WORD COUNT: 618 WRITTEN BY: Rebecca Guldberg WHY YOUR DOG CAN'T STOP SCRATCHING Vets Say 50% of Dog Visits Are Due to Chronic Itching Concerns Is your dog scratching, licking, or biting at its skin more than usual? You’re not alone. According to Dr. Terry Fossum, a veterinarian and founder of Dr. Fossum's Pet Care and The Cutting Edge Vet podcast, more than 50% of all veterinary visits are related to itching in dogs. Itchiness, or “pruritus” in medical terms, isn’t just a nuisance for the pet; it can also drive pet owners up the wall. "Imagine trying to sleep when your dog is constantly scratching and thumping the floor. It’s not just the dogs that are suffering; pet owners are losing sleep too," says Dr. Fossum. So, what’s behind this persistent itch, and how can you help your furry friend find relief? When a dog starts scratching, the first thought might be fleas or ticks, and that’s not far off. “Fleas and ticks are the number one cause of itching in dogs,” says Dr. Fossum. However, she quickly adds, “these days, they’re relatively easy to manage with a variety of flea and tick preventatives like collars, oral medications, or injections.” But when the itching persists, it’s time to dig deeper. There are several potential causes of itching, ranging from the easy-to-diagnose to the downright baffling. The first thing a vet might check for is ectoparasites—fleas, ticks, or even sarcoptic mange. If those are ruled out, the next step could involve looking for infections. “We may do skin scrapings, comb the hair for flea dirt, or take smears to look for bacteria or yeast,” explains Dr. Fossum. However, if no clear answer emerges, the culprit could be allergies. “Allergic dermatitis is a much trickier beast,” Dr. Fossum notes. Dogs can have allergic reactions to a range of triggers, from food to environmental factors. “Flea allergies are common—just one flea bite can cause intense itching in a sensitive dog. Beyond that, you’re looking at food allergies or environmental allergies, and those are tough to pin down.” Food allergies in dogs often require a bit of detective work. “Most food allergies are caused by proteins like beef, dairy, or chicken,” says Dr. Fossum. “So, we may try a novel protein, like rabbit, and see if the itching stops.” Environmental allergies, on the other hand, can be harder to diagnose. “Unlike humans, we can’t just do a skin test for dogs. It’s more of a process of elimination,” she adds. While most cases of itching are related to allergies or parasites, they can sometimes be an early sign of a more severe condition. “There are rare instances where itching can be a symptom of cutaneous lymphoma, a type of skin cancer,” Dr. Fossum cautions. “While it’s uncommon, this is why it’s a good idea to have a vet check out any persistent itching.” If the scratching persists, don’t wait. A vet visit can rule out serious conditions and get to the root of the problem faster. “If your dog’s itching goes untreated, it can lead to more severe issues like skin thickening, infections, and even permanent staining of their fur,” Dr. Fossum explains. “Addressing the issue early can save a lot of discomfort for both the dog and the owner.” So, what’s the takeaway? If your dog is scratching more than usual, don’t just brush it off. With a host of potential causes ranging from simple to severe, it’s worth consulting your vet to find out what's really going on. Whether it’s fleas, food, or something more, getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward relief—for both your pet and you.