or-death issue for dogs, itchiness isnt something you should ignore. A couple of the most important reasons you should address itchy skin promptly include:

  • Your pets overall well-being and happiness. Think about the last time you had a mosquito bite, or some dry skin that was really itchy. Sometimes its so troublesome its all you can think about, and scratching only makes it worse! Being uncomfortable in your own skin can really get you down, and the same will happen with your pet.
  • Itchy skin can be a bigger deal than you think. Itchy skin can indicate that your hound may be harboring an allergy, infection, or other underlying health issue. Ruling out a more serious issue with a vet is the best route forward.

Just be sure to note anytime your pet is scratching more than usual, and start trying to get to the bottom of the issue promptly.

Dont have easy access to a vet? You may want to consider getting help from JustAnswer a service that provides instant virtual-chat access to a certified vet online.

You can discuss the issue with them, and even share video or photos if need be. The online vet can help you determine what your next steps should be.

While talking with your own vet who understands the ins and outs of your dogs history is probably ideal, JustAnswer is a good backup option.

How To Get Your Dog To Stop Scratching At The Door

Dogs mostly scratch on the door to be let in or out. Some will whine or circle before resorting to scratching, but some do not. Some only go to scratching when desperate, while others will go directly to scratching a hole into your door. Dogs also scratch if you leave the house due to wanting to be included with the rest of their pack. Now that we know why a dog might be scratching, we can stop the destruction of your doors.

If your dog is scratching because he/she wants outside, stand next to the door. Wait until your dog gives you a full 30 seconds of no scratching. Once your dog has done this, immediately give them a treat, praise them, and let them out. Now reverse it.

If your dog is outside, scratching to come in, wait for the 30 seconds of no scratching again. As long as your dog is scratching, ignore them. Once you hear the 30 seconds of scratch free sound, let your dog in, give them a treat, and praise them. Your dog will learn to associate being separated from you, and not getting what they want, with scratching. They will associate treats, praise, and getting to be where they want, with not scratching.

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How To Help My German Shepherd From Itching And Scratching

Treating a German Shepherd with itchy skin at home can help decrease their itching and scratching so they are more comfortable and regain healthy skin.

To help your German Shepherd from itching try to:

  • make sure they are free from fleas and ticks ask your vet for parasite treatments
  • use medicated shampoos made for dry skin
  • apply moisturizing sprays and creams
  • stick to a regular grooming and brushing routine
  • and add in supplements to increase skin moisture

Sometimes, you just cant figure out why theyre having allergies or itching like crazy, so go through the tips above and seek your vets advice if needed.

Why Wont My German Shepherd Stop Scratching Itself

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This post will show you a number of reasons why your German Shepherd might keep scratching itself and what you can do about it.

So, why wont my German Shepherd stop scratching itself? Possible reasons are that it has fleas or allergies, its bored or injured, it has something stuck in its fur, its anxious or that it is compulsive behavior.

There are a number of nuances that you can consider when trying to figure out why your GSD does it. Once you have a good idea of the cause, it will become a lot easier to get it to stop.

German Shepherds are mostly known for their intelligence, courage, and agility. However, most GSD parents will attest to the fact that theyre incredibly affectionate.

If they could speak, theyd probably tell you they love you and appreciate you a thousand times a day. But since they cant verbalize their feelings, they show their affection in multiple non-verbal ways.

Of course, different dogs will show their love in different ways. Here are some of the most common German Shepherd signs of affection:

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Apply A Moisturizing Skin Spray Or Ointment

Moisturizing sprays keep your pets skin hydrated and bring more immediate relief to their irritation.

They are also convenient and easy to use throughout the day. Look for a spray that contains aloe vera and vitamin e, both of which moisturize the skin.

I use this spray for my itching German Shepherd and her skin felt moisturized and looked healthier after only a few applications. Spray on your dogs hot spots to reduce constant itchiness and provide soothing moisture. This spray was formulated for dogs with allergies by veterinarians, so its a clinical formula for home use.

