Ever had one of those days where you notice every little itch?
Maybe it's the new laundry detergent, or you've got your shorts on due to good weather, and the mosquitos are having a field day. Either way, one thing you will be sure of is that is can drive you up the wall.
Well, as you may already know, with dogs, this is no exception. Dogs can suffer from dry, itchy, scaly skin for many different reasons including allergies, fleas or infection, giving them a serious desire to scratch, and in many cases, make the condition worse, with side effects such as hair loss and inflamed skin.
What we see:
One main reason, however, that we see in the grooming parlour is irritated skin due to what many owners class as spoiling or kindness in the form of treats ('human food').
Of course, not too many dogs will turn down the leftovers from a roast beef dinner, or half a pack of sausages from the barbecue, and there are, of course, many arguments to what the best diet is for a dog.
But based on our first-hand experience, too much human food can be too rich for a dog to handle and irritated is often a consequence of overtreating.
We see that time and time again, when a dog comes in with bad skin and the owner cuts 'human food' from their diet, their skin is noticeably refreshed within just a few weeks.
The dog usually seems much happier, easy to work with and generally more fun to be around.
Some medicated or specialised shampoos can ease the symptoms of sore skin, however, it may not cure the underlying cause.
Conclusion:
If you have found yourself wondering why your dog is scratching a lot, you should, of course, consult a vet in case they have an underlying issue.
However, if you also know in the back of your head that you tend you throw a few too many treats their way, consider cutting back and finding an alternative way to treat them.
We find that simply spending more time with them whether it is training, playing, walking or even lying up on the couch with them is better for them in the long run than any treat could ever be.
"They might only be here for a part of your life, but for them, you are their whole life".