When dog scratching becomes a problem

Does your dog frantically scratch and chew on his skin? Are his nails wrecking havoc on your hardwood floors? Or perhaps he's unintentionally scratched your children in an innocent game of fetch-the-tennis ball. If any of these scenarios sounds familiar, your beloved Spot is a problem scratcher--and you're probably itching to find a solution.

Dog scratching & chewing: Allergies, disease, or annoyance?

If your pooch seems to be spending his time scratching and chewing on his coat, you'll need to treat any skin problems he may have. First, get to the veterinarian and rule out the possibility of a contagious disease such as mange or ringworm. Note, too, that persistent scratching can be an indicator of fleas, hay fever and allergies. Once your pet's been diagnosed, be sure to follow the treatment protocol recommended by your vet.

On the other hand, your problem scratcher may boast a beautiful coat in tip-top condition--it's just your furniture that isn't looking so hot. Dogs can do serious damage with their nails, scratching and marring couches, chairs and hardwood floors. Then, of course, your problem scratcher may be hurting your family and guests in your home, inadvertently leaving painful scratches when jumping on them in greeting or during play. This poses a significant problem, particularly for elderly people with delicate skin or medical conditions such as diabetes, or individuals taking blood-thinning medication.

Train your dog out of scratching

While you can begin to tackle these kinds of problems by training your pooch not to jump on people or scratch furniture, it's also a good idea to trim your dog's nails. Not only will regular manicures help strengthen the bond between you and your dog, they give you a chance to check for torn, ripped and ingrown nails. Ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer for tips on cutting your animal companion's nails.

In addition to nail trimming and, when necessary, behavior training, you should consider vinyl nail caps for your dog. These soft caps are safe to use, easy to apply and will effectively blunt your companion canine's nails so no damage can occur " to your furniture or your skin " when he scratches. They can also be a great help in preventing those pooches undergoing medical treatment from aggravating any skin problems.