Key Points

• Identifying the cause of your dog’s itchy skin and working closely with your veterinarian on a treatment plan can help them get back to their happy, tail-wagging self.

• Use preventive measures, such as flea prevention and regular grooming, to minimize the chances of skin irritation. 

• Consider cost-saving options like Pumpkin Wellness Club to ensure your dog gets the care they need without financial strain.

  
  

It’s common for dogs to scratch every now and then, but if your pup is constantly itching and biting at their skin, it might be a sign of a bigger issue. Excessive scratching can affect your dog’s quality of life and might signal allergies, skin problems, or other underlying health problems.

If your dog is itching and scratching often, seek treatment right away to help them feel better as soon as possible. This guide will help you identify common triggers and treatments for an itchy dog so that you can bring your canine companion some much-needed relief.

Why is my dog scratching so much?

Itching in dogs, also referred to as pruritus, can stem from a variety of causes. While fleas and ticks are often the first culprits that come to mind, there are many other factors to consider. Below are some of the most common reasons dogs itch.

Flea allergy dermatitis

Even a single flea bite can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs and lead to intense itching. If you suspect fleas, check for "flea dirt" or look for small pests on their skin. Be sure to implement year-round flea prevention. 

Environmental triggers

Dogs can develop seasonal allergies and sensitivities to pollen, mold, dust, or even grass. These allergies may worsen during specific seasons or after exposure to new environments. 

Symptoms often include itching around the paws and nose.

Food allergies

Certain ingredients in your dog’s diet (such as chicken, beef, or dairy) could trigger itching, licking, or gastrointestinal upset. If you think your dog’s food might be the issue, work with your veterinarian to try an elimination diet to pinpoint the allergen. 

Dry skin or irritants

Cold weather, dry air, or harsh grooming products can leave your dog’s skin flaky and dehydrated. Consider using hypoallergenic shampoos and moisturizing sprays if this is the case.

Skin diseases

Bacterial or fungal infections can cause redness, sores, and uncontrollable itching. Skin diseases often develop after excessive scratching opens the skin for secondary infections to occur. 

Genetics

Certain breeds are predisposed to skin conditions. For instance, Bulldogs and Retrievers are more prone to skin issues like atopic dermatitis. If your breed has a genetic tendency, proactive care is essential.

Skin symptoms to watch for

When keeping an eye on your pet’s skin health, spotting early signs of trouble is vital. Catching symptoms quickly can help you address problems before they get worse.

Keep an eye out for these common warning signs:

• Redness or inflammation 

• Excessive scratching or licking 

• Hair loss or bald patches 

• Scaly, flaky, or rough skin 

• Foul odor from the skin 

• Presence of lumps, bumps, or sores 

• Darkened skin or discoloration 

Diagnosing the itch

When your dog is struggling with itchy skin, a visit to the veterinarian is the first step to finding them some relief. The process typically starts with a thorough physical examination and a conversation about their history. It helps your veterinarian understand potential triggers like diet, environment, or recent changes to routine that could be causing a reaction. 

By examining your dog’s skin, the veterinarian can look for signs of infection, irritation, or parasites, which are often the root cause of any itching issues. 

They may perform skin scrapes to uncover any hidden issues like mites or fungal infections to make sure they’re not missing anything that could cause the itching. If allergies are suspected, additional testing, or an elimination diet might be recommended to help narrow down the primary cause. 

While the process can be a lengthy one, each step is important in addressing the root cause of your dog’s discomfort to be able to treat it properly. Depending on the cause of the itch, different treatment plans may be recommended. They might need medication to treat infections or a new diet to avoid food sensitivities. Once you have a diagnosis, you should be able to offer your dog long-term relief from their itching. 

Treatment options for an itchy dog 

Once the cause is identified, your veterinarian may recommend one or several treatments to provide relief. Here are some options to consider:

Flea and tick prevention

Keeping your dog on year-round parasite prevention is essential. Medications such as oral preventives or topical treatments can eliminate fleas and ticks before they become a problem. Oral parasiticides, topical parasiticides, and tick and flea collars are the vet-recommended methods for preventing fleas and ticks from bugging your pet

Medicated shampoos

Medicated shampoos can soothe itchy skin in dogs by reducing inflammation, alleviating irritation, and addressing underlying causes such as allergies, infections, or parasites. 

For dogs with sensitive skin, hypoallergenic shampoos are great to avoid any irritating reactions, while medicated shampoos contain active ingredients to treat irritations caused by allergies. These shampoos often contain ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, or antifungal agents to promote healing and comfort.

Antihistamines or steroids

Antihistamines and steroids can effectively reduce a dog's itchy skin by managing allergic reactions and calming inflammation. While antihistamines alleviate mild symptoms, steroids provide stronger relief for severe cases. 

Hypoallergenic diet

A hypoallergenic diet can significantly help dogs with food allergies causing skin issues. Feeding novel proteins, such as venison or duck, and specially-formulated hypoallergenic foods can reduce exposure to common allergens. This eliminates triggers like beef, chicken, or grains and allows your dog’s skin to heal. Consult your veterinarian for tailored dietary recommendations.

Environmental management

Environmental allergies in dogs are common, and plenty of pet parents navigate this every year. Climate change is thought to be altering the pollen cycles of many species of plants, making the dreaded pollen season longer for people and pets who suffer from allergies. 

You can help to minimize triggers by using air purifiers, dusting regularly, and washing bedding often. Wiping their paws after walks can also help reduce pollen exposure.

Lifestyle tips for immediate relief

• Oatmeal baths: An oatmeal bath can calm irritated skin naturally. Make sure the water is lukewarm to avoid further aggravating the skin. 

• Trim nails: Keeping your dog’s nails short prevents additional damage caused by scratching.

• Use skin soothers: Apply vet-recommended balms or sprays to reduce inflammation and support healing.

Can you prevent itchy skin in dogs?

Prevention is always better than treatment. Follow these wellness tips to help stop your dog’s itching before it starts:

• Schedule regular grooming and veterinary checkups.

• Use hypoallergenic cleaning products to avoid exposing your pet to irritants.

• Stick to a balanced, allergy-friendly diet and track triggers.

• Maintain year-round parasite prevention.

Fight off the itch with treatment and prevention

Watching your dog struggle with itchy skin isn’t easy, but there are plenty of solutions to help them feel better. Start by identifying the cause, work with your veterinarian on a tailored plan, and implement preventive measures to keep itching at bay.

Need help managing the costs of routine care? Check out Pumpkin Wellness Club and save on eligible expenses for flea prevention, veterinary visits, and more.

FAQs

Why is my dog constantly scratching and biting himself?

Your dog may be itching due to allergies, parasites, or skin infections. A veterinarian can identify the root cause and recommend treatments like medication, specialized diets, or parasite prevention plans.

Are food allergies common in dogs?

Yes, food allergies are relatively common in dogs. In 2021, a teaching hospital in Brazil reported that 25% of their cases seen were allergy-related. The most common allergens include beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, and soy. Identifying and eliminating these triggers can help manage symptoms effectively.

What helps a dog stop itching fast?

Over-the-counter antihistamines or a soothing oatmeal bath can provide temporary relief, but be sure to check with your veterinarian for long-term solutions and before giving your dog any medication. 

Are hot spots contagious?

No, hot spots are not contagious. They are localized skin infections caused by factors like moisture, allergies, or irritation, and they cannot spread from one animal to another.