How To Treat And Stop My Dogs Itchy Skin
The best way to treat a dogs itchy skin will depend on what is causing them to scratch in the first place. For example, if it is a result of their shampoo or fur care products, it may be as simple as switching products. If you are able to work with your vet and decide it is a food based sensitivity, you could change their diet accordingly. If it appears to be something caused by a medical issue, your vet can recommend antibiotics or other medications.
Is Your German Shepherd Itching In Winter Use These Dry Skin Tips
Its not uncommon for a German Shepherd to begin itching in winter, especially with the wind, ice, cold, and snow conditions. Deicing solutions and salt on the walkways increase skin dryness.
Remember, in the winter your German Shepherd needs special attention to their skin:
- Be sure to keep paw cleaning and wiping products by your door.
- Upon returning from every walk use them to remove any debris.
- Brush them thoroughly to help distribute their natural oils after walking outdoors in winter and apply an anti-itch spray and ointments if necessary.
- Bathe them with a medicated shampoo regularly, but dont wash too frequently or youll dry their skin more.
Although this takes time, its also a healthier option than watching your dog scratch like crazy and constantly during the winter!
Common German Shepherd Skin Issues
German Shepherds are well-known for their intelligence, confident disposition, and luxurious double coats a soft inner guard coat hidden beneath a glossy outer layer. Although their medium-length fur provides considerable protection, German Shepherds are far more susceptible to uncomfortable skin conditions than many other breeds. Skin conditions are some of the most common German Shepherd health issues.
The average lifespan of German Shepherds is 10 to 12 years . So during that time, expect health problems every now and then. If your German Shepherd seems to be scratching more than usual, if you discover lesions, rashes, hair loss, or any other skin problem, its important to take immediate action. Knowing the three most common causes of German Shepherd skin issues can help reduce the risk of recurrence and potential complications.
Read Also: Is My German Shepherd Puppy Underweight
Why Do German Shepherd Shed So Much
If you have been a German Shepherd owner you will know for a fact that this breed of dogs is heavy shedders. These specific dogs come with a double coating this type of coating includes a soft and woolly undercoat with the outer coat made of thin long protective hairs, this is to protect the dog from easily getting injured.
Its good to keep your German shepherd dog well-groomed and well shaved up that will reduce the shedding from occurring on a faster paste.
One of the main reasons why German Shepherd dogs shed so much is because they grew new hair throughout the entire year. Most dogs are seasonal the hair on their skin only sheds when the new ones are pushing out but for your GMS dog s its different because the hair on them grows right through the year.
In summer and in fall these dogs will shed the most, your German Shepherd dog will go through a phase name the coat blow in which the shedding is at its highest level., this rapped shedding can last for weeks before reducing to the normal stage.
Also Check: German Shepherd Feeding Guide
German Shepherd Dry Skin Prevention
It is often believed that prevention is better than cure. So, how do we avoid German Shepherd skin problems?
- Never give your dog low-quality food.
- Always clean your GSDs surroundings.
- Avoid feeding food that your GSD cant tolerate.
- Religiously finish oral medications to prevent or worsen other diseases.
GSDs may not be able to convey to you how they feel. But seeing them scratch and itch constantly is a sign that they may be suffering from various skin problems. There are many available products for GSDs skin conditions in the market. Just patiently check their symptoms to see which product matches your beloved GSD. Remember that a GSD with healthy skin is a sign of a loving owner.
The products featured on this page were last updated on 2022-10-13 /. Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Read Also: What Is A Black German Shepherd
Give Your German Shepherd A High Quality Fish Oil Daily
First and foremost, make sure youre giving your german shepherd a high quality fish oil. Fish oil contains omega-3, which is lacking in most commercial pet foods since it cannot survive the manufacturing process. Omega-3 helps soothe inflammation, and in some studies it significantly reduced itchiness in dogs with moderate to mild atopic dermatitis. We like Norwegian Salmon oil for its ultra-high purity.
Treating Your German Shepherds Itchy Skin For Good
Its heartbreaking to watch your German Shepherd itching constantly, uncomfortable, and even in pain. Your GSD might just need a change of diet or a quick spray of anti-itch solution.
There are simple ways to help your German Shepherd from itching and scratching like crazy. Most of the treatments you can order from home and apply right away.
A solid skincare routine can help alleviate your German Shepherds itchy skin for good and doesnt cost a fortune.
Dont let your itchy dog lie around uncomfortable when therere steps you can take right now to help them!
Want more help with your German Shepherds skin and fur?
You May Like: Royal Canin Wet Dog Food German Shepherd
What Helps A German Shepherd With Dry Skin
How to Treat a German Shepherd With Dry Itchy Skin
Try Giving Apple Cider Vinegar To Your German Shepherd Topically Or As A Dietary Supplement
ACV provides digestive support and relief for allergic reactions. A small amount can be put into your dogs water bowl, or you can apply it topically. You can also apply a 50% mixture of ACV, and 50% water directly to your dogs skin in areas that are experience rash or itchiness. If given orally, you can also find apple cider vinegar soft chew supplements for dogs.
