How much itching is normal for a dog

Why Is My Dog So Itchy? Possible Causes & Treatment

Are you thinking about your dogs frequent scratching, licking, and rolling around on the rug? You may be feeling itchy yourself, just from watching all this activity!

There are many reasons your dog may be itchy. Many veterinarians believe its best to find the cause of the itch sooner rather than later. While occasional scratching can be normal for dogs, frequent scratching could indicate a medical condition that may get worse over time.

According to a 2023 Nationwide Survey on pet insurance data, for the eleventh year in a row allergic dermatitis (skin allergies) was the top reason dogs were brought into the vet. This condition can make your dog itchy and cause them to show signs like frequent scratching, recurrent ear infections, and skin changes. Continue on to learn more about allergic dermatitis and why August is such a special month.

Possible Cause of Your Dogs Itchy Skin

So, whats behind your dogs itchy skin? It may be caused by a medical condition called skin allergies. This means your dogs body overreacts to an allergen in the environment or to food, which makes them feel itchy. There are several potential culprits:

• Flea allergy: Flea bites can create extremely itchy areas on your dog. They can be found anywhere on the body, but are most common at the hind legs, tail base, and rear end. Just because you dont see any fleas on your dog does not mean they arent there keep in mind that a bite from a single flea can make your dog very itchy.
• Food allergy: Your dogs itching might be caused by a food allergy. Some dogs are allergic to common dog food ingredients such as beef, chicken, and dairy products.1 Food allergies in dogs can lead to changes to the skin around their paws, face, armpits, and belly.
• Environmental allergy: Your dog may be allergic to environmental triggers like pollen, mold spores, or dust mites. Environmental allergens can cause allergic itch during certain seasons, or even year-round. Dogs with environmental allergies will often have changes to the skin around their face, belly, and paws.
• Contact allergy: Your dog may be allergic to substances it encounters daily. These can include things like household cleaners, shampoos, insecticides, and plants. Dogs with contact allergies will often be itchy in the area that touched the contact allergen.

Skin allergies can make your dog uncomfortable. They can also lead to secondary health problems if there is a delay in treatment. When a dog licks or scratches an area excessively, it can damage the skin and lead to skin infections and wounds. These can cause changes like hair loss, body odor, and inflammation. Severe skin infections and wounds may even be painful for your dog.

How to Relieve Your Dogs Itchy Skin

When your dog experiences these skin changes because of skin allergies, it can be tempting to try an over-the-counter treatment or home remedy. However, using an OTC or at-home solution may not relieve your dogs itch. The following treatment options are commonly available and may offer some itch relief but may not be the best option for your dog.

• Over-the-counter shampoos and oils. Treatments like coconut oil and itch-relief shampoos only provide temporary relief. Your dogs itch may come back because the root cause has not been addressed.
• Antihistamines. While studies have shown that antihistamines may relieve allergies in humans well, antihistamines are less helpful in relieving itch in dogs with environmental allergies. In fact, it has been shown that antihistamines likely offer little to no benefit in treating environmental allergies in many dogs.
• Prescription steroids. Steroids prescribed by a vet can be effective in reducing itchiness in your dog, but they may cause side effects5 in your furry friend. Dogs on prescription steroids often experience increased urination, thirst, and weight gain. They can also experience behavior shifts such as increased aggression.

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month. If your dog is scratching frequently in August or any time of year, schedule an appointment with your vet to discuss the most effective ways to relieve your dogs itch. If your dog has skin allergies, then a prescription treatment from your vet may be needed to get your favorite sidekick feeling better. So, call your vet today!

American poet Ogden Nash said, Happiness is having a scratch for every itch. For your dog, happiness is relieving the source of every itch.

Is your pets itching normal, or excessive?

