When dogs bite themselves, severe itching or allergies are usually responsible. However, under certain circumstances this behavior can also indicate emotional problems, pain and serious illness.
This phenomenon occurs not only in dogs, but also in cats and other mammals. [1]
It usually only becomes a problem when the affected area is reddish, sore, swollen or even inflamed. Below you will find the 9 most common causes of this.
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#1 Dry skin
Dry skin is the most common cause of itching. Affected dogs use both their paws and their teeth to scratch.
You can usually recognize this by cracked skin and flakes of skin in the dog's basket. The most common causes of this are:
- Aggressive shampoo
- Allergies
- Cold & dry air
- Autoimmune diseases
- Parasites
- Excessive bathing
- Low-fat diet
- Hormonal disorders
- Infections [2]
Some breeds such as the Chinese Crested, Siberian Husky, Xoloitzcuintle and Alaskan Malamute also often have naturally dry skin.
These dogs therefore often bite themselves to stop the itching. The same applies to all other hairless dogs.
Basically, treatment depends on the underlying cause. Regardless, the following measures also help:
- Supplementation of Omega-3 & Probiotics
- Coconut oil as a body lotion
- Extra sensitive dog shampoo
- Essential oils such as tea tree oil
- Spray with green tea and aloe vera [3]
If your dog is constantly struggling with dry skin, I recommend visiting the vet. There could possibly be an illness behind it.
When dogs have dry skin, it is usually accompanied by severe itching. If they cannot reach the relevant area with their paws, dogs are more likely to bite themselves to counteract the itching.
#2 Parasites
Basically, dogs can get more than 15 different parasites. In Germany, however, fleas, lice, mites and ticks are the most common.
Fleas like warmth and moisture and are therefore more common in spring and summer. They are usually transmitted through contact with other animals.
The good thing about fleas? You can see them with your naked eyes. They are about half the size of a sesame seed, black and move quite slowly.
Lice and mites, on the other hand, are difficult to see with the naked eye. But here too, dogs bite themselves to get rid of the animals. [4]
Other typical symptoms include:
- Small red pimples on the skin
- Constant scratching with his paws
- Biting your own tail
- Black dots on the skin [5]
Ticks are the easiest of all parasites to find. In most cases they nest on the neck, ears or between the toes.
Here it is usually enough to remove the tick with such a tick blade. Ticks reproduce very slowly compared to other parasites.
For fleas, lice and mites, however, I recommend using a spray like this from Amazon. It not only removes all parasites but also ensures that they do not return.
With around 4,500 reviews, it is also the bestseller on Amazon. If this product does not bring any improvement, then the cause may lie somewhere else. [6]
Parasites such as lice, ticks, mites and fleas can cause severe itching. To counteract this, dogs scratch themselves unusually often with their paws or even bite themselves. Products against vermin can help here.
#3 Skin inflammation
Inflammation of the skin can also cause dogs to want to scratch themselves by biting. The most common causes of this are:
- Thyroid problems
- Bacterial inflammation
- Worm infestation
- Hormonal disorders
- fungal infections [7]
In most cases, such inflammation can be recognized by red dots, a small swelling and flaky skin. Other potential signs include:
- Spotty hair loss
- Change in skin color
- Constant scratching of the area
- Crusty patches of skin
- Touch sensitivity
- Unusual smell [8]
Treatment here is based on the diagnosed cause. In most cases, however, antibiotics and other anti-inflammatory agents are used.
In addition, special creams and drops can also provide relief. Here you should ask your vet for recommendations.
When dogs' skin becomes inflamed, it is usually accompanied by severe itching and pain. Affected dogs therefore bite themselves more often to relieve the itching. In most cases, other symptoms can also be identified.
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#4 Allergies
Allergies are triggered by so-called “allergens”. These are substances that your dog can have an allergic reaction to. The most common allergens in dogs are:
- Grasses & pollen
- Medication
- Mold
- Chemicals
- Cigarette smoke
- Soap
- Parasites
- Cleaning products
- Pesticides
- Groceries [9]
When it comes to foods, dairy products, beef, lamb, chicken, eggs, soy and gluten are at the forefront. Basically, dogs can be allergic to anything. [10]
All of these allergens can cause the skin to become very itchy. In order to scratch areas that cannot be reached with their paws, dogs often bite themselves.
