Chihuahua scratching can be caused by eczema.
Eczema includes any of the variety of skin disorders that can affect you or your dog. Chihuahuas can be especially sensitive to skin and coat problems associated with eczema, as they have a high likelihood for developing allergies. Eczema causes the upper layers of the skin to swell, which usually leads to discomfort for the dog. There are several ways to treat your chihuahua's condition, both medically and personally with good hygiene practice.
Causes
Eczema can be caused by several factors in a chihuahua. Its skin could be irritated by a foreign substance such as a fragrance used in its shampoo, or chemicals that are around your house that could have come in contact with your chihuahua. Your chihuahua could have a food allergy to one of the proteins in the dog food, especially if the dog has been eating the same food for a long time, then recently changed. Chihuahuas can also have seasonal allergies that may affect their skin. Fleas can cause eczema. Other causes include a stressful environment, boredom, extreme temperatures or competition with other dogs.
Symptoms
Eczema symptoms include dry, itchy skin, redness and bumps on the skin and, in extreme cases, bleeding of the skin. This will cause your chihuahua to want to scratch the area because of the itchiness, which will only make the area worse.
Treatment
The first step is to attempt to identify the cause of the eczema. If it is caused by an irritant, remove that irritant from the chihuahua's life, and wash the dog with a mild, fragrance-free dog shampoo. Many shampoos come with moisturizing and skin-calming ingredients. If it is caused by fleas, start a flea treatment to remove them from both the dog and your home. Stick to an all-natural allergy recipe dog food, and make sure your chihuahua is not stressed at home. An ointment with an emollient to retain moisture should be applied directly to the affected area of the dog's skin. A corticosteroid can also be applied, which will have anti-inflammatory effects on the eczema.
Alternative Therapy
Chinese medicine and light therapy are two alternative paths that people may choose to take to handle their dog's eczema, especially if it is a more constant problem. Light therapy includes treating the area with UVA rays. You should discuss these options with your doctor if you are interested in learning more about them.
Warning
Diet and nutrition have recently been studied more thoroughly in relation to eczema, and appears to be a significant contributor to the health of your chihuahua's skin and coat. There are many all-natural, allergy-free recipes available that will help your dog avoid the highly reactive foods such as wheat, dairy, and nuts. If the eczema goes untreated for too long, the cracks in the skin could become easily infected with bacteria that will be able to spread through the area. Your chihuahua may need a course of antibiotics to deal with this before it becomes a truly serious problem.
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