Introduction
Dogs are the most loyal partners in the family, they use the small action of wagging the tail to convey a full of love. But when you find your own fur child is always scratching the root of the tail, and even lick the hair all bald, heart is not both heartbreaking and anxious?
Dog Itching Base of Tail
Don't panic, dog tail root itching can be caused by a variety of reasons, today we will talk about these “itchy” culprits behind the scenes, and share some thoughtful solutions. I hope this article can help you and your little one to say goodbye to the trouble soon, and regain the happy time of wagging tail!
Six Suspects of Dog Tail Root Itching
1. Fleas
Fleas, these little headaches, especially like in the root of the dog's tail, neck and shoulders near the “home”. They bite your dog's skin, leaving a maddening itching sensation. If your dog is allergic to flea saliva, the situation may be even worse - skin redness, swelling, hair loss, and even small scabs, look at the heartbreaking. For example, my little golden hair, every time the flea “invasion”, it scratching can not stop, the root of the tail is almost become a “hairless area”.
What to do?
Don't worry, take a flea comb, gently comb the dog's hair, see if there are small black or brown particles (that is the flea's “evidence” - feces), or directly catch the fleas jumping around. If you do, “de-worm” your dog with a flea control product recommended by your veterinarian. Don't forget to clean the dog's nest, the corners of the sofa, and the carpet thoroughly, so as to cut off the flea's “back way” and let them have no place to run away.
2. Allergies
Dogs, like people, have their own “little temperament” and are allergic to certain things. For example, chicken in the food, pollen, dust mites, or even the floor cleaner you just used can make your dog's skin “angry” and become itchy and red. Especially during the change of season, when pollen floats all over the sky and your dog scratches all the time when you go out and come back, it could be allergies that are causing the problem.
What to do?
Be a careful detective! Observe if your dog starts scratching after eating new dog food or going to a place with lots of flowers. If food allergies are suspected, try switching to a hypoallergenic dog food, such as a fish formula free of common allergens. If it's an environmental allergy, you may want to reduce your dog's exposure to pollen or use an air purifier in your home. If you can't, find a veterinarian to prescribe some anti-allergy medication to keep your dog comfortable.
3. Skin Infections
Bacteria or fungi are like “invisible trouble” on the skin, once they take advantage of skin injuries or moisture to get in, they will make the root of the dog's tail red, swollen and itchy, and even give off a strange smell. Because of the thick hair at the root of the tail and poor ventilation, it is simply their “paradise”.
What to do?
If the root of your dog's tail is not only itchy, but also very red and even oozing or smelly, take him to the vet without delay! The doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medication with a mild pet wash to help clean the affected area. Remember to use a hairdryer to dry the affected area after bathing, so that the wet hair does not give bacteria a chance to take advantage of it.
4. Anal Glands
A dog's anal glands are like a little secret hidden near the tail, usually silent, but once clogged or infected, the dog will fidget, licking the root of the tail or rubbing his buttocks on the ground, as if shouting: “Master, save me!”
What to do?
Have your dog's anal glands checked regularly. If you notice swelling, or if your dog is constantly rubbing the floor, it may be time to clean it. If you don't know how to do it, ask your veterinarian for help or follow a tutorial for tips on how to clean it at home. If it's already infected, your vet will prescribe some antibiotics, which will soon ease your dog's mind.
5. Emotional Silent Protests
Don't underestimate your dog's little mind, they can also be anxious, bored or stressed. Some dogs at home alone too long, or life is too monotonous, will lick the root of the tail “vent”, a long time, the skin licked red. Isn't this like children biting their nails when they are unhappy?
What to do?
Spend more time with your furry child! Take it out for a run every day, play Frisbee, or prepare some bite-resistant toys to give it something to do. If your dog still can't stop, talk to an animal behaviorist to help him adjust his mood. After all, a happy dog is a healthy dog.
6. Hidden Health Alerts
Sometimes the itching is only superficial, and behind it may lie a bigger health problem, such as an endocrine disease like hypothyroidism. This type of problem not only makes the skin itchy, but may also make the dog fat, lack of energy, like a little lazy.
