How to cure itchy skin on dogs

Dogs can be prone to a condition in which their skin is so itchy and uncomfortable that they are constantly scratching themselves. They use their paws and teeth to worry at the area until all the hair has been removed from the area and the remaining flesh is raw and bleeding. If your dog is experiencing this kind of itchiness and pain, you have probably tried a number of skin relief products to help alleviate some of the pain.

There are several chemical treatments that can be used to help your dog with its itchy skin. Although most of these products work, some dogs have severe and sometimes fatal allergies to the chemicals. Instead, you would be wise to turn to grooming as your first line of defense against your pet's persistent itching.

A dog's itchy skin condition can actually be helped with a daily brushing. Most dogs develop this condition because skin irritants such as dander, pollen and dirt cling to their coat. If these particles stay in the coat long enough they will begin to irritate the skin, which causes the dog to start scratching, chewing and biting at the spot. You can help to prevent the build-up of these irritants just by brushing your dog's fur once a day, which can completely cure his itchy skin problems.

Giving your dog regular baths can also prevent him from developing an irritated skin condition. Daily baths are bad for dogs, however, and too much water and shampoo will strip your dog's skin of the natural oils it needs for protection from the irritants you are trying to combat. If these oils are gone the dog's skin will dry out and could become infected.

You should pay particular attention to your dog's ears when you are grooming him. Dogs can get ear mites, which are small insects that can bite inside the ears and cause your dog to scratch. If your dog scratches his ears excessively and claws or pulls at his ear too much, he could cause potentially dangerous ear health problems as well.

If, despite your best efforts, your dog does develop itchy skin that he chews until it is raw and oozing blood, consult your veterinarian. Your vet can prescribe topical antibiotic creams that can be applied to the affected area so it won't become infected. If your dog persists in clawing or biting at a specific area, you might need to have your dog wear one of those cone shaped collars that will prevent him from attacking the area until it gets a chance to heal properly.