My dog scratches his face till he bleeds, it has been going on for months, and nobody can figure out what is wrong. Sometimes he scratches when I am not looking and always seems so happy. Dogs scratch themselves all the time.
However, if you have ruled out fleas and other pests as the cause of scratching, it could be something more serious, like a skin disorder or even allergies. Your veterinarian should be able to help diagnose your pup’s condition and prescribe treatments accordingly.
Why does my dog keep scratching his face until it bleeds? Are 6 reasons
If your dog is prone to licking or scratching his face until it bleeds, it is likely the result of an allergic reaction. Other symptoms may follow this behavior. Some dogs develop hot spots which display areas of irritated and inflamed skin that are reddened and raised with dry, crusted skin around them. Itching is commonly present, making hot spots highly irritating and painful. Five significant reasons are highlighted below.
Allergic reaction: If your dog keeps scratching his face until it bleeds, it is likely the result of an allergic reaction. Allergic symptoms usually include itching, redness, raised skin areas, and a general irritation sensation. Some dogs develop hot spots which display areas of irritated and inflamed skin that are reddened and raised with dry, crusted skin around them.
Dirt build-up on the skin: Dogs that like to roll around in sand or dirt may not have an allergic reaction, but it may be due to the build-up of dirt on the skin.
The dog has fleas: If your dog scratches his face until it bleeds and you identify flea dirt on the skin, it could be due to fleas. Fleas are a common cause of allergy-like symptoms in dogs.
Causes of skin dryness: Dogs may develop dry skin due to several reasons, but common causes include exposure to cold or air conditioning, excessive bathing (which removes natural oils from the skin), excessive scratching, flea infestation, and other parasitic infestations. The result is itching, which makes your dog scratch his face until it bleeds.
Laser therapy: Laser therapy has beneficial effects on symptoms associated with allergic reactions in dogs. It helps reduce itchiness and inflammation associated with allergies.
Due to frequent soaping: Excessive skin washing and frequent soaping with soap may cause itchiness. If dogs are often bathed, it is important to use a shampoo that has been diluted with water instead of soap products that contain harsh chemicals.
How do I stop my dog from scratching his face wound?
The first and foremost task in this problem is to find the cause of the itching and treat it accordingly. As hot spots and allergic reactions are often very painful, your dog may scratch his wounds until they bleed to help remove some irritating substances from his hair and skin.
Since hot spots usually clear up on their own, your best bet is to examine your dog’s fur for fleas, ticks, or other pests, brushing him regularly to remove any bothersome residues from the fur. After you have done this and he still scratches at the site of an injury, consult your veterinarian, as these persistent symptoms could indicate something more serious.
Final thought
This is a very common occurrence with dogs. The best way to stop this is to find out the cause of the itching and get rid of it. Check the ears for mites, the skin for fleas, and the environment for any irritants.
Allergic reactions are common causes of this behavior, so if you can identify what is causing your dog’s itching and keep him away, you should see a dramatic improvement in his behavior.
