Why is My Dog or Cat Sratching So Much? Common Causes of Excessive Scratching and Natural Treatments


Why is My Dog Sratching So Much? Typical Causes of Excessive Scratching and Natural Treatments

In this article:
  1. Insect Bites and Infestations
  2. Allergies
  3. Inadequate Diet
  4. Underlying Health Issues
  5. Unspent Energy
When a dog or cat is constantly, excessively scratching it's important to identify the root cause and establish a natural treatment protocol. 
 
There are many common causes of excessive scratching and itching in dogs and cats, most common causes are provided below.

1.0 Insect Bites and Infestations

  1. Flea bites and flea infestations. 
  2. Other insect bites.
  3. A reaction to insect eggs that have been laid by a bug just under the first layer of skin.
1.1 Diet Matters
 
Dogs and cats on highly processed food product diet (dry food {kibble} or wet food) have an acidic blood and urine pH. Insects and parasites are attracted to acidic environments.

Transition your dog and cat to a species appropriate raw or gently cooked diet.

1.2 DON'T Use Conventional Insect and Parasite Preventatives

Conventional insect and parasite preventatives damage your dog and cat's short and long-term health. 
 

1.3 DO Use Natural Insect and Parasite Prevention Aids

For example:

Rosemary Flea Spray, Dip Recipe

Natural Wormers

Natural Mosquito and Tick Repellent Aids

Foods that Help Repel Insects and Parasites

2.0 Allergies

Allergies are the most common cause of a dog or cat's excessive scratching and itching of skin. 
 
A dog or cat can have one or more types of allergies.  
 
2.1 Food Allergies  
 
Common causes, symptoms and natural treatments.
2.2 Environmental Allergies

Seasonal allergies including:

  1. Hay fever, fungus, mold, etc.
  2. Synthetic chemicals.
  3. Solvents and cleaners.
  4. Dust and toxins stirred-up or introduced to the immediate environment from cleaning, renovations, etc.

3.0 Inadequate Diet

Dry skin due to poor diet, for example: 
  1. All dry food diets and wet food diets.
  2. All freeze dried, dehydrated and air dried diets if used as a long-term diet.
  3. Some raw diets and some gently cooked diets.
    • A properly designed species appropriate raw diet is the best choice for most dogs, not all raw diets are good diets. 
  4. Some gently cooked diets.
    • A properly designed species appropriate gently cooked diet is the second best choice for dogs and cats. However not all gently cooked diets are properly formulated and not all are properly tailored to suit the individual dog.

4.0 Other Underlying Health Issues

Dry skin, excessive scratching and itching can be a symptom of other underlying health issues including:
 
A partial list
  1. Bacteria, fungus or yeast infection. 
  2. Endocrine issues.
  3. Infestation of intestinal parasites.
  4. Liver or kidney issues.
  5. Thyroid issues. 

5.0 Unspent Energy or Anxiety

Scratching can also be an outlet for unspent energy or anxiety.

Some of my dogs: Abby, Zoey, Stevie and Tasha on the trails
 
Holistic Diet, Nutrition, Wellness Services Tailored to Your Individual Dog and Cat

For information about my holistic diet, nutrition and wellness services, visit my holistic wellness services page.

Maintain good health | Address acute and chronic health issues | Pre and post surgery support and recovery

My holistic wellness services are available worldwide via video consultation.

🌎 USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE

📱FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp

To set-up your holistic wellness consultation get in-touch via email, go to my contact me page.
 
Holistic Behavioral Services for Your Dog

For information about my holistic behavioral services, visit my holistic behavioral services page.

For dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds.

My behavioral services are available worldwide via video consultation.

🌎 USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE

📱FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp

To set-up your holistic behavioral session get in-touch via email, go to my contact me page. 
 
Affiliations to Companies  
✓ None. 
✓ I don't sell food, supplements, or other products.
✓ I'm not aligned with any companies. 
 
Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld.

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