Does your Dog have an Itch?

Having a pet can be a huge learning experience, you need to learn to read all the signs they give you and you will definitely become well acquainted with their little quirks and ways. So much so that when they are acting differently you will soon notice.

One issue that you may notice in your pet is itching, and while the odd tickle behind the ear and itchy belly are normal (much like with ourselves), if you notice your dog is suddenly itching more, it is most definitely worth taking note. For dogs, the summer months can often bring with them extra allergens and irritants which can make their time outside not quite as enjoyable as it could be.

The first and perhaps most important thing to do if you notice your dog itching a lot, is to make an appointment with your vet. As even if in the long term you can deal with the itch at home, broken skin can be a haven for bacteria, yeasts or fungi and as such may need extra treatment.

Once you know your dog’s itch is due to allergies or irritants there are four easy steps you can follow to help manage your pet’s itch and keep them feeling happy and healthy and help manage the itch.

Keep up to date with flea treatment – many itches in dogs are flea related, be it due to the fleas themselves or their dirt. So keeping your pet up to date with flea treatment can really help keep those itches at bay.

Wipe your dog down when they come home – had a great time at the park or in the woods? Then finish off your time by wiping your pet down with a microfiber cloth. This can help get rid of any irritants or allergens that have stuck to your dog’s fur.

Use YuMEGA Itchy Dog – YuMEGA Itchy Dog is specifically made to help your dog deal with itchy skin better. The formula is packed with high-quality ingredients such as Salmon oil, Starflower oil and Golden Flax seed. These ingredients are filled with goodness such as Omega 6 which can help with your dog’s skin moisture levels, that in turn helps protect the skin from irritants, while Omega 3 helps improve coat condition and vitamin E helps support the skin’s natural defences.

Bath, Wash and Clean – Regularly washing your dog’s toys and beds in soap flakes, (or freezing toys that cannot be washed for a while in plastic bags), can help kill off dust mites. Bathing your dog using a good quality shampoo can help remove allergens from the fur and skin.

While it is worth remembering that in summer, most of the allergens come from grass and tree pollens, dust mites or flea dirt, it isn’t just enough to avoid areas with your pet, as many allergens can be inhaled rather than just sticking to the skin.

If you are worried about your pets itching, do keep a diary, listing where your pet has been as well as where and when they are scratching and do remember your vet can always give the best advice, especially as things like food allergies can also cause itching as well.

Whatever you do, do not let an itch put you and your dog off from having fun this summer and to help one of you have as much fun as Sal and I have been having, Lintbells the people behind YuMEGA Itchy Dog are offering up a Pupnic basket, full of all the things you will need to have a great summer out and about with your dog.