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Why is My Havanese Scratching? (Explained for Owners!)

The scratching habit of dogs already is an indicator of skin irritation. Especially, in Havanese dogs, the constant scratching is seen vastly. Therefore, as a Havanese owner seeing your little pup scratching so badly can create a sense of concern. And it’s understandable. 

Also, this situation can make you want to know the reasons behind your Havanese’s scratching. And exactly here, a burning question “ Why is my Havanese Scratching?” raises. So, this article is going to break down this hot topic with a proper explanation. 

Why Is My Havanese Scratching? 

Havanese dogs scratch because they suffer from one kind of skin allergy named “atopy” and it makes their skin itchy. Usually, the feet, belly, ears, and folds of Havanese’s skin are mostly affected by this allergy. The symptoms start to appear between 1-3 years old and make it worse every year. 

Allergies are the main culprit behind Havanese dogs scratching their skin constantly and excessively. Havanese dogs quite often suffer from a kind of allergy, commonly known as “atopy”. This makes their skin itchy and makes them scratch their body parts insanely. 

Usually, their feet, ears, folds of the skin, and belly areas are mainly affected by this allergy. And one may notice the symptoms in his/her Havanese dog when it is between the age of 1-3.

Every year this itchy skin condition gets worse. However, the good thing is such conditions can be treated. 

Is It Normal For My Havanese Puppy To Scratch A Lot?

If your Havanese puppy is scratching a lot for only some time then it’s considered as completely normal.But if he is scratching excessively and constantly all most time in a day then it’s not normal.

Because along with scratching they will incessantly lick, bite, and chew the body areas to the point of harming themselves. 

And if such a condition happens, just know it’s absolutely abnormal for your Havanese pup. Also, it is indicating to irritated skin due to dry skin or allergies that can get worse day by day. 

What Causes Havanese Dogs To Scratch Excessively? 

Common there are three reasons that cause Havanese dogs to scratch excessively. And for your knowledge, these reasons are explained below. 

Dry Skin

If you are living with your Havanese dog in a region that has low humidity, your Havanese can suffer from dry skin.

And dry skin cause dandruff in his undercoat, also makes the skin tough and cracked. So even slight stimulation like gentle touch can instigate your Havanese to scratch insanely.

Not only environmental issues but also excessive licking and an unhealthy diet like feeding him dry food also can cause dry skin and make him scratch his skin excessively. 

Allergies 

Havanese are frequently attacked by allergies. If your Havanese dog is allergic to pollen, dust, or mold, he will mostly like to scratch himself a lot. And this type of skin allergy is known as “atopy” which makes your dog’s skin so itchy. 

Such allergic condition mainly affects the areas like his feet, belly, ear, and fold of his skin. Therefore, he will rub his face and body too much, lick his paws insanely, and might even suffer from ear infections. 

Parasites 

Another common reason behind excessive scratching of your Havanese dog is parasites. If fleas, ticks, or mites are living in his hair, it will trigger outrageous scratching. Also, parasites can be found living in his ears and head. 

What Are Havanese Allergic To?

Havanese dogs are mainly allergic to 3 different types of allergy-causing elements. Below all three elements have been described in brief.

Environmental Allergy

Havanese dogs are allergic to environmental elements such as dust, dirt, pollen, and mold. And these elements cause an atopic allergic reaction or atopic dermatitis on Havanese’s skin.

At a certain season of the year, the effect of this allergy reaches its height and makes havanese dogs scratch excessively. 

Food Allergy 

Havanese are allergic to extreme consumption of foods like milk or milk products, soy, wheat, eggs, chicken, and beef.

Especially when any Havanese dog has a food sensitivity or commonly known as food intolerance. So, when they eat these mentioned foods too much, it causes them itchiness. 

Flea Allergy

Havanese dogs are allergic to fleas as well. Fleabites cause flea allergy dermatitis and make the base of their tail extremely itchy. It also makes the body itchy too and their skin can become red, inflamed, and scabbed. 

How Much Itching Is Normal For A Dog?

If your dog scratches an itch or itchy area occasionally for only a few minutes then consider it as normal. 

It is normal for dogs to have an itchy feeling sometimes. However, as long as the itchiness is not turning into excessive scratching, chew, licking to cause a wound on the dog’s body, it’s normal. And seasonal itchiness without causing any skin or coat problem is also fine.

