What to Know About Constant Licking, Biting, and Scratching

Are you wondering why your dog is always scratching? Keep reading to see why it happens and what you can do about it! Pruritus in dogs causes pups to lick, bite, and chew themselves constantly, and it can drive you both crazy.

Key takeaways:

• Pruritus is the sensation in the dog’s skin that causes them to scratch.

• It is a symptom caused by dry skin, allergies, parasites, or other underlying conditions.

• Anxiety and boredom can cause dogs to lick, chew, and bite as a response.

• Changing your dog’s diet may be the key to stopping obsessive licking behavior.

• Fatty acid supplements can help ease pain and itching from dry skin.

Skin problems – including pruritis in dogs – are a part of pup parenthood. Did you know more than 160 skin conditions impact dogs? It’s no surprise that skin-related issues are the number one reason for vet visits! These conditions can cause constant itching, painful hotspots, and eventually infection if they’re left untreated.

Compulsive scratching, biting, and licking is typical in dogs, but it can become harmful, so getting to the bottom of a constant itch is important. Here’s what you need to know about pruritus in dogs.

Pruritus in dogs

Pruritis is the sensation in the skin that causes you to scratch. It is a symptom of an underlying condition, not a disease itself. The most common causes for dogs are allergies, infections, and parasites such as fleas and ticks. Some canine skin conditions don’t cause itching until they have progressed.

Dogs suffering from pruritus will incessantly chew, lick, and bite themselves. This behavior is typically kept to one area of the body, but it can manifest all over. When hotspots – irritated and infected red spots – develop, it’s time to see a professional to find out what’s causing your pup’s pain. Here’s what you need to know about potential causes: Allergies

When you notice excessive licking and scratching, there’s a good chance your pup is experiencing a bout of allergies. It could be a reaction to a food or something in the environment, such as mold or pollen. Contact dermatitis, a skin irritation that occurs when a dog comes into physical contact with harsh cleansers or pesticides, is another possibility.

Anxiety and compulsive scratching

Many people are surprised to hear that dogs experience anxiety, stress, and panic attacks. Some breeds, such as German shepherds and greyhounds, are prone to anxiety, but all can experience it. Human anxiety often manifests as hair twirling, nail biting, or tapping feet. Dogs have physical responses as well, and they include chewing, scratching, and licking. These responses can be very dangerous and even develop into obsessive-compulsive behavior, causing hotspots, irritation, and infection.

Boredom

Dogs that don’t get the proper exercise and stimulation will often lick and chew to relieve their excess, pent up energy. A bored dog will find something to do, even if it’s destructive. Here’s what you need to know about pruritus in dogs and how to identify the underlying skin condition.

Dry skin

Winter weather, dietary deficiencies, and other factors contribute to a pup’s dry skin. When skin dries, it can crack, bleed, and cause dog itch. Dry skin can also affect your dog’s coat, making it dull and more prone to shedding. While most dry skin issues can be treated easily, they can also be a symptom of a more severe condition, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease.

Hormonal imbalances

Too much cortisol hormone, not enough thyroid hormones, and other fluctuations can cause your dog's itchy skin and other problems. Dogs suffering from a hormone imbalance can develop bald spots, superficial skin infections, and constant licking and biting behaviors.

Pain

Dogs don't have a lot of response options when they're in pain. It's easy to tell a sore paw or leg when your pup is limping, but other painful issues can be harder to discern. When dogs are in pain, they may lick or chew at the area in response. For example, in cases of hip dysplasia, a dog might be biting their back hip area.

Fleas, ticks, and mites

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites are one of the most common causes of your dog's itching and compulsive licking and biting on a dog’s skin. Excessive scratching can also be a sign of parasite infestation. Ticks can usually be seen easily with the human eye, but others can be trickier to spot. Many pet parents assume their pup doesn’t have a parasite problem because they don’t see them, but that isn’t the case. Fleas can be detected with a thorough inspection, but mites are microscopic.

Treating pruritus

The way you treat pup pruritus depends on its underlying cause. Here’s what you need to know:

• When parasites are the cause, the answer is to get rid of them. Ticks can be removed and discarded. Fleas and mites can be more challenging to exterminate and may require prescription medications from a vet. Scenthound offers a flea and tick treatment, so be sure to ask about it if you need help getting rid of these parasites. Skin conditions can also be a potential cause of pruritus, so it’s important to consult your vet for a proper diagnosis.

• Routine care is critical in the fight against fleas and other parasites. Regular bathing and haircuts help keep fleas, ticks, and mites less interested in taking up residence on your pup. Excessive scratching may also indicate a yeast infection, which requires prompt veterinary attention.

• Changing your dog’s food is one way to deal with allergens that cause pruritus. Eliminating problem foods eliminates the allergic reaction. If the allergen is environmental, allergy medication may be necessary.

• Supplements such as essential fatty acids can also help soothe irritated skin and provide itch relief for dogs. They help keep your pup’s coat healthy and shiny, too.

• Addressing boredom and anxiety is crucial to curbing obsessive-licking behavior. Make sure your dog has plenty of toys, entertainment, and outside play to keep boredom or anxiety at bay.

Obsessive licking and chewing behavior isn’t just maddening for you. Your pup is miserable, too. Fortunately, pruritis in dogs can be stopped once you figure out the cause.

Use a holistic approach for your pup’s itchy skin

Regular care and basic hygiene are important to keep your pup clean and healthy and to prevent your dog’s itching. Scenthound provides the routine care that all dogs need. Identifying and treating your dog's itchy skin is crucial to avoiding discomfort and potential health issues. With every groom, we do a 6-point wellness check and provide a detailed assessment of your dog’s external health. This helps identify small problems that can turn into big problems if ignored or undetected.

Find a Scenthound near you and snuggle up to a clean, healthy pup.