Itching is a common problem in dogs and can have many different causes. Common causes include allergies, parasites, infections and other skin conditions. Some conditions are more common in certain breeds or at different ages, and some dogs may need ongoing or lifelong treatment to keep their symptoms under control.
If your dog becomes itchy, speak to your vet for advice. Finding and treating the underlying cause can help prevent the problem from getting worse and reduce the risk of skin damage, hair loss and secondary skin infections.
What to do if your dog is itchy
The right approach depends on how severe your dog's itching is, what is causing it and whether they have any other symptoms.
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Mild itching
Your dog may scratch, lick or nibble at their skin occasionally, but the signs are brief and do not significantly affect their comfort or normal behaviour.
Depending on the cause, your vet may recommend simple measures such as parasite control, dietary changes, skin supplements or topical treatments.
Our Joii vets can help with mild cases and are available 24 hours a day to provide advice.
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Moderate to severe itching:
Your dog may scratch, lick or rub themselves frequently or persistently. The discomfort may affect their normal activities, such as eating, resting or playing, and repeated scratching or licking can cause skin damage.
These symptoms should be assessed by a vet in practice, as your dog may need prescription treatment to control the underlying cause and relieve their discomfort. Contact your local vet as soon as possible to arrange an appointment.
Why is your dog itchy?
There are many possible reasons why your dog may be itchy. Some of the most common causes include:
Allergies
Allergies are a very common cause of itching in dogs and can be split into different categories:
Flea allergy dermatitis: an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva following a flea bite.
Food allergies: an allergy to something in the diet, often a protein, such as beef.
Seasonal or environmental allergies: also known as atopy. Includes allergies to pollen, dust mites, grass, and mould.
Hives (urticaria): a sudden allergic reaction that can cause raised, itchy bumps on the skin.
Contact allergies: an allergic reaction caused by direct contact with a substance, such as a particular material or chemical.
Parasites
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Mites:
Demodex and Sarcoptes (Mange)
Skin infections
These are often secondary to allergies or parasites.
Bacterial, yeast, or fungal infections.
Hot spots: a localised area of inflamed, damaged skin that can become infected. They appear as moist, red patches of skin and can be swollen. More common in summer.
Ear disease
Ear problems can cause itching, particularly around the ears and head. They may be associated with underlying allergies or caused by other problems, including:
Others causes
Anal gland disease, such as infections or abscesses.
Pain: this can cause dogs to chew or bite at a specific area. It may be due to acute pain, such as a wound, or longer-term pain, such as arthritis.
Immune-mediated skin disease, such as pemphigus foliaceus. These conditions are relatively uncommon.
Hormonal disease, such as hypothyroidism, can cause changes to the skin, though itching is not usually a primary sign.
Neuropathic or behavioural causes: Less common, but dogs can sometimes lick or chew themselves due to nerve-related discomfort, anxiety or compulsive behaviour.
When to worry about your itchy dog
Seek urgent help from a vet in practice if:
Your dog has a sudden allergic reaction with breathing difficulties. This is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Your dog is itching constantly or the itching is significantly affecting their comfort or normal activities.
Your dog develops severe skin lesions, or the affected areas are widespread.
Your dog is unwell as well as itchy, such as being lethargic, off their food or vomiting.
Your dog has a mild itch or has started scratching their ears.
Your dog has a small or localised skin problem.
You have questions about which skin supplements or ear cleaners may be suitable for your dog.
You have questions about what parasite control to use for your dog.
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 appropriate for your dog. The type and frequency of treatment should be tailored to your dog’s individual risk, lifestyle and where they live, rather than using the same treatment for every dog. Your vet can advise on the most appropriate parasite control for your dog.
Regularly clean your dog’s bedding, collar, and bowls.
Dust and vacuum the house often, and avoid using sprays, air fresheners or perfumes around your dog.
Brush your dog regularly and check their skin for any new or abnormal areas.
Feed your dog complete and balanced food appropriate for their age and lifestyle. Some dogs may benefit from diets formulated to support the skin.
Skin supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids may be recommended as part of an approach to managing some skin conditions.
Some dogs benefit from regular bathing or ear cleaning. Follow your vet's advice for this, as bathing too often or using unsuitable products can irritate the skin.
If your dog becomes itchy, speak to your vet as soon as possible. Early treatment can help reduce discomfort and the risk of self-trauma and secondary skin problems.
Recommended products for itchy dogs
How to tell if your dog is itchy
It isn't always obvious when a dog is itchy. Some dogs may scratch frequently, while others show less obvious signs such as licking, chewing, rubbing or nibbling at their skin. You may also notice changes to their skin or coat.
Signs your dog may be itchy
You may notice your dog:
Scratching more than usual
Licking, chewing or nibbling at their skin
Rubbing their face, body or ears against furniture, carpets or the floor
Shaking their head or scratching their ears
Licking or chewing their paws
Scooting or licking around their bottom
You may also notice changes to their skin or coat, including:
Hair loss or bald patches
Pink, red or inflamed skin
Darkened or thickened skin, particularly if the itching has been present for a long time
Scabs, crusts, dry or flaky skin
A rash or hives
Bleeding or sore areas caused by scratching or chewing
Saliva staining, particularly on the paws
Dandruff or increased skin flakes
A change in the smell of the skin or ears
Where you may notice signs
Itching can affect different parts of the body depending on the underlying cause. You may notice:
Ears: scratching, redness, discharge, unpleasant smell, swelling or frequent head shaking
Eyes and face: rubbing the face, watery or red eyes, or holding the eyes closed
Paws: licking or chewing, redness, swelling or sore areas between the toes
Tail and bottom: licking, chewing, scooting, redness, swelling or sore areas
Some dogs with allergies or other underlying conditions may also develop symptoms elsewhere, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, pain or lethargy. If your dog is unwell as well as itchy, speak to a vet for advice.