Author: Dr. Clarissa G. Noureddine, DVM, MS, MS

I recently heard a groomer explaining about how she will often find skin or ear conditions on pets when they are in for grooming. While she always informs the owners and encourages them to seek veterinary care for the condition, she inevitably has some owners who feel their pets itchy skin is just normal for their dog. This brings up some interesting questions. An obvious one that comes to mind focuses on defining normal: What is a normal amount of itching for a pet? But if we start to think a little more carefully about the response of these pet owners, I also wonder whether there may be some hint of frustration or even a feeling of defeat related to the chronic, ongoing nature of skin allergies for some pets. To this point, I have met a number of pet owners over the years who are just about fed up with the battle of trying to give their itchy pet some relief. And somewhere along the way, some owners do ultimately decide that the itching and discomfort is just normal for their pet. If you are the owner of a pet that has skin allergies, then this blog is for you. With all the understanding and treatment options we have for skin allergies, it is much easier (compared to even 10 or 15 years ago) to give our patients relief from this chronic discomfort. Importantly, it must be noted that skin allergies are definitely high on the list of health conditions that are best managed when there is a team approach between pet owners and the veterinary clinic. At Lawndale Veterinary Hospital, our doctors and staff understand this point well, and we do our best to develop an ongoing relationship with our pet owners and their fuzzy companions.

What is a normal versus abnormal amount of itching? Lets get the easy answers out of the way first. Here are some things that would indicate your pets itching is abnormal:

• Red skin or ears
• Hair loss
• Any skin lesions (e.g., scabs, pustules, crusting, scaling, ulcerations, lumps, etc.)
• Ear discharge
• Shaking head repeatedly/ pawing at ear(s)
• Scratching, licking, or chewing on the body to the point of causing self-trauma
• Licking an area so much that saliva staining develops
• Obvious parasites or flea feces flea dirt on the animal

Now, for the trickier answers:

• Scratching without creating any secondary skin or coat changes: Some people think that if their pet is not developing skin lesions, then the scratching is normal. But this is not always the case. Some dogs do have skin allergies that cause discomfort and itching that doesnt always progress to visual changes. Importantly, these dogs are uncomfortable, and their itching should be addressed.
• Licking the feet: Sure, pets will occasionally groom or clean themselves. But sometimes, excessive foot licking/ chewing can indicate allergies, or even an infection in the feet and/or nail beds.
• Flaking/ dandruff / dry skin: Some pets will have minor flaking that does not seem to cause them any problem. But dry skin can also be a sign that something needs to change about the diet or the shampoo, and dry skin can itself cause some itching.
• Pigment changes: Some dogs can develop some new, but normal, hyperpigmentation as they get older. But hyperpigmentation can also indicate an area of concern in the skin that needs to be examined.

OK, my pet is itchy. What now? One of the most important things to understand about itching is that it is best managed when we treat not only the itching, but also any underlying cause(s).

• Does the pet have environmental allergies? Then what can we do to avoid the allergens? Or is allergy testing an option?
• Is a food allergy contributing to the problem? We might need to consider a hypoallergenic diet for 6 to 8 weeks to find out.
• Perhaps the pet has fleas and flea allergies. This is an easy one we have SO many great flea control options that fleas can be treated and prevented.
• Is a skin infection present? Then lets diagnose the type of infection and then select the appropriate medication for treatment.

With respect to the itching, we have a growing list of choices. Not every choice will work for every patient. This goes back to the idea of teamwork sometimes we have to work through our list of options with pet owners based on the response the animal is having to a particular therapy. If something doesnt work, or only works partially, then we try something different. Sometimes we have to try multiple things at one time. It just depends on the level of severity and the patients response (and tolerance) to a particular treatment.

Back in the fall of October 2016, we did a three part blog series on allergies:

In the third blog of that series (Treatment and Management Options), we discussed many of the different treatments available for allergies:

• Topical shampoos and sprays
• Medicated wipes
• Nutrition/ Supplements
• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids
• Atopica
• Apoquel
• Immunotherapy

In addition to the therapies listed above, we can also add a newer product called Cytopoint for dogs. Cytopoint is an injectable monoclonal antibody therapy that works to stop one of the main proteins that sends the itch signal to the brain. With less itch, the skin can have a chance to heal (and the dog is more comfortable!). According to the Cytopoint safety studies, this product has a wide margin of safety. A single injection into the subcutaneous tissues is administered at the veterinary office, and the relief from itching can last four to eight weeks.

Does your cat have allergies and itchy skin? Schedule an appointment so that you and your veterinarian can make sure you have the most effective plan in place for your dog or cats itching. What if you still arent sure your pets itching is really a problem? Then schedule an exam so our veterinarians can examine your pet for clues and talk to you about your pets level of itching and discomfort. Together we can develop a plan that will have everyone resting more easily!

