Dog often scratches his mouth: causes & tips

If a dog strokes its mouth with its paw every now and then, there is no reason to worry. But if he scratches there almost constantly, things look different: then the animal has a problem that definitely needs to be addressed.

You can find out how you do this in this article: You don't just find 12 common reasons for behavior, but also 9 things that have proven to be very effective solutions.

12 reasons why a dog often scratches his mouth

1. Injuries

If a dog constantly scratches his mouth, it is often due to one thing Injury in the mouth area.

Possible causes of injuries to the mouth/snout:

Bites from other four-legged friends
Animal fell unhappily and scratched itself
Muzzle that is too tight or abrasive
Dog scratches itself for a long time and inflicts wounds.

You can identify injuries by taking a close look at the dog's mouth and snout. Sometimes, for example with very hairy animals, this is a big challenge. You can get a better view with a flashlight, for example.

2. Allergies

A very unpleasant cause of itching around the mouth are also Allergies. They arise because the immune system interprets what is actually a harmless stimulus as hostile and then overreacts.

Typical causes of allergies

Environmental influences such as grass, pollen, etc.
Food ingredients (food allergy or intolerance)
Chemical substances such as cleaning agents
Insect bites & saliva from parasites.

Allergies often result in one atopic dermatitis with a lot of itching.

3. Parasites

Another very common cause of itchy mouth is Ectoparasites. These are mostly insects like Fleas or Mites or ticks, which live in the fur of the four-legged friend and feed on skin and blood.

Very frequent scratching is often the first indication of an infestation. The itching often spreads to the entire body, including hair loss. Furthermore, these are parasites too Intermediate hosts for other parasites like worms.

Can also cause mange

A mite infestation is not something to be trifled with, as it can also cause mange, which is feared by pet owners!

If you suspect a parasite infestation, you must Search the four-legged friend's fur carefully, best with a lamp and a special flea comb. Pay attention not only to movement, but also to small spots, as these could be eggs.

4. Conjunctivitis

Also one Conjunctivitis or Conjunctivitis is often responsible for irritation. The dog then tries to get relief by scratching; the paws then not only touch the eye area, but also the snout and mouth.

Reasons for conjunctivitis in dogs

Drafts, dust, cigarette smoke, foreign bodies
Unsuitable care products
Excessive hygiene (e.g. dog is bathed too much)
Eye injuries
Allergies
Dry mucous membranes
Pathogens such as bacteria, parasites & fungi
Parasites
Infectious diseases.

Source: Dr. Aimara Bello by Dr. SAM Online Veterinarians.

For genetic reasons, some breeds – such as dogs with short snouts or wrinkled breeds such as Shar-Peis – are particularly susceptible. You can recognize conjunctivitis by swollen eye areas, which often have a watery, mucous, purulent or bloody discharge.

The inflammation can occur in one or both eyes. If not treated, there is a risk of chronification and subsequent infections are also possible.

5. Hormonal disorders

Another cause that can lead to skin problems on the snout are: hormonal disorders. In dogs this is particularly the case Cushing's syndrome, in which there is an oversupply of cortisol, and one Hypothyroidism.

The hormone balance is responsible for healthy skin: too much cortisol damages the skin barrier, and with too little thyroid hormone it is not adequately moisturized. This means that such endocrinological diseases – as the technical term goes – are often associated with dryness. That's why the four-legged friend scratches himself regularly.

A hormonal disorder often still occurs other symptoms, For example, fatigue, significant weight loss or gain and severe thirst.

6. Toothache

Most Dental disease in dogs are caused by plaque that builds up over time Tartar solidified. As a result, the four-legged friends are significantly more susceptible to infections, and rotten teeth cause infections that often extend into the upper jaw and pain.

Detailed video on the topic. Source: Oberhaching Animal Clinic / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24og8o0Y_F0 .

Many dogs are very good at not publicly displaying their distress. That's why you have to go up small signs regard. Next to Chewing problems and the Refusal of food Frequent scratching is an indication that something is wrong with the dog's teeth.

7. Foreign body & Remains of food in the mouth

But even without advanced dental disease, the dog can feel irritated. This is often the case foreign bodies, that got stuck in the mouth area. This can be, for example, Splinters of wood or glass act, but also Blades of grass can get caught in their mouths.

