What to do if your dog keeps scratching and how to treat it

If your dog has a noticeable itching symptom and keeps scratching, the first step is to put a cone on your dog to prevent them from scratching. Then take your dog to the hospital for a skin biopsy to determine the cause of the itching and use the appropriate medication. If the symptom is caused by a fungal infection, an antifungal drug containing ingredients such as ketoconazole or terbinafine should be used. If the itching is caused by a bacterial infection, an antibiotic drug containing anti-inflammatory ingredients should be used. If the itching is caused by parasites, a deworming drug should be administered.

1. Treatment of dog fungal infections causing itching

It is recommended to use antifungal drugs in a timely manner after a dog contracts a fungal infection, such as drugs containing ketoconazole or terbinafine. The recovery time for a dog's fungal infection is usually between 15 and 30 days. Symptoms of a dog fungal infection include hair loss, dandruff, crusting, and itching. When a dog shows related symptoms, it is advised to consult a veterinarian for a Wood's lamp examination or skin scraping examination for diagnosis. After confirmation, timely symptomatic treatment should be given. Additionally, fungal infections are contagious, so it is recommended to isolate the infected dog for feeding.

2. Treatment of dog bacterial infections causing itching

After a dog contracts a skin bacterial infection, symptoms such as redness, itching, hair loss, and inflammation will appear. Therefore, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs are needed for treatment. The general treatment duration is about 7 to 14 days, which aims to eliminate the bacteria on the dog's skin surface and control the inflammation, allowing the skin to recover. During the treatment, bathing the dog is strictly prohibited, as this may cause the dog's skin to stay moist, promoting the growth of fungi and exacerbating the skin disease.

3. Itching caused by external parasites on dogs

Common external parasites on dogs include fleas, lice, demodex, sarcoptes, and ticks. After a dog is infected with these parasites, symptoms such as skin redness, itching, and red granular bumps will appear. At the same time, the dog may also show symptoms such as anemia, dull hair, and hair loss. Ticks can transmit internal parasites to dogs through blood, while fleas can spread tapeworms and other internal parasites, leading to malnutrition and diarrhea in dogs. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly deworm your dog.