Why Is My Dog So Itchy - Common Causes and Solutions

Itching and Scratching in Dogs

There are several common causes of itchy skin in dogs, including allergies, skin sensitivity, infection or fleas. A dog allergies guide will support dog owners in determining whether or not their furbaby’s itchy dog skin is a reaction or something else.

Dry skin on dogs can be problematic for their general health and well-being, so it is important to speak to your veterinarian for the best treatment plan and advice.

Regarding dogs and compulsive scratching, licking and chewing, it is essential that you understand the source of this behaviour before it leads to subsequent complications. 

How to Identify If Your Dog Is Feeling Itchy?

Skin irritation in dogs can be quite uncomfortable. Common symptoms of dog allergies include skin redness, irritation or itchiness, so this might be a sign your dog has pollen allergies or are allergic to a certain ingredient in their diet.  

Constant scratching

This is a common sign of being itchy and your dog will usually scratch with its feet and claws or move around to get you to scratch the itchy spot when you’re petting them. 

There is a difference between feeling itchy and enjoying a belly scratch though. Constant and relentless scratching will be an indicator that they are itchy. 

Excessive licking

A common spot dogs lick when they are itchy are their pads and paws. Dogs with seasonal allergies often present with this symptom as their feet come in contact with the allergen. 

Dogs with allergies are often susceptible to yeast overgrowth as well, which can occur in the warm, moist areas between the toes. 

Rubbing on surfaces

Dogs can get creative with how they scratch an itch if it is persistent enough, and rubbing up against surfaces is just one of their tricks.

If you see your dog bum scooting or sliding their body along carpet or grass or rubbing up against a wall or a chair leg, they are likely itchy. 

Chewing

Chewing their feet, rear end and inner legs are common signs that your dog is itchy in these areas. There are several reasons for this behaviour that can be determined with help from your vet.

What Are the Possible Causes of Your Pet's Itchiness?

The discomfort of excessive itchiness or possible causes of your furbaby sneezing a lot is the reason to not ignore your dog’s allergies. 

Not only can they lead to undue stress, but constant scratching can cause further complications; broken skin, infection and pain. 

It’s important to seek veterinarian care for itchiness so that together you can get to the root of the problem and provide relief for your dog's dry skin.

Let’s take a look at some of the possible causes of your dog’s scratching. 

1. Fleas and ticks

Flea bites can be very itchy and are probably the first potential cause to investigate if you notice your furbaby is itchy. 

Bites can occur anywhere over the body and if your dog has an allergy to fleas, even a single bite can cause a severe reaction. 

2. Skin infections

Ringworm infections, yeast overgrowth or bacterial infections can all be extremely itchy. Other symptoms include hair loss, a foul smell on the skin or red or oozing skin. 

3. Pollen/environmental allergies

Pollen, mould, spores or dust mites, and environmental allergies are varied. If you notice your dog is itchier during the spring and summer months, it may be a seasonal allergy.

There are steps you can take to reduce their exposure, such as cleaning their bed regularly and altering outdoor walking times to more optimal parts of the day when the pollen count is high. 

4. Reaction to food

Itchiness is the more common symptom of an allergic reaction to a food ingredient. 

Allergies can build up over time, so just because your dog has eaten the same diet for years and they are only recently presenting with symptoms, it may be because they have developed an allergy to their food. 

Chicken, beef and dairy products are common allergens for dogs. 

5. Parasites

Mosquitoes and microscopic mites can also be the cause of your furbaby’s itchiness, alongside other parasitic pests that might be found around your region. 

Bug bites are often small red bumps, easier to see on short-haired dogs than it is on long-haired ones.

Tips to Treat Itchy Skin in Dogs

Itch relief for dogs can be found in a number of ways, both with dog itchy skin treatment and by taking steps to remove the cause. 

Home remedies for dogs with skin allergies include anything from bathing to feeding the best food for a dog with allergies. 

When it comes to managing seasonal allergies in dogs, several dog itching remedies are effective. Here are some common options:

Use antihistamines

Consult a veterinarian before offering antihistamines to your furbaby. Although some are safe, others are not. 

They are effective in managing seasonal allergies, however, will need to be used in conjunction with other treatments to directly relieve the symptom of itchy skin in the short term. 

Use vet-recommended shampoos and oils

Coconut oil, oatmeal baths and using sensitive skin shampoo will provide relief to a dog that has dry, itchy skin.

Discuss with your vet how frequently you should be bathing your furbaby, to ensure that excessive bathing does not exacerbate the issue. 

Be aware that through bathing, the root cause has not been addressed, so this will only offer temporary relief. It is important to work on understanding why your furbaby is itchy to reduce their contact with this skin aggressor. 

Prescription steroids

In more acute cases, your veterinarian may prescribe a steroid to reduce an allergic itch, which should be effective in reducing their discomfort. 

Be aware of the side effects of this solution however and should only be used for short periods ideally. 

Potential behaviour shifts, as well as increased thirst, urination and weight gain, have been reported to occur after prolonged steroid use. 

Constant monitoring of your pet’s well-being will ensure that this option remains the best possible for their itchy skin relief.

Final Thoughts

Dogs can get itchy skin from time to time, but excessive scratching can be a concern. An itchy dog home remedy can alleviate their discomfort and allow everyone to get a good night's sleep.

The best itch relief for dogs depends on what the root cause is. If you are treating food allergies in dogs, then removing the allergen from their diet and providing topical relief will hopefully be suitable.