We humans would now try to remove the “troublemaker” with our fingers, a brush or a toothpick. Of course dogs can't do this, they only have their paws. In the hope of getting relief, they then scratch their mouths incessantly.

The animals can also react in a similar way leftover food, who got caught.

8. Poisonings & Chemical burns

A scratching at the mouth can also be an indication of one acute medical emergency be: If the four-legged friends come into contact with an irritating substance, they instinctively react with their paws.

This can involve a wide variety of substances: typical household items include cleaning agents, varnishes or acids to which the four-legged friend has been exposed.

But there is danger lurking on the road too: Many pesticides and artificial fertilizers that can be found in some green spaces are pure poison for our four-legged friends and can be fatal if the dose is too high!

9. Autoimmune diseases

Another cause of skin problems is itching on the mouth and snout Autoimmune diseases. These are usually genetic, but can also occur as a result of infections, poisoning, side effects of medication or parasite infestation.

The The immune system then attacks its own body of the four-legged friend. A common victim is the skin: the immune system can no longer distinguish between “good” tissue and foreign intruders.

Known skin autoimmune diseases

Pemphigus foliaceusforms large blisters on the skin and leaves cracks
Pempigus erythematosusalso called Sema-Usher syndrome, with smaller blisters
Discoider Lupus erythematosuswith loss of pigment and a red rash, often on the muzzle.

In view of these attacks from one's own body, itching often develops on the four-legged friend's face. He then tries to fight this by scratching.

Autoimmune diseases are usually incurable, However, their symptoms can at least be alleviated through professional treatment. A small consolation: These illnesses are usually not contagious.

10. Infections of the mouth area

Furthermore, different ones can also be used Infections of the mouth area lead to irritation, which causes the dog to scratch itself.

In addition to various specific diseases, including: Viruses and bacteria caused, it can also be “normal” pathogens that irritate the animal. Scratching attacks, for example, can also occur as a complication of an actually harmless cold.

11. Tumors

But there are also dogs that scratch their mouths because they have something there tumor have. As the tumor grows, it increasingly impairs the animal's freedom of movement. The tumor is perceived as a foreign body that the animal desperately wants to get rid of.

Unfortunately, many tumors – experts estimate around 50 percent of cases – in the mouth area are quite malignant. Early detection is therefore extremely important, so that the disease does not spread and become life-threatening.

The problem: Tumors in the mouth often grow unnoticed and only visibly hurt the animal very late. That's why you definitely have to pay attention to any small signs such as scratching early on.

12. diseases & injuries to the paws

And finally another cause that actually has little to do with the mouth, but could deceive you: It is also possible that the dog Problems with the paws has.

These are very common Injuries or foreign bodies in the claw or ball area, that disturb the animal. Tumors are also a rare but possible cause. The dog then often licks or nibbles on the paw. At first glance, it can sometimes seem as if he wants to scratch himself.

Dog scratches his mouth: 9 solutions

If the dog constantly scratches his mouth, there is many possible causes, that you should consider: Some are rather harmless and can be quickly remedied, but others have a very serious background and are sometimes even life-threatening in the long term.

But no matter what the reason is: The situation is anything but pleasant for the animal. You too will suffer from seeing your protégé like this, which is why you should definitely do something.

Depending on the cause, the following in particular can occur 9 solutions help.

1. Inspect the dog regularly

It is ideal if the problems are eliminated as early as possible. For this it is necessary Inspect dog regularly. In some cases this can even save lives.

Experts recommend yourself at least once a week to take the time to check on your four-legged friend. A quiet moment when you both really trust each other is ideal, for example in the evening after a walk.

You should pay particular attention to the following things

Fur, e.g. with a flea comb (early detection prevents mouth infestation)
Nose
Lips
denture
Eyes
ears.

2. Increased dental care

Another important part of prevention is one appropriate dental care. What exactly that is depends largely on the dog: some animals come along dry food, that causes abrasion, and possibly one Dental snack well clear. Other four-legged friends, especially those with misalignments, also need it regular cleaning with toothbrush and toothpaste.

When the teeth are in good shape, many reasons that lead to scratching the mouth no longer apply. Also Foreign body These can often be easily removed, but sometimes tweezers are necessary.