Excessive Scratching: A Dog Behavior that Indicates a Problem

Skin conditions in dogs aren't uncommon; in fact, they are the most common medical condition among dogs. Why? Well, skin conditions include some easy to get bacteria and parasites. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance that dog owners take their pet's health into their own hands. Not only are regular veterinary check ups a good idea, but regularly checking your pet for any signs of skin irregularity and/or abnormal behavior is extremely important. There is no use in waiting several months before the next veterinary check up just to find out your pet has fleas or tick. Additionally, some skin conditions can be very serious and may need immediate medical attention. Furthermore, your veterinarian will ask you about your pet's behavior in order to clue them into anything that might be of concern. If you can't tell them that your dog has been biting himself a lot, it will up to the veterinarian only to determine a problem without symptoms. We wouldn't generally ask this of our doctors, so asking it of a veterinarian isn't a good idea either. While veterinarians will always do a thorough check up during your regular visit, it is possible to miss something. I cannot stress the importance of staying informed about your dog's health enough; this can save your dog a lot of pain, discomfort, and even save their life.