Itchy Dog? Itch Relief for Dogs and When To Call Your Vet

At some point you’ve probably asked yourself, “Why is my dog itching so much?”

Skin problems are incredibly common in dogs, and most of them make dogs scratch, rub, or lick at their skin.  

Let’s look at the best ways to provide itch relief for dogs and the most common causes of an itchy dog.

What Causes Itchy Skin in Dogs?

Many common health problems can make dogs itchy, including:

• Allergies to environmental triggers like pollen, mold spores, and house mites.

• Contact dermatitis, a reaction to irritants like detergents or fertilizers.

• Skin parasites like fleas, ticks, lice, and mange mites. Bug bites (mosquitoes, for example) can also make dogs itchy.

• Allergic reactions to food ingredients, which can also lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and other signs of digestive upset.

• Skin infections and ear infections—bacteria or fungi may be to blame.

Home Remedies for an Itchy Dog

The first thing to do when faced with an itchy dog is to check their skin. The cause may be obvious.

If you see an attached tick, you can remove it at home.

Do you see lots of fleas? Good flea treatments like K9 Advantix II and Frontline Plus are available over the counter.

Sometimes you can’t immediately see the cause behind your dog’s itch. As long as your dog isn’t too itchy, you can try some home remedies:

• Give your dog a bath. Shampoos like Douxo S3 CALM or Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Fragrance Free Dog & Cat Shampoo will both soothe your dog’s skin and remove irritants or allergens from their coat.

• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can reduce inflammation and make a dog’s skin healthier.

• Try a diet change. Although food allergies aren’t that common in dogs, you can give a diet change a try. Find a diet that has protein sources that your dog hasn’t been exposed to before. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Grain-Free Sweet Potato & Venison Recipe Dry Dog Food could be a good choice.

Make an appointment with your veterinarian if home treatments aren’t effective for your dog.

When To Call Your Vet About an Itchy Dog

Don’t try treating an itchy dog at home if their scratching and biting are severe enough that they have patches of hair loss, very red skin, or open wounds.

These clinical signs mean a dog should be seen by a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Itchy skin in dogs is rarely a veterinary emergency (except in the case of anaphylaxis). However, if your dog is really suffering, seek veterinary care right away.

How Vets Diagnose the Cause of an Itchy Dog

Your veterinarian will start looking for the cause of your dog’s itching by doing a thorough physical examination and asking you some questions, such as:

• Is your dog on parasite prevention? What kind and how often do you use it?

• When did you first notice your dog’s itchy skin? Is it getting better or worse, or is it about the same?

• Is your dog itchy all the time or just during certain seasons?

• Have you tried any home remedies, and have they worked?

• Are other pets or people in the home also itchy?

• Have you noticed any other symptoms?

At this point, your vet may be able to recommend treatment, but more testing could also be needed. This can include:

• Skin scrapings to look for mange mites

• Skin cytology to find infections

• Fungal cultures for ringworm

• A health workup including blood work, urinalysis, and fecal examination

• Allergy testing

• Skin biopsy

Most of the time, a veterinarian will start with the simple, inexpensive tests and only move on to other testing if your dog doesn’t respond well to treatment.

Treatment for an Itchy Dog

Whenever possible, itch relief for dogs should be aimed at the underlying problem:

• Treatment for environmental allergies can involve prescription medications like Zenrelia. A single daily dose of Zenrelia can help to quickly relieve a dog’s itch.

  • Along with medications like Zenrelia, your vet may also recommend baths, immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops), omega-3 fatty acid supplements, or antihistamines.

• Food allergies are managed with a diet that doesn’t have the dog’s specific allergens. Veterinary diets may be needed in severe cases.

• Fleas, ticks, mites, and lice can be removed with the right parasiticides. Your veterinarian can help you pick out the best medication for your dog.

• Bacterial and fungal infections are often treated with medicated baths and with prescription antibiotics or antifungal medications.

How To Prevent Itchy Skin in Dogs

Keeping a dog’s skin as healthy as possible can go a long way toward keeping them itch-free. Ways you can prevent itchy skin in dogs include:

• Feed a nutritious, balanced diet

• Consider an omega-3 fatty acid supplement

• Bathe and brush your dog as needed to keep their coat clean and to prevent mats and tangles

• Use an effective, broad-spectrum parasite preventive year-round

Look over your dog’s coat and skin very well at least once a month. This will help you catch any problems that do develop early—when itch relief for dogs can help the most.