Dogs have knack for scratching, but knowing the cause of the itch can help save you and your pet a lot of trouble. That scratching could signal a problem with fleas, a skin condition, be an environmental reaction, or signal other health problems. In order to solve the  problem, you need to get to the bottom of the cause.

Fleas, Ticks and Mites

The first and most obvious cause of itching are fleas. You can see fleas by parting your dog’s fur or looking around their abdomen where there is less fur. Fleas look small, dark brown or black, and are oval shaped. Ticks are a bit larger, and a bit lighter in color. You might also notice mites which look like little black dots or specks.

To treat fleas and ticks your groomer might recommend a flea bath or treatment. Don’t forget to clean up your dog’s bedding and the home environment as well. 

Environmental Elements

Sometimes dogs develop skin irritation in the summer because they come in contact with chemicals they might only encounter during certain times of the year. Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other  household chemicals related to home improvement or spring cleaning can all be a possible source of irritation to your dog.

Look around your home to see if your pet has come in contact with unusual chemicals then remove them or limit contact. If the problems persist, it might be time to talk to your vet for help with solutions.

Environmental

Just like humans, dogs can have an allergic reaction caused by seasonal triggers. Plants, flowers, grasses, and trees could all be a potential source of problem.

Sometimes treatment can be as simple as a visit from the groomer and regular washing in soothing shampoos and conditioners. Other times it may mean a trip to the vet for allergy relief medications.

Other Causes

If you cannot see bites, rashes, or flaking skin it may signal other problems, such as stress, boredom, or an underlying health issue. The cause of itching can be something as simple as a reaction to pollen, or more complex. If you have tried the simple solutions and ruled out common causes of summer itching, it’s time to seek the advice of a professional. Both you and your dog will feel better for it.

To find out more click on the links below:

Nix the Skin Itch of Summer I Halo

Relief for Itchy Pets I Huffington Post