Should I bathe my dog if it's itching and licking itself?

If you think you’re uncomfortable, imagine how your dog feels. Compulsive scratching, licking, and chewing behaviors are quite common in dogs and have a variety of causes. They can also be harmful. Dogs scratch, lick, or chew for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from allergies to boredom to parasite infestation. Because there are so many reasons why dogs chew or scratch, be sure to check with your veterinarian as soon as you notice a problem. The veterinarian will help figure out the cause of the behavior and determine the best treatment plan. Depending on the cause of your dog’s compulsive behavior, this might include: Eliminating parasites, Changing foods, Using medication. Preventing the behavior, Addressing anxiety or boredom, are also essential to stop your dog from chewing, licking, or scratching too much.

If your dog has itchy skin, you may be concerned that water from a bath and shampoo, which can contain irritating detergents, will make itching worse. Sometimes this is a legitimate concern; frequent bathing with the wrong kind of products can lead to dry skin, cause allergic reactions, or irritate already itchy, irritated skin that can be caused by a variety of conditions including parasites, allergies, and medical conditions. If your dog is suffering from itchy skin, the first step is to determine what is causing itchy skin. Once the cause has been addressed, or if your dog is just experiencing run of the mill dry, itchy skin, giving your dog a bath with the right products can relieve rather than irritate itchy skin. Giving your itchy dog a bath can actually relieve rather than contribute to itchy skin, providing the right shampoo is used, as a bath removes dander, bacteria, yeast, and other debris that may be contributing to itchy skin on your dog.

Itchy skin is a very common problem in dogs and can be caused by many different conditions, some minor and some more serious. Contact your vet if your dog has itchy skin - it’s a very uncomfortable problem that can make a dog feel miserable. Always contact your vet if you think your dog is scratching or nibbling himself/herself more than normal. Itchy skin can be very uncomfortable and shouldn’t be ignored. The treatment required for an itchy skin problem depends entirely on what is causing it. It might be something you can manage at home, but it’s important to talk to your vet and find the cause before trying any treatment at home.