Why Is My Airedale So Itchy? Airedale Terrier Skin Problems
Airedale Terriers are playful and energetic. However, they can be stubborn too. They behave well as long as they are cared properly, but they can be susceptible to skin problems and other infections. In that case, this article about Airedale Terrier skin problems and reasons behind so itchy Airedales will ease your mind.
So why is my Airedale so itchy? Simply put, they have thick hair, which could be the main reason they are itchy. Hot Spots, Seasonal Alopecia, and allergies are very commonly seen among airedales, so you may want to know everything about how to effectively stop these conditions from worsening.
I had the same problem with my Airedale. It was so itchy, and when I watched him, I felt itchy all over my body. It was a bad time for me, but with the proper remedies, I was able to get my dog off it.
So, if you are also always wondering, the reasons behind why is your Airedale so itchy, then this is the exact post you must read.
Why Is My Airedale So Itchy? Skin Problems
I found that dense coats are the main culprits for why my Airedale is so itchy. This coat type makes it very difficult to identify Airedale Terriers’ skin problems early on.
So, even though Airedale Terriers are healthy dogs and are not prone to many severe diseases, skin problems can be a nightmare for them. You have to do weekly inspections if you need to keep your Airedale Terrier away from itchy skin.
Below are some Airedale Terrier skin problems that make your Airedale so itchy.
- Your dog is having Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
Also known as Hot Spots, this condition can be painful if it becomes too infected. Pink sores will be visible on your Airedale Terrier’s skin, and the surrounding skin areas will feel hot to the touch as if your dog is suffering from a fever.
When it becomes infected pus and blood drains from the pink sores, you must take your Airedale to a vet for treatment. The vet will clean the pink sores, apply antibiotic ointments, and also give any antibiotics to be taken orally by the dog.
- Your dog is having Seasonal Alopecia
Another one of the main reasons in answering your question, “Why is my Airedale so itchy?” is because of seasonal alopecia. Airedale Terriers are commonly prone to this condition, especially if you live in a somewhat colder climate with little exposure to sunlight.
Symptoms include shedding of hair, itchy skin, bald spots in the skin, dry skin, and so on. Usually, the Airedale Terrier will shed hair in the flanks, meaning on both sides of the abdomen. Seasonal alopecia is not a big issue.
However, if you are worried, you can take your dog to a vet, who then will start the treatment with appropriate doses of melatonin. As it usually occurs when the Airedale Terrier is exposed to a colder climate, it will get better when it’s warm again.
- Your dog is allergic
Just like humans, dogs also have allergies to certain substances or food. So another one of the reasons for your question, “Why is my Airedale so itchy?” is because he might have an allergy.
Some symptoms of environmental allergies include red and inflamed skin, itchy skin, and loss of hair in some parts of the body of the dog. Your dog also might try to chew his skin, so if this becomes uncontrollable, it is best to take your Airedale Terrier to a vet.
However, if your Airedale has a food allergy, the itchy skin can be accompanied by other symptoms like red eyes, itchy ears, vomiting, diarrhoea, and even aggression.
- Your dog is having thyroid issues
Another one of the often overlooked reasons when answering your question, “Why is my Airedale so itchy?” is because he might have thyroid issues. Even I had to experience this with my Airedale Terrier, and it took me so long to identify the cause of his itchy skin.
Because the thyroid gland controls the body’s metabolic activities, when a dog has such problems, immunization will be affected due to low thyroid hormone levels, and even a small itch can feel troublesome.
This is because scratching takes a long time to heal any open sores/wounds.
What Can I Do For My Airedale’s Excessive Itching?
Now you know the reasons for your question; “Why is my Airedale so itchy?”. However, you need to do something about the excessive itching that your dog suffers from.
- Don’t use shampoo all the time
When your Airedale Terrier needs a bath, you should not always use shampoo because it can later irritate his skin and then make him itchy.
If you want to use shampoo, make sure to use mild ones made specifically for dogs and follow it up with a good conditioner.
- Don’t use heat to dry your dog
When your Airedale Terrier is done with his bath, make sure to towel/air dry him. Using heat in the form of blow dryers can make the dog’s skin lose moisture, and as a result, the skin will get all flaky and itchy.
- Give a well-balanced diet for your dog
There are no specific dietary requirements when it comes to the needs of Airedale Terriers. However, it is always essential to keep your dog hydrated and only provide moist food to prevent itchy skin, especially if you live in a warmer climate.
- Apply coconut oil on your dog’s skin
Coconut oil is excellent for dogs who have flaky, inflamed skin from being too dry. It even works with itchy skin that comes from specific allergens. Make sure to use branded and unscented edible coconut oil.
You can apply the coconut oil once a day or so, depending on the skin conditions of your Airedale Terrier. Another alternative is aloe vera. It has cooling properties, so it will naturally soothe your dog’s itchy skin.
- Apply apple cider vinegar
You can put a small amount of apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and then apply it on your dog’s itchy skin. It has antibacterial properties so that the itchiness will go away after a few days.
However, don’t apply it on wounds or inflamed areas as it can hurt the dog, so always consult a vet before doing this.
Final Thoughts About Airedale Terrier Skin Problems
In conclusion, your Airedale’s itchiness might seem like an impossible puzzle, but with patience, diligence, and expert guidance, you can restore the bounce in their step and the shine in their coat. Whether it’s allergies or parasites, addressing the root cause is paramount.
Embrace this journey, armed with knowledge and a deep affection for your furry companion, and bid farewell to the days of constant scratching. Your Airedale’s itchiness shall be but a blip in the tapestry of your joyful companionship.
