Itchy dogs
What to do
Causes
When to worry
Prevention
Recommended products for itchy dogs
Diagnosis
How to help at home
Vet treatment
Risk
Other causes
Products in this article
Itchy dogs
Itching and skin disease account for up to 40% of veterinary visits in dogs. A wide range of underlying conditions can cause your dog to feel itchy. Some conditions are more common in different breeds or at different ages. Depending on the condition, some dogs may need lifelong treatment.
If your dog becomes itchy, consult a vet for advice as soon as possible. If left untreated, the problem can worsen and lead to severe self-trauma, hair loss, and skin infections.
What to do if your dog is itchy
Depending on how severe the signs are, different treatment options may be available.
Mild signs of itching means occasional symptoms that do not significantly affect your pet’s daily comfort or behaviour. Your dog may scratch, lick, or nibble at their skin from time to time, but the signs are generally brief. In many cases, mild symptoms can be managed at home depending on the underlying cause. Helpful approaches include skin supplements, dietary adjustments, parasite control, and topical treatments. Our Joii vets are available 24 hours a day to provide advice.
Moderate to severe symptoms mean that your dog is frequently or persistently scratching, licking, or rubbing. The discomfort may be significant enough to interrupt normal activities, such as eating, resting, or playing. These symptoms require veterinary assessment and may need prescription medication to control the underlying cause and provide relief. If you notice these signs, contact your local vet as soon as possible to arrange an appointment.
Why is your dog itchy?
Many different things may cause your dog to develop itchy skin. Click on the links to explore each cause in more detail.
Allergies
Allergies are the most common cause of itching in dogs and can be split into different categories:
Flea allergy dermatitis: a skin infection caused by flea bites.
Food allergies: an allergy to something in their food, usually the protein source (such as chicken or beef).
Seasonal or environmental allergies, also known as atopy. Includes allergies to pollen, dust mites, grass, and mould.
An allergic reaction: sudden in appearance, and often see bumps all over the skin. Also known as urticaria or hives.
Contact allergies: caused by direct contact, such as with plastic food bowls.
Parasites
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Mites:
Demodex and Sarcoptes (Mange)
Skin infections
These are often secondary to allergies or parasites.
Bacterial, yeast, or fungal
Hot spots: a localised infection of the skin. Appear as moist and red patches of skin and can be swollen. More common in summer.
Ear disease: most often related to allergies. Can also be due to foreign bodies, ear mites, or a mass in the ear.
Others causes
Anal gland disease, such as infections or abscesses
Pain: often when it is localised to a specific area. Can cause dogs to chew or bite at an area of skin. Includes acute pain, such as wounds, and long-term pain, such as arthritis.
When to worry about your itchy dog
Seek help from a vet if:
Your dog is constantly itching throughout the day.
Your dog develops any severe skin lesions, or they are widespread over the body.
Your dog is unwell as well as itchy.
Your dog has a sudden allergic reaction with breathing problems.
Joii can help if:
Your dog has a mild itch or has started scratching their ears.
Your dog has small or localised skin issues.
You have questions about what skin supplements or ear cleaners are best to use.
You have questions about the best parasite control for dogs.
You have any questions about food allergies or how to do a diet trial.
Tips on how to prevent your dog from becoming itchy
Use regular parasite control that covers fleas, mites, ticks, and worms.
Regularly clean your dog’s bedding, collar, and bowls.
Dust and vacuum the house often, and avoid sprays or perfumes in the house.
Brush your dog and check for any abnormal areas of skin at least once a week.
Feed your dog high-quality, complete food for their age and lifestyle. Some brands also have a special skin care range with high omega oil levels.
Skin supplements containing omega oils are useful for dogs with skin diseases.
Dust mite spray for the house is useful for dogs with these allergies.
Some dogs benefit from regular bathing, shampooing, and ear cleaning. Follow professional advice for this, as bathing too often can also cause problems.
Get your dog checked over with a vet as soon as possible if they become itchy to help prevent self-trauma to the skin.
Recommended products for itchy dogs
How to know if your dog is itchy
The medical term for itching is pruritus. It may not always be obvious that your dog is itchy. Some dogs will secretly scratch or show other signs, such as chewing, biting, rubbing, and licking.
You may notice skin lesions, such as:
Hair loss or bald patches
Pink or red skin
Dark or thickened skin
Scabs, dry skin, a rash, hives, blisters, or black spots
Bleeding skin from self-trauma
Saliva staining on the paws
Dandruff and flakes
Lumps and swellings
Other parts of the body may also be affected, including:
Ears: itchy, red, discharge (including wax), smelly, swollen, shaking head
Eyes: itchy, weepy, red, holding them closed
Runny nose and sneezing
Paws: itchy, swelling, lumps, red skin
Tail and bum: itchy skin, scooting, swelling, lumps
Your dog may show other signs, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, pain, or lethargy. Speak to a vet as soon as possible if your dog is ill. Our Joii team are available 24 hours a day for advice.
