The Main Causes of Itchy Skin in Dogs and How To Treat It

Many dogs experience itchy skin, and it’s as uncomfortable and frustrating for them as it is for us. Nobody wants to watch their dog constantly scratch and chew at their skin, especially when you don’t understand the underlying reason. The truth is that there are many possible culprits, and it’s not always easy to narrow it down.

The Complete Pet Animal Hospital is here to help by explaining some of the main causes of itchy skin in dogs and how to treat it. See if a few simple changes are enough to make a difference for your pet.

Allergies

Allergies are one of the leading causes of itchy dog skin and affect them the same way they do us. Dogs may react to various allergens in their environment, diet, or grooming products. These allergens can trigger atopic dermatitis in dogs, an inflammatory condition that manifests through itchiness.

The hardest part of identifying atopic dermatitis is figuring out the cause of the allergies. You can try to do an elimination test by removing certain things from your dog’s environment and seeing if that fixes the problem, such as switching to a different food or making changes to their habits.

In some instances, the issue may be due to environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or some types of grass. Your dog may experience allergy symptoms more during certain times of the year versus others. If so, consider speaking to your vet to see if allergies are the cause of your dog’s itchiness. If the vet confirms as much, they may prescribe your pet anti-allergy medication.

Fleas and Other Parasites

When most people think about the cause of itchy dog skin, they think of fleas, ticks, and other creepy-crawlies. Your dog’s skin reacts to flea saliva and can experience severe bouts of itchiness and discomfort. Ticks, mites, and lice are other parasites that can cause intense itching.

If you suspect fleas or other similar parasites have infected your pet, veterinarian-recommended medications, salves, and shampoos can manage and prevent infestations. You should also perform a thorough cleaning of your dog’s bedding and the surrounding area to remove potential threats from reemerging.

Dryness

Skin tends to itch when it dries out, and your dog may deal with this discomfort through constant scratching. Skin dryness may occur due to cold weather, low humidity, excessive bathing, or insufficient omega-3 fatty acids in your dog’s diet.

Skin lacking in moisture leads to flakiness, redness, and irritation. Dogs with shorter hair that live in dry climates are far more likely to experience dry skin. You can usually remediate the dryness by adding fatty acid supplements to your dog’s diet or using a moisturizing shampoo in more frequent intervals to restore their natural hydration barrier. However, consult with your vet before beginning these at-home treatments.

Skin Infections

One of the main causes of itchy skin in dogs is fungal infections, which often stem from other side effects. Scratching wounds or other skin conditions can worsen or exacerbate these infections, causing them to spread even further.

Yeast infections commonly affect warm, moist areas such as the ears, paws, and skin folds. Symptoms include a bad smell, redness, and constant licking of the affected area. Bacterial infections may result in redness, scabbing, and pain, leading to even more itching. You can treat many of these conditions with an antimicrobial shampoo, topical ointment, or oral medication prescribed by a veterinarian, giving your dog some much-needed relief.

Hot Spots

Acute moist dermatitis, or hot spots, are localized areas of red, inflamed skin. These spots are extremely itchy and uncomfortable for dogs. Hot spots often develop from excessive scratching, licking, or chewing at an area in response to irritation. They often spread from other initial causes like bug bites, allergens, or scratching a certain spot too much.

Hot spots can turn badly very quickly if you don’t treat them. You can help your dog by trimming the fur around the affected area and keeping it dry and clean. In severe cases, you may need to contact your vet and seek appropriate medication.

Hormonal Imbalances

Another potential cause of itchiness in your dog could be a hormonal imbalance. This issue affects your dog’s skin health and leads to multiple other negative side effects, including thinning fur, flaky skin, or regular infections. If you suspect a hormonal issue, seek a veterinary evaluation. Treatment involves managing the underlying imbalance with medications and monitoring.

Contact Dermatitis

Much like an allergy, some dogs develop itchy skin from direct contact with an irritant. These irritants could be a specific floor cleaner you use in your home, their shampoo, or even a material in their bedding. The itchiness normally stays within areas that directly contact the irritant in question but can result in redness and itching elsewhere. Switching to hypoallergenic and pet-safe products often resolves this issue. Washing your dog’s bedding and toys regularly can also prevent ongoing irritation.

Stress and Anxiety

Sometimes, itching doesn’t come from anything physical but is a response to behavioral factors like stress, anxiety, or even boredom. Your dog may scratch, lick, or bite their skin excessively, even if there’s no external source for the irritation.

Your dog may benefit from increased mental stimulation and regular exercise. If you feel like there are factors leading to more stress, like loud noises or overstimulation, create a more relaxed environment for your dog.

Hereditary or Breed-Specific Skin Conditions

Bulldogs, pugs, and other similar breeds may experience more skin conditions due to their prominent folds. Retrievers often develop atopic dermatitis at a higher rate than other dog breeds. Talk to your dog’s vet and ask about potential skin or health risks associated with a specific breed. Generally, routine grooming and frequent check-ups can reduce these skin issues and their associated scratching.

At The Complete Pet Animal Hospital, we aim to provide comprehensive, compassionate veterinary hospital services to keep your pets happy and healthy. If you suspect itching or other issues with your dog’s skin, schedule an appointment with us. We’ll give your furry friend a level of care that enhances their quality of life.