"Why is my dog scratching?"
This question comes up often.
This question reveals a common problem among our dogs. In fact, approximately 20% of dogs experience persistent itching at some point. But how can we distinguish between what is normal and what isn’t?
When your dog scratches more than five times a day , it's a warning sign that you should start investigating. Excessive itching shouldn't be ignored, as it could be masking deeper underlying causes. Among these causes, it's worth examining your dog's diet.
Dietary causes of scratching
- Food intolerance: It's a common misconception that certain highly allergenic foods cause itching. However, no food is hypoallergenic for all dogs. Food intolerance can result from a variety of ingredients. To identify the source of the problem, an elimination diet is recommended, gradually removing the suspected ingredients.
- Excess sugar: Sugar in the diet can cause skin inflammation and feed yeast, leading to itching. Reducing the amount of sugar in the diet can significantly improve symptoms. Sugar is the cause of approximately 50% of the cases of scratching I see in dogs.
- Poor gut health: Poor gut health can weaken a dog's immune system, triggering allergic issues. Factors such as antibiotics, medications, grains, mycotoxins, and pesticides can disrupt the gut balance.
- Lack of variety: Many people think they should always feed their dog the same food. On the contrary! A diet that is too monotonous can cause food intolerances and itching. Dietary variety is essential for maintaining optimal intestinal balance.
How to proceed?
Given these possible dietary causes of scratching, what should you do?
- Educate yourself: Learn about foods, intolerances, and the benefits of a varied diet for your dog.
- Follow good sources: Trust experts, such as an agronomist or a veterinarian specializing in canine nutrition, for advice on the composition of a balanced diet.
- Opt for planning: Plan your dog's meals by varying the ingredients and avoiding excessive sugar. Make sure you provide your dog with a healthy and varied diet.
- Watch for the signs: Observe your dog carefully for signs of excessive itching. If you notice frequent and unexplained itching, it's important to consult a veterinary professional.
Scratching in dogs shouldn't be taken lightly. By identifying potential dietary causes, you can significantly improve your dog's comfort and health. If your dog is scratching, I suggest trying Omega 3 - Seal oil, an omega-3-rich oil that you can add to your dog's food to help with skin and scratching issues.
If your dog has scratching issues and it worries you, feel free to talk to me about it in the comments or, so that I can look at it in more detail with you, you can also come and consult me.
Finally, don't forget to share the video to raise awareness among other dog owners about this common issue and provide solutions for the well-being of our dogs. Stay attentive to your dog's signs, and see you soon in future articles where I'll share even more tips for taking care of your dog.
Karine