Also Check: Why Do German Shepherds Have Big Ears
Itchy German Shepherd Here Are The Most Common Causes Of Constant Itching
Do you know what the most likely causes of a German Shepherds constant itching are?
Use this list to see if your dog might have an allergy to one or multiple items that causes them to itch like crazy:
- Parasite Allergy
- Environmental Factors
- Seasonal Allergies
- Medicine Allergy
You cant usually tell why you now have an itchy German Shepherd just skin problem just by looking. So, its good to rule out what you can at home to help your vet make a better diagnosis. Always seek vet advice when in doubt.
You can also provide temporary and sometimes long-term relief using the process of elimination and the home treatments for skin problems previously listed.
What Is The Proper Ear Care For A German Shepherd
Many ear problems that a German Shepherd can have can be prevented or minimized by proper ear care.
First, make sure that you regularly check your German Shepherds ears. Check for pests, any foreign objects, and signs of irritations. Making sure that their ears look healthy is a good way to make sure that they are healthy.
Many pet stores have specific soaps that are meant for dog ears. Use these ear washes when you are bathing your German Shepherd or when their ears look like they need to be cleaned.
Use this wash on a cotton ball, pad, or a very soft cloth and wipe all around the inside and outside of their ears. Just be careful to not go too deep into their ear to prevent causing more damage.
After every bath and ear cleaning, make sure to dry their ears completely so that wash or water doesnt get stuck in there. You can then give your German Shepherd a treat after the cleaning to reward them. Having their ears looked at and scrubbed is not the most fun experience.
If your German Shepherd has a lot of fur that grows around the ears, trimming that fur can prevent it from sticking into their ears and causing irritation.
If you find any signs of an ear infection or another problem while cleaning their ears, dont be hesitant to go to the vet to get their ears checked. The vet can always give you a good professional opinion about what is happening with your German Shepherds health.
You May Like: German Shepherd Rescue St Louis
Feed A Hypoallergenic Sensitive Diet
An itchy German Shepherd is a sight for sore eyes. If you think your dogs scratching might be from their diet, then switching to hypoallergenic, sensitive dog food is your best and least expensive option to test out first.
Although food is rarely a cause of dry skin or allergies, in many dogs a change in diet dramatically decreases itchy skin.
There is such a wide variety of allergies to foods its best to begin with a sensitive diet formula and to watch for improvements.
While there are plenty of sensitive diets on the market you should try Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Formula which has no soy, wheat, peas, or corn. Its the best dog food for German Shepherds with allergies.
German Shepherd itchy skin might also happen if your current feeding routine lacks proper nutrition. Deficiency of vitamins and an imbalance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats can cause disturbances in the skins protective layers.
Choosing a sensitive or hypoallergic dog food is a quick way to help your German Shepherd from itching like crazy. If your dog has special medical conditions, check with your vet first to make sure a change in diet will help with their scratchy and itchy skin issues.
Develop A Regular Brushing Routine
Regular brushing distributes the oils on your dogs skin and helps to remove dead hairs that may cause itching.
Use soft strokes and a brush with rounded tips.
Specifically, try a rake brush that removes the dead undercoat. My GSD loves the rake brush, and this helps her to have the excess dead hair removed so that her skin can breathe more.
The rake brush I use has rounded tips so they dont irritate her sensitive skin or aggravate her itching. Plus, you want a double row brush to ensure youre getting the most hair off with the least amount of time and effort.
See the best brush to remove dander and itchy hair here: The Double Row Undercoat Rake
If you arent brushing your GSD, they can develop a thick blanket of hair that forms over their skin which prevents air from reaching the skin. This reduces the efficiency of the oil glands and causes your GSD to itch constantly and like crazy.
Learn a complete brushing routine that keeps your dog healthy and happy using this guide here: How to Brush a German Shepherd Like a Boss.
Recommended Reading: How Many Times Does A German Shepherd Eat
Why Is My Pet Scratching
There are many reasons why pets become itchy. Sometimes the cause can be fleas, even if you cant see them on your pet. Some pets experience seasonal allergies, just like people, but instead of having a runny nose and other symptoms we associate with hay fever, they actually get itchy skin. Food allergies may also be the source of constant scratching, licking and chewing. Skin infections can also be itchy or painful and require treatment. Diagnosing and choosing the right treatment for your pets itch will be easier if it is addressed early, as a simple parasite problem can develop into a complicated infection, which may require not only a longer treatment course, but multiple different medications.