If you are unsure whether your dog is itchy or what may be causing their symptoms, our Joii team are available 24 hours a day for advice.
How will your vet investigate itchy skin in dogs?
There are many possible causes of itchy skin in dogs, so your vet will usually start by taking a detailed history and examining your dog. They may then recommend tests to help identify the underlying cause.
Depending on your dog's symptoms, these may include:
Skin cytology: a sample from the skin is examined under a microscope to look for bacteria, yeast or other changes.
Skin scrapes or hair plucks to look for certain parasites, such as mites.
Flea combing: checking the coat for fleas or flea dirt.
Ear swabs: if your dog has signs of ear disease, a sample may be examined for yeast, bacteria or parasites.
Skin biopsy: a small sample of skin may be taken if a specific skin disease is suspected.
Blood and urine tests may be recommended if your vet suspects an underlying disease or if your dog needs monitoring during treatment.
An elimination food trial: this may be recommended if a food allergy is suspected. Your dog is fed a carefully selected diet for a set period to see whether their symptoms improve.
Allergy testing: may sometimes be used to identify environmental allergens, particularly when considering allergen-specific immunotherapy.
Other tests: depending on your dog's signs, your vet may recommend additional tests, such as imaging or other investigations, if they suspect a problem outside the skin.
Vet treatment for itchy dogs
Treatment will depend on what is causing the itching and may include:
Anti-itch medications: there are several different options available. Your vet will choose the most appropriate treatment based on your dog's symptoms, health and individual circumstances.
Parasite treatments: if parasites such as fleas or mites are contributing to the itching, your vet may recommend an appropriate treatment to eliminate them and prevent reinfestation.
Allergen-specific immunotherapy: This is used to gradually desensitise the body to different allergens. Treatment is tailored for each patient based on the results of allergy testing.
Ear cleaners and medicated ear drops: may also be needed if your dog has allergic ear disease.
Antibiotics or antifungal medication: may be prescribed if your dog has a skin infection. They are available in different forms, depending on the type and location of the infection.
Topical treatments: medicated shampoos, mousses, creams or other products may be recommended to treat the skin directly, particularly when infection or inflammation is affecting specific areas.
Your vet may recommend one treatment or a combination of treatments, depending on the cause and severity of your dog's itching.
How to help an itchy dog at home
It’s always best to seek the advice of a vet if your dog shows signs of being itchy.
Depending on the cause, there are some things you can do at home to help keep your dog comfortable and reduce further irritation.
Prevent further self-trauma: a protective collar or medical pet suit can be a temporary use help to prevent your dog from scratching, licking or chewing affected areas.
Use appropriate topical products: calming or medicated shampoos, mousses, wipes and gels may be helpful for some skin conditions. Your vet can advise which products are suitable for your dog.
Clean your dog’s ears when advised: some ear cleaners can help with mild irritation or support treatment of certain ear conditions.
Be cautious with home remedies: products such as olive oil, apple cider vinegar and coconut oil have limited evidence for treating itchy skin in dogs and may irritate the skin or make some conditions worse. Speak to your vet before using them.
Feed a complete and balanced diet: there are many diets available that can help support healthy skin and may be recommended for dogs with certain skin conditions.
Skin supplements: supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids may be recommended to support skin health.
Allergies can be particularly challenging to manage and often require a multimodal approach, which means using several different treatments or management strategies together.
If your dog has allergies:
Diet trials: if your vet suspects a food allergy, they may recommend a strict elimination diet using a hydrolysed or appropriate novel-protein diet.
Parasite control: make sure all pets in the household receive appropriate parasite control if advised by your vet, particularly if flea allergy is suspected.
Reduce exposure to known allergens: if your dog has a known environmental allergy, your vet may suggest ways to reduce exposure to the relevant allergen. This could include avoiding areas with high levels of the allergen or taking steps to reduce dust mites in the home.
Are some dogs more at risk of becoming itchy?
Allergies
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Atopy/environmental allergies
Some breeds are more prone to atopic dermatitis, including Labrador and Golden Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, French Bulldogs, Boxers, Shar Peis, German Shepherd Dogs, and Pugs.
Signs usually begin between 6 months and 3 years of age, although they can develop later.
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Food allergies
Food allergies can occur at any age but signs often begin when dogs are young.
There is no strong evidence that food allergies are limited to particular breeds. German Shepherd Dogs, West Highland White Terriers, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are reported in many cases, but this does not necessarily mean they have an increased breed-specific risk.
Ear disease
Some breeds are more prone to ear disease, including Basset Hounds, Shar Peis, Labradoodles, Beagles, Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Cockapoos, Cavapoos, French Bulldogs and Pugs.
Dogs with pendulous or V-shaped drop ears are generally at higher risk.
Dogs that swim regularly may also be more prone to ear problems because moisture can remain in the ear canal.
Ear disease is often associated with an underlying allergy.
Anal gland disease
Any dog can develop anal gland problems, but they are more common in small breeds, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, King Charles Spaniels, Cockapoos, Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises and Cocker Spaniels.
Other factors that may contribute to anal gland disease include soft stools or diarrhoea, obesity, low dietary fibre and allergies.
Mange
Some dogs are more prone to demodicosis, including certain Bulldog and Bull Terrier breeds, Shar-Peis, Pugs and Boxers.
Juvenile demodicosis is more common in young dogs. Adult-onset demodicosis can sometimes be associated with an underlying illness or immunosuppression.
Hot spots
Any dog can develop a hot spot, but they tend to be more common in dogs with long or thick coats, such as German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers.
Warm weather, moisture, swimming and underlying allergies can increase the risk of developing hot spots.
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