Why is my Dog Itching Excessively?
March 2, 2011
It’s just not normal for a dog to be itching excessively. There must be a cause and some triggers we can identify. We need to be aware that there are also environmental conditions that may contribute to our dog allergy problems.
I just saw an article that Laguna Beach, where I live, has extended the hours that dogs are allowed on beaches and this reminded me of the fact that the ocean can be hazardous to both humans and pets.
Fortunately the beaches here where I live are among the cleanest anywhere, often winning awards, but to be honest I never felt good about letting my dog go in the water. I guess it’s ok to run along the ocean or go on th ebeach but my dog had a long history of skin allergy problems and while I never had proof – I suspected when I moved so close to the ocean it got worse.
A few years ago before I moved to Laguna Beach I lived across from the harbor in Newport Beach on the Peninsula. It was immediately across the street from the beach.
I had seen on many occasions when they would come and put up signs saying danger – stay away (basically). Chemicals were tested and something was out of wack.
I can’t pinpoint this specifically but I do know on a few occasions after letting my dog swim in the harbor he was doing more paw licking and chewing and so forth.
Every vet had always said he was allergic to flea bites and I was told that the beach had it’s own kind of nasty fleas.
So – I must admit – I backed off and became more cautious about the ocean and the harbor and water in general.
I know many dogs love to run and get wet and play around – but is it worth it? They may be exposed to elements we are not aware of and they could be contriuting to problems with skin allergies and even other health conditions.