In a so-called “contact dermatitis”, the symptoms only occur where there was direct contact with the allergen. Typical signs here are:
- Coughing and sneezing
- Runny and dripping nose
- rash
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Breathing problems [11]
Allergies are generally very common and can sometimes be inherited. If the symptoms have only appeared recently, this can provide conclusions about the cause.
Antihistamines are usually used for treatment. These are medications that relieve symptoms and at the same time reduce sensitivity to allergens.
Alternatively, such a free food check can also help to get individual food recommendations and free food samples.
A variety of allergies can cause severe itching in dogs in addition to a skin rash. Affected dogs often bite themselves to relieve the itching. Food allergies in particular are very common here.
#5 Attention
Constantly begging for attention is a canine survival mechanism and is completely normal in young puppies. Typical behaviors here are:
- Jumping at people
- Constant whining
- Dog brings toys
- Whining and barking
- Hyperactivity [12]
Some breeds also naturally need a lot of attention. These include the Siberian Husky, Border Collie, Yorkshire Terrier, Australian Shepherd and the Akita.
But the Labrador Retriever, American Cocker Spaniel, German Shorthaired Pointer, English Bulldog and Jack Russell Terrier also demand a lot from it.
These breeds basically repeat any behavior that gets them attention. And yes, even if they have to bite themselves for it. [13]
In many cases, these dogs not only lack attention, but also physical and mental exercise. The solution is here:
- New dog toys (like ours)
- Regular playdates with other dogs
- More pets for entertainment
- Longer walks
If necessary, dog sitters can also help. You will find numerous portals on the Internet that can help you with your search.
A lack of attention can cause dogs to resort to desperate methods to get the attention they need. This is why some dogs start to bite themselves. A proactive approach is advisable here.
#6 Arthritis
If the joints become chronically inflamed due to illness, then doctors also speak of “arthritis”. It is one of the most common complaints in dogs.
According to studies, it affects one in five dogs over the age of one. [14] To counteract the pain, many dogs bite their own joints.
Other typical symptoms include:
- Constant whining and whining
- Swelling and redness of the joints
- Dislike of stairs
- Humping and limping
- Joints sensitive to touch
- Avoiding jumps
- Unusually slow running style [15]
There is currently no cure for this. The symptoms can be treated well with the help of medication, physiotherapists and a change in diet.
Here you should visit the vet. This can adapt the treatment depending on the individual level of severity and thus ensure a pain-free life. [16]
Dogs with arthritis usually suffer from chronic pain in their joints. Out of desperation, affected dogs are more likely to gnaw and bite their own bodies. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications are usually prescribed for treatment.
#7 Emotional problems
What people express by gnawing their fingernails, twirling their hair or cracking their fingers often corresponds to desperate biting in dogs.
In addition to fear and stress, this behavior can also be caused by depression, severe frustration or nervousness. Typical causes of this are:
- Loneliness and separation anxiety
- Lack of socialization as a puppy
- Prolonged storm
- Violence in education
- Noise and sounds over 85 decibels
- Lack of attention [17]
In addition to physical restlessness and depressive body language, these emotions are also often expressed in destructive behavior. What is typical here is:
- Destroying your own basket
- Dog bites itself
- Unusual ignorance and stubbornness
- Constant barking for no reason
- Lack of motivation
- Sudden aggressiveness [18]
The first step here is to find out the potential cause. Measures must then be taken to permanently eliminate the cause.
A visit to the vet can also be useful here. Medication has proven to be very effective for severe depression and anxiety disorders.
Emotional problems such as fear, frustration, depression and stress can manifest themselves in dogs with destructive behavior. Among other things, affected dogs sometimes start to bite themselves. Here it is important to identify the root of the problem and eliminate it.
#8 Other pain
Dogs generally only show pain when it is more serious. The reasons for this are evolutionary in nature. Because wolves always hide their pain to protect themselves.
The reasons? On the one hand, weakened-looking…