Constant itching and scratching can affect your pets quality of life, so it is essential that they get relief from their discomfort. We often see dogs and cats who have scratched themselves to the point that the skin has been broken. This can lead to bleeding and infection which in turn leads to further self-trauma.
This level of skin damage requires a visit to your local Greencross Vets to ensure a diagnosis and correct treatment are commenced.
We are here to help!
Skin disorders can be difficult to diagnose. The expertise of a professional veterinarian is needed to ensure safe and effective treatment is started to get your dog back to full health. Some common causes include:
How To Help My German Shepherd From Itching And Scratching
Treating a German Shepherd with itchy skin at home can help decrease their itching and scratching so they are more comfortable and regain healthy skin.
To help your German Shepherd from itching try to:
- make sure they are free from fleas and ticks ask your vet for parasite treatments
- use medicated shampoos made for dry skin
- apply moisturizing sprays and creams
- stick to a regular grooming and brushing routine
- and add in supplements to increase skin moisture
Sometimes, you just cant figure out why theyre having allergies or itching like crazy, so go through the tips above and seek your vets advice if needed.
You May Like: Why Is My German Shepherd So Anxious
Itching From A Food Allergy
A German Shepherd might be feeling extra itchy if they are allergic to an ingredient in their dog food.
This mostly happens when owners give their dogs lower-quality dog food, but sometimes the high-quality stuff can have an ingredient that gives your dog a reaction.
To test for this allergy, note if your German Shepherd started to itch more after switching their food.
If they have been on the food for a while and are just starting to show itching symptoms, you can go to the vet and see if the food has had any correlations with allergic reactions in the past.
If you suspect that your German Shepherd is having an allergic reaction to their food, switch them to hypoallergenic food for at least a week and see if the itching subsides.
Taking Care Of Your German Shepherd Dog At Home
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual . Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Shepherds. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs.
Dont Miss: Colors Of Gsd
Don’t Miss: How Much Is A German Shepherd Puppy Without Papers
Symptomatic Treatment Of Allergies:
Symptomatic treatment is necessary when we cannot identify or remove the cause of the allergic response. It may be that the dog is allergic to a type of foodstuff which is impossible to identify, or a type of pollen which we cannot stop the dog being exposed to.
In these situations, your veterinarian may prescribe medication such as corticosteroids or antihistamines to limit the bodys overall allergic response. As a German Shepherd owner, there are many other ways in which you can help your dog feel more comfortable by treating the symptoms they are suffering from.
Itching From A Soap/product Allergy
Sometimes the products that you are using to clean your German Shepherd can actually be causing irritation and itching.
Your German Shepherd might be allergic to an ingredient in their soap, or the soap might be very drying and damaging to your German Shepherds skin. Either way, the result of this reaction causes a lot of discomfort and itching.
If you notice that your German Shepherds skin is looking drier than normal, redder, or more irritated overall, switch them to a very gentle soap and see if that helps.
Look for soaps that are labeled hypoallergenic and sensitive to make sure that there arent any irritants that could cause further itching to your German Shepherd.
Read Also: How Long Are German Shepherds In Heat
Why Is My German Shepherd Itching So Bad
In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. We call this skin allergy atopy, and Shepherds often have it. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year.
Introduction To German Shepherd Skin
German Shepherds have double coats. Their outer coat tends to be thick and straight while their inner coat can be wiry and soft. Originally, they were bred as working dogs that can withstand harsh weather. Thus, having a double coat. But having a double coat is the reason why they are considered as great shedders. And as shedders, GSDs tend to have more sensitive skin than other dog breeds.
Don’t Miss: What Are The Different Kinds Of German Shepherds
Could Your German Shepherd Be Scratching Because Of Mites
Yet another cause of a sudden outbreak of scratching that doesnt seem to have any cause is mites.
Mites are very tiny parasites that feed off the dead skin cells that your dogs skin sheds. While they sound like they are insects similar to fleas, they are actually more like spiders, just in parasite form.
If you see little white flecks on your dogs coat that appear to be moving, these are most likely mites carrying around their dinners of little skin flakes.
You definitely do not want to wait to get your dog treated for mites, because these parasites are what is called zoonotic. That means the mites can jump from your dog to you!
As well, the longer you wait to seek out diagnosis and treatment, the more likely a minor issue with mites will turn into sarcoptic mange, or scabies, a much more serious condition.
As Veterinary Partner explains, because the mites feed on dead skin, they like the more hairless areas on your dog like the ears, belly, or joints.
The adults mate and the females lay eggs in your dogs skin, which hatch and cause intense itching as the young mites begin to move around.
Unfortunately, sarcoptic mange is not easy to diagnose because the symptoms are quite a lot like other skin allergies and conditions that can affect a German Shepherd.
Your veterinarian may need to rule out other issues and do several tests.
Animal Allergy & Dermatology of Colorado presents some very disturbing before and after images of dogs being treated for atopy .