Why Is My Dog Constantly Biting and Scratching Himself?

My Dog Is Constantly Biting and Scratching Himself: Why It Happens

“My dog is constantly biting and scratching himself, and I can’t figure out why!” If this sounds like you, it’s time to figure out the cause of your dog’s constant itching for their overall health. The scratching could mean your dog is dealing with pesky fleas or skin infections, but it’s also a common sign of boredom and anxiety.

If your dog’s scratching and biting stems from behavioral issues, bring them to our premier canine training center in NJ. Expert trainers will work with you and your dog to change their behavior.

Medical Causes of Dog Itching

Your dog could have pruritus (a constant itching sensation) because of various health issues. The most common medical conditions causing this reaction include:

• Allergies: Certain substances can provoke an allergic reaction in dogs, such as skin redness or itchiness.
• Yeast infections: These common infections can irritate a dog’s skin.
• Hormonal imbalances: Fluctuations in hormones produce symptoms like skin irritation.
• Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites can get beneath your dog’s coat and constantly cause their skin to itch.

Behavioral Issues That Cause Dogs To Bite and Scratch Themselves

“My dog is constantly biting and scratching himself but doesn’t appear to have parasites or skin issues. What’s causing this reaction?” If you’re asking yourself this but see no evidence of a medical condition, your dog is likely doing it out of boredom or because of anxiety.

Taking care of your dog isn’t just about maintaining their physical health; it’s also about ensuring their mental health. Give your dog plenty of love and affection so they don’t feel anxious or understimulated. They also need plenty of exercise and entertainment throughout the day to alleviate boredom.

How To Treat Pruritus in Dogs

Your dog could be biting or scratching constantly because of a medical condition. In this case, you must pinpoint and eliminate the trigger. This could mean using flea and tick medication to eliminate parasites or changing your dog’s diet if it has an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the food.

If the scratching is a response to feelings of anxiety or boredom, you must take steps to change your dog’s behavior. Train them to bite on a toy instead to calm down when anxious. Prevent boredom by filling your home with stimulating toys and letting your dog release energy throughout the day.

Receive Superior Dog Training in New Jersey

If you’re like many dog owners who wonder, “What can I do if my dog is constantly biting and scratching himself?” the answer may lie in changing their behavior. At The Dan Gentile Dog Training Center, we teach owners how to stop a dog from scavenging and promote good, obedient behaviors. See how much your dog can grow when you bring them to an accomplished training facility.

Call (732) 938-5040 to get answers to any other questions you might have regarding canine behavior, learn more about our training program, and enroll your dog in classes.