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Why does my dog itch ?

15 May 2023

Why do dogs itch ? Is it because of fleas ? Is it a behavioural problem? Or is there another reason for the itching ?

Sometimes dogs itch just because it makes them feel good or because they are trying to get rid of an irritant that got stuck to their skin when they rolled around in the garden. Who knows ?

But often there is something else… First of all, skin parasites (mites and insects), and in particular fleas. They are a scourge for dogs (and their owners). Although they are small and annoying, their main characteristic is that they bite. The dog scratches itself, which relieves it at the time; but this does not solve the problem, because the more the dog scratches, the more its skin becomes irritated… and the more it itches.

Caution: Germs can develop in the area of the scratches, due to a break in the skin barrier, and cause skin infections.

In addition, as in humans, allergy is a common cause of itching. Dogs can develop an allergy to the composition of their food, to naturally occurring elements in the environment (moulds, mites, insects, pollens, plants), to textiles, to metals, to care products (shampoos, creams) or to household products, to name but a few.

Some dogs have a genetic predisposition to develop skin allergies in response to environmental substances; this is called atopic dermatitis.

Did you know ?

When a flea bites, it injects its saliva into the blood vessel of its host. This saliva contains substances that prevent blood clotting and anaesthetise the area of the bite so that the animal does not scratch at the time. This is a very effective way for the flea to feed without interruption. However, in dogs, this can lead to the development of an allergy to the flea’s saliva, which is one of the most common causes of allergy in dogs. This is known as FAD, which stands for Flea Allergic Dermatitis.

Underlying health problems can also cause itching in dogs and itchiness can be a symptom of systemic disease (systemic diseases are conditions that affect several organs). For example, endocrine diseases such as diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome, or thyroid imbalances can affect a dog’s skin, which in turn can lead to skin imbalances that cause itching.

Finally, anxiety can also be a contributing factor to itching in dogs. Dogs suffering from stress may engage in repetitive behaviours, such as scratching or licking, which in turn can cause skin irritation.

In conclusion, your dog may scratch for a variety of reasons. By identifying the cause of the itch, you can provide appropriate relief from the unpleasant itching.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.  

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat.  Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.    

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.    

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet. 

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