{"id":10515,"date":"2023-03-03T14:30:20","date_gmt":"2023-03-03T22:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=10515"},"modified":"2026-10-30T09:38:09","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T16:38:09","slug":"how-to-help-your-dog-with-itchy-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/how-to-help-your-dog-with-itchy-skin","title":{"rendered":"How To Help Your Dog With Itchy Skin"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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It\u2019s a fact of life: All dogs scratch. You\u2019ve likely seen your dog paw at their nose or scratch behind their ears on more than one occasion. But chronic scratching is not normal. If your dog scratches obsessively, itchy dry skin could be to blame.<\/p>\n\n

Itchy afflictions are a lot more common than you might think. Recent research<\/u><\/a> from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) found that skin disorders, allergies, and ear infections<\/a>\u2014all conditions that can cause dog itching\u2014were among the top health concerns for pet owners.<\/p>\n\n

How to Tell If Your Dog\u2019s Itchy Skin Is a Problem<\/h2>\n\n
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According to Dr. Laura Wilson, DVM, Dipl. ACVD<\/a>, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist with JustFoodForDogs, occasional itchiness is not a cause for concern. But compulsive scratching, licking, or chewing warrants a call to the veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n

\u201cTypically, a dog scratches an itch and then goes on with their life; an itchy dog keeps going and going,\u201d Wilson says. \u201cExcessive scratching could cause your dog to lick or scratch themselves bald, or they might keep you up at night with incessant scratching.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

Other signs that your doggy is experiencing more than a simple itch are hot spots, rashes, dandruff, or excessive shedding. If your dog\u2019s increased scratching is accompanied by any of these symptoms, that\u2019s an indication that your dog may be dealing with a more serious skin issue.<\/p>\n\n

Common Causes of Itchy Skin in Dogs<\/h2>\n\n

A number of health issues from food and environmental allergies, yeast infections, problematic parasites, and the like bring about a case of itchy skin. In consultations with pet owners, Wilson asks questions about seasonal patterns, changes to diet, and physical symptoms such as gas and upset stomach to assess what\u2019s causing the itchy areas and how to treat them.<\/p>\n\n

Want to find out what could be causing your dog\u2019s itchy skin? Keep an eye out for these symptoms to narrow in on the possible source of your dog\u2019s skin condition.<\/p>\n\n

Parasites<\/h3>\n\n

An infestation of fleas, scabies, or other insects can cause your dog to scratch incessantly, even more so if your pet is sensitive to the saliva of the biting pest. Classic signs of flea allergies are often found around the lower back, base of the tail, inner thighs, and rump, notes Wilson. Internal parasites like tapeworm and hookworm can also lead to itchy skin.<\/p>\n\n

To diagnose the cause, your vet may conduct a physical exam and possibly a skin scrape of the affected area to look for signs of external parasites or take a stool sample to look for internal parasites that could be causing excessive itching.<\/p>\n\n

Environmental Allergies<\/h3>\n\n
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Dogs, like their owners, can suffer from seasonal allergies. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association notes that an estimated 10 percent of dogs suffer from skin allergies, also known as atopic dermatitis.<\/p>\n\n

Wilson notes that dust, grasses, pollen, and mold are all common allergens. Since most of these allergens appear in our environment seasonally, dogs may only show irritated skin at certain times of the year.<\/p>\n\n

\u201cDogs absorb allergens through their skin,\u201d Wilson says. \u201cThey will lick their paws and other places on their fur to remove pollen and allergens, which can trigger an allergic reaction that causes them to become itchy.\u201d

In addition to scratching, licking, or chewing their skin to relieve their itch, one study<\/u><\/a> found that severe cases of allergy-related itchiness can cause such psychological stress in dogs, they may exhibit excessive grooming, chewing, mounting, hyperactivity, and other problem behaviors. Severe allergic reactions can also cause secondary infections, including ear infections, Wilson adds.

A veterinary dermatologist can do allergy testing to determine if and what seasonal allergens are causing your dog\u2019s itchy skin. That entails a skin prick test, during which allergens are injected under a shaved portion of skin to see if they trigger an allergic response.<\/p>\n\n

Food Allergies<\/h3>\n\n

In the pet world, food allergies are a hot topic. Take one look at all the hypoallergenic options available in the dog food aisle as proof.<\/p>\n\n

However, research<\/u><\/a> shows that only two percent of dogs have food allergies. What\u2019s more common are food sensitivities or intolerance. While both food allergies and sensitivities can trigger itchy skin (and sensitivities are often accompanied by rumbling tummy, gas, or diarrhea), it\u2019s important to understand what\u2019s causing the reaction before rushing to eliminate certain ingredients from your dog\u2019s diet.<\/p>\n\n

Here\u2019s why: Ingredients aren\u2019t the only things that can cause a reaction in dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. Chemicals, additives, and flavorings are also triggers. And some dogs develop intolerance to highly-processed or lower-quality ingredients, over time.<\/p>\n\n

There\u2019s only one way to identify if food is causing your dog\u2019s itchy skin and what to do about it. Wilson suggests a strict feeding trial <\/a>done under the supervision of a veterinarian. This will help determine if food allergies are causing the itchiness, and what sort of dietary adjustment may resolve it.<\/p>\n\n

Sometimes, dogs thought to be allergic can do incredibly well on a diet of fresh whole foods. A feeding trial can help isolate whether it\u2019s an ingredient or the type of food your dog is eating that needs to change.<\/p>\n\n

Remedies & Treatment for Your Dog’s Itchy Skin<\/h2>\n\n
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It can be heartbreaking to watch your pet endure endless bouts of itchy skin. But there are several steps pet parents can take to help deliver both short-term and long-term relief.<\/p>\n\n

\u201cFor mild cases, a lukewarm bath with a soothing, anti-itch<\/a> product can provide temporary itch relief,\u201d says Wilson.<\/p>\n\n

You\u2019ll find no shortage of commercial antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-itch treatments for dogs in the aisles of your local pet supply store. Look for moisturizing dog shampoos specifically targeting dry, itchy skin, as well as topical ointments and sprays. Soothing shampoo ingredients include chamomile and oatmeal.<\/p>\n\n

Tried-and-true natural remedies can help dogs with itchy skin. Wilson recommends several easy, all-natural treatments:<\/p>\n\n