What to do?
If your dog is not only itchy, but also has other strange signs, such as poor appetite and weight rubbing off on him, hurry up and take him for a full medical checkup. The veterinarian will find out the “real culprit” through blood tests and then prescribe the right medicine. Early detection and treatment will help your dog regain its vigor!
A Foolproof Bag of Tricks to Stop Your Dog's Itchiness
Keep it clean: Bathe your dog regularly, clean the base of the tail with a gentle pet wash, and be sure to blow dry afterward to keep moisture out of trouble.
Observe: Dogs can't talk, but their behavior will tell you everything. If the itching doesn't go away, or if they're in poor spirits or don't like to eat, get to the vet.
Adjust your diet: Try a high-quality hypoallergenic dog food, and your skin problems may be solved. After all, health starts with food.
Comfortable nest: Give your dog a clean and ventilated place to live, and wash and dry his mattress regularly to reduce the number of “hiding places” for bacteria and allergens.
Although the itching at the root of the dog's tail is very disturbing, most of the problems can be solved as long as we are more patient and observant. Whether it's a little flea trouble or a little emotional protest, behind every itch is the dog's dependence on us. As their owners, all we can do is to help them drive away the discomfort and find the joy of wagging their tails with full love and scientific care.
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Dog Scratching No Fleas
The dog at home is always wagging its tail and looking at you with those big wet eyes, it can't wait to share the good mood of the whole world with you. But recently, you found it always scratching the root of the tail, even scratching the hair off, but how can not find the shadow of fleas, the heart is not both anxious and helpless? Don't panic, the itching of the root of the dog's tail is not necessarily a flea, there may be other “behind the scenes” in the work. Today, we will be a detective, together with these “itchy culprits”, to help your children find comfortable days!
Six Factors of Dog Tail Itching
1. Parasites
Although you do not find fleas, but other little bad guys - such as mites - may be secretly mess. Mites (such as mange mites) are particularly crafty, and they burrow into the skin, making your dog itchy and red and shedding hair. My little terrier was once struck by one, and the root of his tail scratched like a little bald spot, which was heartbreaking to watch.
Take your dog to the vet for a skin scraping! The doctor will use a microscope to see if there are any mites at work. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the vet will prescribe an ointment or lotion that will soon make your dog comfortable.
2. Skin Infections
The root of the tail is hairy and dense, and is not well ventilated. If you don't blow-dry it after a bath, or if your dog plays in wet areas, bacteria and fungi can take advantage of this and “take over the high ground”. The result? Skin redness, swelling, strange odor, and even a little wet ooze, look all feel uncomfortable.
If you notice any of these signs, don't delay, take your dog to the doctor. Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or antifungals, along with a mild pet wash to help clean up your dog's skin. Remember to use a hairdryer to dry off after bathing, so you don't give bacteria a chance!
3. Allergies
Dogs can be “picky eaters” or “picky about their environment”! Chicken or beef in the food, or pollen or dust mites outside, or even the air freshener you just sprayed, can make it “allergy attack”. An allergy, the root of the tail will be itchy and can not stop, the dog scratched all over the ground hair, the owner looked also upset.
Do a little experiment! If you suspect a food allergy, try switching to a hypoallergenic dog food, such as fish formula. If it's an environmental problem, clean your home more often to reduce pollen and dust. If that's not possible, find a veterinarian to prescribe some anti-allergy medication to soothe your dog.
4. Anal Glands
Your dog's anal glands are hidden near the tail, like a little “storage bag”. If it gets clogged or inflamed, the dog will feel itchy at the root of the tail, and even rub its butt on the ground, as if it is pampering you, saying, “Master, help me!” My dog tried this and cleaned it once and was honest.
Check the anal glands regularly! If it's swollen or if your dog keeps rubbing the floor, you can ask your vet to clean it or learn to squeeze it yourself at home (don't be afraid, there are tutorials online). If it's already infected, the doctor will give you some medicine, and you'll be fine in no time.