Dog Itching and What Could Be Causing It

Main Reasons Your Dog May Be Itchy

Finding the source of your dogs skin irritation can be a daunting, long process, but the good news is that with a combination of careful diagnostics, management, and medication, dog owners can do much more than scratch the surface of those annoying canine itches.

Veterinary dermatologist John C. Angus asked one of his residents to compile a list of all the possible causes of itchy dogs. She came up with 43. Fortunately, Angus says that somewhere between 95 and 98 percent of cases will fall into five categories:

• Atopy, an allergic reaction to normal environmental proteins, such as pollen
• Food allergy
• Parasite hypersensitivity
• Yeast infection, such as Malassezia dermatitis
• Bacterial infections, known as staphylococcal pyoderma

To learn more, or to find a veterinary dermatologist, visit the website of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology.

Baths are an importance consideration when dealing with an itchy dog. A lot of dog owners resist giving their dogs regular baths for fear that excessive exposure to water and shampoo will dry or damage the skin and coat. But dermatologists point out that newly developed, moisturizing shampoos for dogs can actually improve skin and coat condition. In cases of persistent itches, frequent bathing may be essential, especially if the culprit turns out to be an infection.

Why is My Dog Itching So Much? 5 Possible Reasons

Dog itching, or pruritus, is a condition that affects many pups throughout their lives. While most cases are easily treatable, itchiness can also be a sign of more serious issues, including an allergy or infection.

It can be stressful and painful, so for your dogs well-being, its best to take a proactive approach to treatment. That means keeping a close eye on your pup for signs of itching, getting prompt treatment, and taking steps to prevent common causes of itchiness.

If you are wondering if your dog is showing signs of allergic itching, take the quiz below.

In this article, we will review the top 5 causes of dog itching, how to prevent itching, and how to treat itching that is already causing your pup discomfort.

1. Environmental Allergies

Environmental allergies are one of the most common causes of itching in dogs. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies to pollen, dust mites, or mold. This may cause seasonal itching or, depending on the allergen, could affect your dog year-round. Pups may develop a condition called atopy, which is a medical term for irritated skin caused by inhaling allergens like pollen.

Dogs suffering from seasonal allergies might respond to injections designed to expose them to allergens gradually. Allergy desensitization injections could potentially help your dog acclimate to the allergen and reduce symptoms over time.

2. Food Allergies

Dogs may also suffer from food allergies or dietary intolerances. Some dogs are intolerant or allergic to chicken, beef, pork, or other ingredients commonly found in dog food. If your pup is suffering from an allergic food reaction, this may present as a rash, hives, or ear infections.

Hypoallergenic dog food may help to relieve symptoms if you suspect that your dog is suffering from a food allergy. An elimination diet over a period of several weeks in combination with allergy testing, is used by veterinarians to diagnose the root of the allergies.

During a nutritional consultation, your veterinarian will be able to recommend foods for your dog to try to prevent future reactions.

3. Flea Allergies

Flea bites and flea bite allergies are common causes of itchiness in dogs. Fleas typically bite the areas they can access most easily and areas more sheltered from their hosts - your dogs hind legs and rear - so make sure to inspect those areas carefully (although fleas can bite anywhere).

Treatment for fleas is easy and stress-free and can be done with a simple flea shampoo and oral or topical preventatives. It is important to remember that many flea shampoos or rinses will only treat the fleas on your dog at that time and will not prevent further fleas from biting. You will also want to thoroughly clean your dogs toys, blankets, bed, and any other areas of the home where they typically spend time, to ensure that no other fleas or flea eggs are present in your home.

If flea allergies or bites go unnoticed and untreated, they can develop into flea allergy dermatitis, an allergic reaction causing severe pain and/or itching. Its best to have your dog evaluated and treated by a veterinary professional before their condition reaches that level of distress.

4. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a condition that develops from exposure to or direct touching of common household items like cleaning products, bath products, plants (including grasses), and insecticides. If your dog develops contact dermatitis, they will typically itch or develop a rash in the specific area that touched the allergen.