How to treat an itchy dog at home
It’s always best to seek the advice of a vet if your dog shows signs of being itchy. Home remedies may be helpful for certain conditions, and your vet can guide you on the best ones to use.
Allergies, in particular, can be tricky to treat, and it’s recommended to take a multi-modal approach. This means using different products and methods to improve the signs.
Use a buster collar, inflatable collar, or medical pet suit to prevent further self-trauma.
Calming or medicated shampoos, mousses, wipes, and gels are useful for certain conditions, including mild skin infections. These are often antibacterial and also soothe the skin.
Some ear cleaners can also help with mild irritations or infections.
Speak to a vet before using home remedies, such as olive oil, apple cider vinegar, or coconut oil. These have limited research in dogs and may be more harmful for some conditions.
Make sure your dog is up to date on parasite control.
Feed a good quality, complete diet. Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete is useful for a range of conditions that can cause your dog to be itchy. It is proven to help with both food and environmental allergies.
Allergies
For mild itching, skin supplements containing omega oils can help protect the skin barrier.
A diet trial with a novel or hydrolysed protein to check for food allergies. A novel protein is one that your dog has never eaten before. A strict trial lasting 6-8 weeks before assessing the results; cut out all other food and treats.
Make sure all pets in the household are up to date on parasite control that covers at least fleas and mites.
If your dog has specific allergies, try to avoid contact with them. For example, avoid walking when the pollen count is high, avoid long grass, dust regularly, and feed certain foods.
Other causes
Follow the links to see treatment for the following:
Vet treatment for itchy dogs
Your dog might need prescription medication from your local vet. This usually starts with a full physical examination to assess the skin, ears, and all other body parts.
Prescription medications include:
Anti-itch medications: there are many different types of these, and your vet will work with you to find the best solution for your dog. Includes steroids, Apoquel, Atopica and Cytopoint.
Allergen-specific Immunotherapy: A medication made specifically for each patient based on the results of skin or blood tests for allergies. Helps to desensitise the body to different allergens. It works to reduce the severity of the symptoms of allergies and is usually given by injection every 2-4 weeks.
Anti-inflammatories: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications). Often used for anal gland disease and treatment of pain.
Antihistamines: such as Clorphenamine or Loratadine
Parasite treatments: for fleas, mites, etc.
Antibiotics: many different forms, such as tablets, liquids, injections, creams, or shampoo
Antifungal medication
Your vet might recommend tests to diagnose underlying conditions, such as parasites and food allergies. Tests often include:
Skin scrapes, hair plucks, or biopsy
Ear or anal gland flush and swab
Intradermal skin testing for allergies
A strict food trial to check for allergies in the food
Imaging, including x-rays, is usually done if pain is suspected
Are some dogs more at risk of becoming itchy?
Allergies
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Atopy/environmental allergies
Breeds: English and French Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Spaniels, Poodles, West Highland White Terriers, and Shar Peis.
Ages: usually begin in young adults
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Food allergies
Can occur at any age but are more common when less than 1 year old.
Some breeds may be more at risk, including West Highland White Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and Irish Terriers.
Ear disease
Breeds: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Retrievers, Poodles, Pugs, and French Bulldogs.
Dogs that like to swim can be at higher risk of ear infections.
Ear disease is often associated with an underlying allergy.
Anal gland disease
Breeds: All dogs can develop anal gland problems, but they are more common in small breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Bichon Frises, and Shih Tzus.
An inadequate diet, soft stools, obesity, and allergies can also lead to anal gland disease.
Mange
Dogs with weaker immune systems are more at risk. This includes dogs that are elderly, very young, or have other underlying health issues, such as diabetes or cancer.
Some breeds have an increased risk of demodex. These include Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, Pug, Boxer, Border Terrier, and Bull breeds.
Hot spots
Any dog can develop a hot spot, but they are more common in long-haired breeds, such as German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers.
Other conditions that may make your dog itchy
Stress: Dogs that are stressed may also show signs of biting or chewing
Ticks: don’t tend to be itchy but can cause skin reactions
Lice: not common in dogs. Can be easily prevented with most routine parasite control.
Pemphigus Foliaceus: the most common auto-immune disease in dogs. The body’s own immune system attacks the skin cells. More common in middle-aged and older dogs. Certain breeds may be more susceptible.
Anal furunculosis: a chronic inflammatory disease involving the anus.