5. The Silent Protest of Mood
Don't think that dogs don't have emotions. They can get bored, nervous or stressed out and have “tantrums”. Some dogs stay at home for too long, or their owners are too busy to accompany them, they will lick their tails to vent, and the skin is red after a long time. Isn't this just like biting our nails when we are stressed?
Take your dog out more often! Run, chase a ball, or get him a chewy toy to keep him busy. If it still doesn't change, find a pet behaviorist to talk to and help your dog get in the mood. After all, having fun is the secret to good health!
6. Hidden Signs of Health
Sometimes, itching is just an “alarm” that can be behind a big problem. For example, endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism not only make the skin itchy, but also may make the dog fat, lack of energy, like a little lazy.
If the dog, in addition to itching, there are other strange phenomena - such as eating less, fat fast - do not hesitate to take it to do a comprehensive physical examination. The doctor will draw blood and find out the cause and then prescribe the right medicine. Early detection and early treatment, the dog can get well quickly!
Practical Tips to Help Your Dog Stop Itching
Keep Your Dog Dry and Clean
Bathe your dog regularly, especially at the base of the tail, and scrub gently with a pet-specific lotion, and be sure to blow-dry afterward to keep moisture out of trouble. It's also important to have a clean litter box. Wash and dry the mattress often so that bacteria and allergens can escape.
Observe Changes Carefully
Dogs can't talk, but their behavior will tell you the answer. If the itching is not good, or if it becomes lack of energy and does not like to eat, hurry to find a veterinarian, don't carry on. If you find out what's wrong, your dog will suffer less.
Try Dietary Adjustments
Switch to a high-quality hypoallergenic dog food, and maybe the skin problem will be solved. After all, if you eat well, your body will be great and your skin will be healthy.
Prevention is Better than Cure
Regular skin checkups and external deworming medication can prevent mites even if there are no fleas. If you develop good habits, your dog's “itchy crisis” will naturally be much less.
Dog tail root itching although upsetting, but as long as we have more patience, more heart, can always find a solution. Whether it's a small conspiracy of parasites, or a small emotional protest, behind every scratch, is the dog's trust in us. As their owners, all we can do is to help them drive away the discomfort and get back that happily wagging tail with a lot of love and scientific care.
How to Stop A Dog from Itching
But when you realize that your fur child is always scratching, or even has red, swollen skin and thinning hair, does that heartbreaking feeling instantly come over you? Don't worry, itching is annoying, but with careful observation and patient response, you can help your dog find comfort and happiness. Today, let's use love and science to unlock the secret to letting your dog say goodbye to itching!
Step 1: Find Out Who's Behind the Itching
Itchiness is like a sneaky thief, and there can be all sorts of reasons behind it. To help the dog to stop itching, we must first become a “detective”, to find out the real “culprit.
1. Allergies: the Dog's Little Sensitive
Dogs, like people, may also be an “allergy”. Chicken and milk in the food, or spring pollen, dust mites in the corners of the house, may make their skin “temper tantrums”. If your dog starts scratching when he changes to a new dog food or at the beginning of a new season, allergies are the culprit.
Solution:
Take your dog for an allergy test, like giving it a customized “allergy list”, and then avoid these “trouble makers”. For example, switch to hypoallergenic dog food, or go out for a walk less often on pollen-filled days.
2. Parasites: the Invisible Tricksters
Even if you don't see fleas jumping around, don't forget that there are mites, the “invisible killers”. They burrow into the skin to make trouble, so that the dog itchy and crazy, and even hair loss and redness, look at people's heart.
The solution:
Regular inspection of the dog's skin, with the veterinarian recommended deworming medication to give it a “full body protection”. Parasites are very cunning, prevention is the hard way.
3. Skin Infections: the Scourge of Moisture
Bathing without blow-drying, damp corners, may allow bacteria and fungi to take advantage of the situation. Skin redness, swelling, strange smell, and even oozing liquid, these are the “alarm signals” of infection.
Solution:
Take your dog to the doctor as soon as you see these signs. The veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medication to help “clean” the skin. Remember to blow-dry your dog after bathing, so that moisture does not open the “back door” for bacteria.
