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February 22nd
Sometimes we suddenly have an itch that we have to scratch, and your puppy is exactly the same.
Scratching is a normal part of any dog’s grooming routine…but sometimes scratching can point to a more serious issue.
Here, we’ll tell you all you need to know about your dog’s scratching and what it could mean. We’ll show you what to look out for, and how you can keep your puppy happy and healthy!
If your puppy keeps scratching their ears, you should check for signs of ear infections. In most cases, ear infections come from bacteria or yeast growth in the ear. This can cause inflammation and pain. Often, dogs will keep scratching the infection to the point where they make it worse, and possibly damage their hearing.
Some breeds are more susceptible to ear infections than others, but virtually any dog can get one.
Most ear infections in dogs are outer ear infections, where the ear canal is infected. Since this infections is on the outer part of the ear, the inflammation is often visible. The skin will often be warm, and you may get a whiff of an unpleasant smell.
Your dog will likely respond to the irritation by scratching, which only leads to further inflammation and discomfort, which leads to more scratching. That’s why it is important that you address the infection right away. There are some remedies that you can try at home, but the best way of treating the ear infection is to take your dog to the vet.
This infection occurs just behind the eardrum. It can present with similar symptoms as outer ear infections, but can have a greater impact on your dog’s hearing. If you notice that your dog is having issues with hearing, and is scratching more than usual, take them to the vet.
These infections are much rarer, but can often be much more serious than outer or middle ear infections. They can lead to coordination difficulties and a lack of balance. This means that your dog may have difficulty walking.
Inner ear infections can be hard to diagnose, so it is important that you have a vet look at your dog’s ear if you suspect they might have an infection. They can be fairly straightforward to treat, but if left alone, they can cause serious hearing damage.
There are other reasons besides infections that your dog may be scratching their ears. Sometimes environmental irritants can cause discomfort on or around the ear, leading to inflammation that causes itching.
If your dog runs around outside, especially in fields or woods, they may pick up tiny little spikes called foxtails. These lodge themselves into the dog’s skin, and can work their way even deeper as the dog tries to scratch them. This can lead to a wide range of problems, from bleeding to abscesses and infections.
Doodles are susceptible to foxtails because of their thick and curly hair. This makes it easy for foxtails to find their way onto your dog, where they can then cause your pup a lot of pain.
If you find foxtails on your dog’s skin, try to gently remove them and avoid further irritating the skin. If you are having difficulties, take your dog to the vet. They should be able to deal with it quickly and (relatively) painlessly.
Your Doodle has been playing around outside and comes running back inside. They seem fine at first, but you notice they just won’t stop scratching. Should you be worried? Dogs pick up a lot things, such as dirt and pollen, when they go outside. That’s just a normal part of being a puppy.
But if the scratching is prolonged, their might be something that is causing irritation and could point to a more serious issue that could impact your dog’s health. In that case, you should consider speaking with your vet.
Puppies are sensitive, and their skin can get irritated from various chemical and environmental agents outside your house, as well as various pests. If they’ve been rolling around in the lawn, make sure that you aren’t using any lawn care products that could cause irritation. If they keep scratching , that could be a sign they have fleas, ticks, or insect bites.
Fleas can be spotted by eye, so if you suspect that your dog may have them, thoroughly check their fur. Their are products that you can buy to deal with the fleas, but some of the best options are only available with a prescription.
Speak to your vet, and ask them about what the best options are to treat your dog’s fleas. There are multiple medications that can prevent your dog from getting fleas in the first place.
Hopefully you have a better idea of how to tell if your puppy just has an itch, or if there is a more serious medical problem. If you’re still worried about your pup, you should consider a quick call or visit to your vet.
And if you haven’t found the perfect puppy just yet, head to our puppy finder to find your dream dog.
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