Why Is My Dog So Itchy?

​If your pup is constantly itching and scratching, it may have skin allergies, fleas, other parasites, or food allergies.  You can try several at-home remedies to help relieve your pup’s itch, including special diets and anti-itch shampoos.  But consult your veterinarian before trying to treat your dog’s itch yourself.  Your veterinarian can determine the underlying cause of the problem and prescribe medication and other necessary treatments.

Why Is My Dog So Itchy?
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

​If you are a dog owner, you have probably seen your furry friend try all sorts of things to scratch an itch. They might paw at an ear, scoot their butt across the carpet, or shake their head from side to side, sending dog slobber everywhere.  But the itching can be a problem. If your dog licks, scratches, or chews at their skin until it is raw and inflamed or develops frequent infections, they may have pruritus.  Pruritus is a fancy term for itching, a problem that affects many dogs and can have many causes.
 
Why do dogs itch?
There are many reasons your dog may be itchy.  Below are the most common causes of itching in dogs.
 
Flea allergies - Fleas are usually easy to see and diagnose, and they are a common cause of itchiness.  The itch is often concentrated above the tail but can be anywhere on the body.  You may also see evidence of fleas or flea dirt on your dog’s fur or in their environment.  A flea infestation can cause itchiness in any dog.  However, some dogs have a flea allergy, which makes them even more vulnerable.  A dog with a flea allergy can become itchy with just a few flea bites, even if it and its environment remain flea-free.
 
Environmental allergies - Your dog may be allergic to environmental substances such as:

• Dander
• Dust
• Grass
• Mold
• Pollen
• Smoke

As with seasonal allergies in humans, symptoms develop when a dog’s immune system mistakes these allergens for foreign invaders and overreacts.  In dogs, the airborne particles enter the body through the skin.  It leads to symptoms like itching.
Dogs with environmental allergies often show itchiness around their face, belly, and paws.  Signs of an allergic itch include:

• Changes in skin
• Frequent scratching
• Recurring skin infections
• Repeated ear infections

 
Parasites - Along with fleas, parasites like ticks and mange can cause your dog to be itchy.  Dogs can pick up these pests from their environment or through contact with other dogs.   Parasites can lead not only to itchiness but also to other, more serious health issues.  Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease.  Fleas can transmit some types of tapeworms and other diseases.  They may also infest your home if they hitch a ride home on your furry friend.
 
Food allergies and food intolerance - Some dogs are allergic to specific food ingredients, such as:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Dairy
• Wheat

Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakes the protein in food for a foreign invader (such as a virus or bacteria).  However, food allergies are less common than food intolerance.  A food intolerance differs from a food allergy in that it does not involve an immune response.  However, food intolerance can still cause itchiness, especially around the ears and paws.
Food allergies and food intolerance can cause symptoms like:

• Digestive problems
• Hives
• Itching
• Skin and ear infections

 
Skin infections - Itching and infections can become vicious in dogs with allergies.  Dogs with allergy-related itch tend to have more bacteria on their skin, which causes further inflammation and itching.  The continued damage to the skin also makes them more prone to skin infections.
 
When should you take your dog to the vet for itchiness?
You should take your dog for a vet visit if you notice excessive scratching, biting, and licking of their skin.  Chronic itching is a symptom of an underlying problem.  So, anytime you see signs of ongoing itching, get your dog to the vet to understand the cause.
Your veterinarian can perform an exam and a thorough skin history to determine the exact cause of your pup’s itchiness.  They can then recommend a treatment to address the root cause of your dog’s itch and get it under control for good.
 
What medication can you give a dog for itchy skin?
Medication might be helpful depending on the cause of your dog’s itch.  Some medications have to be prescribed by a veterinarian.  But, some over-the-counter (OTC) human medications are safe for dogs and can help relieve symptoms.  You should always contact your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication.  Even if a medicine is safe for dogs, providing the correct dose and being aware of potential side effects is essential.
 
Antihistamines - You can safely give your dog some OTC antihistamines.  However, some research indicates that these may not be as effective for treating dog allergies as human ones.  Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a common antihistamine that’s available OTC.  It is safe for dogs with mild allergies or allergic reactions.  Always ask your vet about the correct dose for your dog.  Too much Benadryl can cause antihistamine poisoning, resulting in difficulty breathing, seizures, and coma.
Allergy medications - There are various treatments available for environmental allergies.  Some medications can block the chemical signals that cause allergic itch in dogs.  These include oclacitinib (Apoquel), a daily oral medication, and lokivetmab (Cytopoint) in long-acting dog injections.  Depending on your dog’s allergies, your veterinarian may prescribe allergy shots.  These shots contain a small amount of what your dog is allergic to to help them build tolerance over time.

• Flea and tick medications - For dogs with an allergy to fleas or another parasite, oral or topical flea and tick preventatives are essential, especially during warmer weather.
• Steroids - Steroids, or cortisone, effectively block an allergic reaction quickly.  They are often used for short-term control of itch.  However, they are not the best long-term option because they can have many side effects.  Additionally, when given in high doses, they prevent the immune system from working.  It can lead to other health issues for your dog.
• Antibiotics - Sometimes, itching can cause a secondary infection, which your vet will treat with antibiotics. 

 
What at-home remedies can you use on your dog to relieve itchiness?
Several at-home remedies might help alleviate your dog’s allergic itch.  But check with your veterinarian before you try any of them.  Below are some common home remedies tested by researchers.

• Colloidal oatmeal shampoos and creme rinses.  The way colloidal oatmeal treats itch is unknown.  But it generally offers 1 to 3 days of relief from allergy-related itching.  Creme rinses may provide more extended relief.
• Omega-3 fatty acids.  Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties, making the skin less reactive to allergens.  Omega-3 is found in fish oil and can be given to your dog as a supplement.  Supplements are available in many forms, including as a liquid, capsule, soft gel, or chewable treat.  They require several weeks to build up in the body before they are effective.
• Organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.  The acidity of apple cider vinegar can benefit dogs with itchy skin and skin rashes caused by yeast.  Make a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water and put it in a spray bottle for easy application.  You can spray the solution on hot spots and poison ivy rashes.  You can also use it to clean your pup’s ears.  Do not use vinegar on an open wound.
• Shampoo therapy.  Regular bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo sometimes soothes itchy and inflamed skin.  Frequent baths also rinse allergens out of your dog’s coat.
• Special diets.  Certain dog foods contain ingredients to improve skin health and reduce inflammation.  These diets are usually available by prescription from your veterinarian.
• Topical coconut oil.  You can apply coconut oil to your dog’s skin once a week to help with itching.  After applying, let it absorb for 5 minutes.  Then rinse your dog off.

An at-home solution may not be the answer for your dog’s itching.  Your veterinarian can provide more suggestions.  Your vet may send your dog for allergy testing to determine what allergen is causing the reaction.  Or they may prescribe other treatments or medications.