Does your Chihuahua constantly scratch? Sometimes the itching can become so relentless that the constant scratching can cause hair loss, tearing of the skin, nasty bumps, red scaly spots, and crusty scabs. The skin can thicken and harden. Then as a result of the vicious cycle of itching and scratching often an underlying or secondary bacterial infection can develop.

There can be many causes or many reasons that your Chi is constantly scratching, however, a common cause is an Atopic dermatitis, a disease that affects 3 in 10 dogs. The reasons can be very complex involving genetics and environmental factors.

Atopy: The genetic tendency to develop the classic allergic diseases — atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and asthma. Atopy involves the capacity to produce IgE in response to common environmental proteins such as house dustmite, grass pollen, and food allergens. ~ Medicine-Net

How Atopic Dermatitis Causes Damage

Atopic dermatitis is considered to be an allergy — sometimes the reason your Chihuahua is constantly scratching can be caused by an excessive and inappropriate response of the immune system causing an abnormal inflammatory reaction of the skin. Then the skin becomes so compromised that harmful bacteria or yeast are allowed to set in. Thus causing a secondary infection.

There are other skin ailments that cause constant scratching and can appear to be Atopic dermatitis, so it is necessary to get an accurate diagnosis from your veterinarian. Atopic dermatitis can be very tricky to diagnose even for your veterinarian, so getting your Chihuahua’s history is very important for a correct diagnosis.

Treatments For Constant Scratchingc

• Flea Control
• Treatment of secondary infection
• Frequent baths
• Diet

Flea Control. A dog with Atopic dermatitis is likely to be allergic to allergens that are present in flea saliva, which can trigger a flare-up. Your home must be flea-free and all other pets in the home must be on strict flea-control.

Treatment Of Secondary Infection. As already mentioned, afflicted dogs often develop a secondary infection. It must be addressed and treated with medications prescribed by your veterinarian.

Frequent Baths. Chihuahuas should have a bath once a month. I don’t recommend more often than that in order to keep the natural oils in the skin that are necessary for skin health. However, the exception to that is a Chihuahua with Atopic dermatitis. Even though your Chihuahua may not be a fan of baths, they are important for two reasons. 1. It helps to relieve the itching, and 2. It helps treat secondary infections without the need for oral antibiotics by restoring the already damaged skin barrier.

Diet. Even though most allergens that are responsible for Atopic dermatitis are airborne, some dogs are allergic to various proteins and/or carbohydrates in food. Talk to your veterinarian about feeding your dog, fresh human-grade dog food and eliminating one thing at a time to determine what in the food they are allergic to or to rule out completely a food allergy that may be the cause of your Chihuahua’s Atopic dermatitis.

Medical Treatments

• Steroids
• Cyclosporine

Steroids. Steroids are very effective for controlling flare-ups, or for preventing them to become even worse. Steroids are very effective and are usually enough to stop symptoms. However, steroids cannot be used for long periods of time. They can cause serious side effects like liver or pancreas damage, as well as excessive thirst or increased appetite.

Cyclosporine. This is a drug that suppresses the immune system that causes the abnormal reactions in the skin. It is highly effective for controlling atopic dermatitis in more than 3 out of 4 cases. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to see results, is safe for long term use, and is easy to administer. It’s simply a capsule with their food. However, as with any drug, there can be side effects. Side effects include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

For this reason, it may not be an option for your Chihuahua.