In brief, if a dog is healthy, happy, and has no skin problems despite having itchiness sometimes, that level of itchiness is normal for a dog.  

How Can I Get My Havanese Dog To Stop Scratching? 

You can adopt these 4 ways to stop your Havanese dog from scratching. Below the ways are explained. 

Apple Cider Vinegar Water Spray

Surprisingly, Apple cider vinegar can be a safe natural remedy for your Havanese to stop scratching. Because it has antiseptic and antifungal substances that make it naturally good for both human and anal skin’s problems.

A spray a 50/50 solution of water and ACV on your Havanese’s affected itchy areas or soak their paws in this solution for 5 minutes. 

But don’t spray it directly on raw/open skin. 

Herbal Tea Soaks

Herbal tea such as chamomile, green tea, and calendula have soothing and cooling properties to treat irritated skin. 

If your Havanese is scratching insanely then soak him in a bathtub filled with warm water and several herbal tea bags steep for 3 minutes. 

Or, steep 1/2 bags of herbal tea in 2 cups hot water, let the tea cool down and pour it onto his itchy patches to fix it quickly. But don’t rinse it.

Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal fights with skin-irritating properties and soothes the itchy skin of dogs.

All you need to do is grind the oatmeal into powder and mix it in your Havanese’s warm bath. It will take 10-15 minutes to cool down their itchy, red, angry skin. 

Or you can make an oatmeal paste by mixing your ground oatmeal and a little water. And spread the paste on the itchy areas of your Havanese dogs.

And make sure that the paste comes in contact with the skin of your Havanese dog for maximum relief. 

Plain And Sugar-Free Yogurt

You can feed your Havanese dog plain, unsweetened yogurt too. It is good for your dog if he is suffering from certain allergies or rashes. 

Once a week feed one teaspoon yogurt if you have a Havanese pup and two teaspoon yogurt if your Havanese is an adult. It will boost their gut health. 

How Often Should I Bathe My Puppy?

If your puppy’s age is less than 7 to 8 weeks then you must wait for his first bath until his body is ready to regulate body temperature. But in between, you can wipe your puppy with a damp cloth in warm water. 

And when he is more than 8 weeks old, bathe him once a month or at least once in three months. 

Well, bathing has no exact timetable or rule. But you should always consider a few things before you bathe your puppy. Consider his coat type, activity, health, and health issues like allergy, rashes, etc. 

What Is The Best Itch Relief For Dogs? 

Here are the best itch relief products for your furry friend to give relief from itchiness.

  • Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Supplement For Dogs-_With Omega 3 Wild Alaskan Salmon Fish Oil & EpiCor 
  • BEXLEY LABS Curaseb Medicated Chlorhexidine Spray for Dogs & Cats, 
  • Natural Dog Company Skin Soother
  • Pet MD Hydrocortisone Spray For Dogs, Cats, Horses
  • Banixx Pet Care Fir Fungal & Bacterial Infections 8oz

You can find all of these 5 itch relief products on Amazon.com. 

What Can I Give My Dog Orally For Itchy Skin?

You can feed your dog plain, unsweetened yogurt for giving him relief from itch skin. If you have a puppy then feed him one teaspoon of yogurt once a week. And if you have an adult dog then feed two teaspoons of yogurt once a week. 

Yogurt will help to boost your dog’s immunity system. Besides, it will help the dog body to get rid of extra yeast to avoid yeast infections. 

Can You Give A Dog Benadryl To Stop Itching?

You can give a dog Benadryl to stop itchiness. Because Benadryl is known to treat the itchiness of dogs inflicted by allergies. 

However, if your dog is suffering from an acute allergic reaction, don’t ever give him Benadryl, immediately visit a vet. 

What Is The Best Shampoo For Dogs With Itchy Skin?

Here is the list is given below of the best shampoos for dogs with itchy skin.

  • Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Dog Shampoo
  •  HONEYDEW Natural Dog Shampoo With Colloidal Oatmeal
  • Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo 
  • Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo For Dogs
  • Buddy’s Best, Natural Dog Shampoo And Conditioner In One 

All of these shampoos are vet recommended for the itchy skin of dogs. 

Itchiness is the common reason behind your Havanese dog’s scratching. As long as it’s not causing severe issues, consider it normal. However, you must visit a vet if your Havanese is scratching excessively and wounding himself.

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