Step 2: Daily Care with Gentle Protection
Finding the cause is only the first step, daily care is the “long-term solution” to keep your dog's skin healthy.
1. Bathing: Gentle is King
Regular bathing can keep your dog clean, but don't wash too often - once a week is just right. Choose a gentle dog shampoo, not human shampoo, which can damage their skin's natural protective layer. After washing, blow dry gently with a hair dryer, especially in areas with thick fur, so as not to leave moisture behind.
2. Moisturize: Give Your Skin A Little “Water”
Your dog's skin can be thirsty! After bathing, apply a moisturizing spray or lotion containing oatmeal or coconut oil, like a layer of invisible “protective clothing” for the skin, and the dryness and itchiness will naturally go away.
3. Grooming: “Stress Relief Time” for the Coat
Grooming your dog two or three times a week not only clears away dead hair and untangles knots, but also allows the skin to “breathe”. Check to see if there are any red spots or unwanted guests hiding in the fur.
Step 3: Start with Eat and Get Healthy!
As the saying goes, “Illness enters through the mouth,” and itchiness can also be a result of diet. Adjust the “menu”, can make the dog beautiful from the inside out.
1. High-quality Dog Food: the Cornerstone of Health
Choose high-quality dog food that does not contain wheat, corn, soy and other “allergy suspects”. When the nutrition is balanced, the skin is naturally more resistant. 2.
2. Nutritional Plus: The Magic of Omega-3s
Fish oil or coconut oil contains Omega-3, which is anti-inflammatory and moisturizing, making your dog's skin smooth. Mix a little bit of it into your meal every day, your dog will enjoy eating it and you will be happy too.
Step 4: Natural Remedies to Gently Relieve Itchiness
In addition to doctor-prescribed medications, there are some natural goodies at home that can help your dog get rid of itching, which are both gentle and sweet.
1. Oatmeal Bath
Oats are a treasure with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, especially for sensitive dogs. You can buy ready-made oatmeal bath products, or grind some oatmeal yourself and soak it in warm water to give your dog a “soothing spa.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil isn't just for eating, it's also for smearing! Applied to your dog's skin, it is both moisturizing and anti-inflammatory, and even makes the hair softer. Apply a small amount, and then gently massage, the dog is comfortable to hum.
3. CBD Products
CBD is anti-inflammatory and calming, effective for severe itching and anxiety. However, it should be used under the guidance of a veterinarian to ensure safety first.
Step 5: Create A Cozy Little World
The environment can have a big impact on your dog's skin. Keeping your home clean can make itching less of a problem.
1. Clean in Place: the Nemesis of Allergens
Sweep and vacuum regularly, and use hypoallergenic cleaning products to get rid of dust mites. Dogs' nests and toys should also be washed and dried regularly to keep them fresh.
2. Balance of Humidity: Live Comfortably
Air that is too dry or too humid is uncomfortable for the skin. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier, set the humidity to 40% -60%, to give the dog a “livable microclimate”.
Step 6: Better Mood and Less Itching
You know what? The dog's mood will also “scratch”! When they are anxious or bored, they may lick their fur to relieve pressure, and the more they lick, the more itchy they get.
The solution:
Take your dog out more often to release stress by running and jumping around. Prepare bite-resistant toys for him, or teach him a little skill to keep him busy and entertained. Once you're in a good mood, the itching will naturally stop.
If your dog is still scratching even after trying these methods, or if the symptoms worsen, don't hesitate to call your veterinarian. Professional diagnosis and treatment will help your dog get rid of the pain as soon as possible.
Use Love and Patience to Help Your Dog Regain Happiness
Dog itching is heartbreaking, but as long as we observe and take care of it, there is always a way to make it comfortable. From finding the cause to daily care, from dietary adjustment to environmental optimization, every step is full of love. May you use science and patience to help your fur child get rid of the itching and get back the happy time of wagging its tail. Let it stay with you in good health, with its tail wagging like a little fan, warming you every day!