If your dog is suffering from contact dermatitis, they may develop skin infections, including pyoderma, a bacterial infection that results from excessive scratching. If left untreated, complications from itching can cause your dog severe distress and lead to additional skin problems.

5. Insect Bites or Sarcoptic Mange

Aside from flea bites, other insect bites can also cause serious irritation to your pups skin. They may develop sarcoptic mange, a condition caused by mites that leads to inflammation and severe itching.

If your dog is scratching, biting, or licking one area of their body excessively, they may be dealing with irritation from an insect bite. To proactively manage irritation, regularly inspect their body and remove any insects that you find.

If you do notice your dog itching or scratching, their discomfort may be managed with veterinary approved topical treatments like shampoos, ointments, or prescription topical steroids to treat their itching.

Treatment for Itchy Skin on Dogs

Itchy skin can cause extreme discomfort to your pet, so treating it quickly and effectively is essential. While there are home remedies that may help relieve some or all of their pain, I recommend having your dog evaluated by a licensed veterinarian before beginning any treatment.

An experienced veterinarian will be able to offer guidance on home treatment options or prescribe products or medications that will relieve your pups symptoms. Before beginning any course of treatment, a consultation with a vet is strongly recommended.

Once we have identified that your dog is suffering from itchy skin, we will pinpoint the source of their discomfort.

• If they are dealing with flea bites, a flea shampoo in combination with a long lasting preventative may be helpful.
• For an allergic reaction, antihistamines may manage discomfort or allergen desensitization shots may reduce the severity of their reactions.
• Extremely itchy dogs may also benefit from prescriptions such as Apoquel or Cytopoint to quickly relieve symptoms.

Diagnosis may be as simple as scheduling a wellness exam, but sometimes, your dog may require additional testing, including skin scrapings or allergy testing. No matter the cause, we will thoroughly evaluate your pet to determine what is causing their itchiness and develop a plan to resolve their discomfort.

When to Seek Guidance From a Vet

If you suspect your pet is suffering from allergies, seeking professional advice from a qualified veterinarian is the best course of action to relieve symptoms. Dogs may not always show symptoms, so having them evaluated by a qualified professional can rule out potential causes and outline the best treatment plan.

Especially if your dog is experiencing severe symptoms, including excessive scratching, licking, chewing, or recurring ear infections, its important to contact a qualified veterinarian to seek help with reducing their irritation.

Conclusion

Itching can be a painful condition for dogs, even if they arent able to tell you whats wrong. Paying close attention to your pups behavior and conducting regular skin checks is a great way to stay on top of their health and prevent symptoms from occurring altogether. If your pet is already suffering from irritation, having them thoroughly evaluated by one of our expert veterinarians ensures theyll quickly receive the care they need to find comfort.

If youre concerned that your pup is suffering from itchiness or irritation, contact us today for an evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What remedies can I get to stop my dog itching?

Itchy dogs may benefit from various treatments depending on the cause and severity of their itching. I always recommend having an itchy dog evaluated by a veterinarian for the best line of treatment. Dogs may find relief at home from antihistamine creams, flea shampoos, or preventatives to combat insect bites.

Can I give my dog Benadryl for itchy skin?

Benadryl is safe for dogs to take as long as they are given an appropriate dosage. Before giving your dog an oral antihistamine, consult a veterinarian to confirm the correct dosage.

Can I use an anti-itch cream on my dog?

Absolutely. Topical anti-itch creams can be beneficial for relieving symptoms of itchy skin in dogs. Depending on the needs of your pup, an over-the-counter or prescription cream may be recommended. Do not let your dog lick the cream after application and if you are reaching for a steroid cream, consult a veterinarian to ensure its safety.

Why is my dog's itching worse at night?

Dogs may become more itchy at night due to environmental factors like their skin drying out or additional exposure to irritants like dust or cleaning products. If your pup is struggling with nighttime itchiness, let us know, and well be able to recommend the best treatment option to relieve their symptoms.

How do I prevent my dog from developing itchy skin?

Preventative care like regular grooming, topical or oral flea preventatives, worm treatments, maintaining regular hygiene, promoting a healthy diet, and regularly checking for insect bites and skin conditions will help keep your dogs skin healthy. Any issues will be noticed quickly and can then be addressed by a qualified veterinarian to keep your dog itch-free and comfortable.