For areas you think are infected or extremely irritated, try a thicker cream that also offers pain relief, like this Sulfodene ointment.

I wouldnt get caught without this spray and ointment, not only for itchiness and dry skin but for cuts and sores. My GSD immediately shows signs of relief upon application!

Managing Skin Problems With German Shepherds

Fatty acids, zinc and antioxidants may reduce the symptoms. Its a main reason we added them to our Skin & Coat Supplement. Avoid taking your German Shepherd to early morning or late afternoon walks if youre dealing with a pollen allergy. You may also regularly vacuum or wash the dog in hot water to remove the allergens. Keep them away from either the laundry or the basement, or other areas in the house where its humid.

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Avoid Using Room Or Fragrance Sprays

Some German Shepherd allergies are brought on or worsened by unnatural, chemical-laden room and fragrance or perfume sprays.

Avoid using these items, including the plug-in room fragrance models, if you suspect your German Shepherd has allergies or is itching constantly.

Remove any fragrance plug-ins and dont burn any candles or incense.

Your dogs nose is much more sensitive than your own and they can smell even the lightest of fragrance which can trigger allergies. Try forgoing your perfume and fragranced body sprays and deodorants to see if this makes a difference in your GSDs allergies and scratching.

Get Help If Your Dog Keeps Itching

What It’s Like Owning a German Shepherd

The next time you see your dog itching and scratching, use the information outlined above to help you narrow down what the possible problems are. Remember, though, that you dont have to do this alone you can and should take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice excessive scratching. This way, the vet can work with you to help figure out the underlying cause of the itching and choose the right course of treatment for your dog.

Although some pet owners feel like scratching is a normal part of dog ownership, remember that it shouldnt be excessive. Everyoneand every dogis itchy sometimes, but when your dog scratches repeatedly or frequently throughout the day, this is a sign that she needs some treatment. You and your vet are sure to find the source of the problem and figure out the best way to take care of your dog together.

At OrlandoVets, we work to find the reason why your dog keeps itching. Whether your pet needs treatment for dog allergies or treatment for a different cause, our veterinarians will work with you on developing the best possible way to help your dogs excessive itching.

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How Are Moles Different In Dogs And Humans

Although in some respects moles may appear similar, there are several vital differences that the condition will display between species that will affect both the diagnosis and the treatment of the condition.

  • While humans can often dislike moles for cosmetic reasons, dogs have no such compunctions regarding the growths presence on their bodies, meaning that treatment of benign moles is absolutely unnecessary.

  • Some moles in humans may end up producing hair follicles, which results in long hair growing out of patches of otherwise regular skin, which makes the growths much easier to detect. In dogs, it is very hard to tell if the follicles are abnormal due to the usual density of the animals coat. That said, differences in hair color can sometimes be of help in revealing the mole.

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How Can You Comfort Your German Shepherd

If you find a trigger, you can naturally take steps to avoid them in the future. You should also be aware that these dogs may whine or recoil with raised voices or sudden or aggressive movements when these appear.

It is best to be careful about speaking and moving around them until they are more comfortable in your presence.

In case you cant pinpoint a trigger or there appear to be too many to avoid, the best thing you can do is to comfort your dog. If they are cautious around you, you can simply lie next to them until they get used to your presence.

After a while, when they know how to seek comfort from you, you can offer them cuddles. With time, this fear may leave them.

These are the main reasons that your German Shepherd may be whining. When in doubt, always take your dog to the vet to ensure that there are no medical issues. Once you have ruled this out, you can identify and deal with any behavioral issues. You should have the problem under control in no time at all.

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Has Your German Shepherd Had The Same Food Throughout His Life

YES Most likely not a food allergy, as these will most often present only if there has been a significant change from your dogs regular diet.

NO If you have recently changed your dogs diet , then there is a good chance that your GSDs itching is due to a food-related allergy.

If this is the case, speak with your veterinarian. She will be able to help you identify what is in the food that is causing the allergic reaction in your dog, and will also provide suggested foods based on your dogs individual needs.

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