Why do dogs itch more at night
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.
Why Is My Dog Itching So Much?
Itchy skin on a dog, also called pruritus, is a symptom of many different conditions. If your dog is itchy, they may scratch, bite, or lick an area repeatedly, or it may seem like their whole body is itchy.
Not only is this nonstop itching uncomfortable for your dog, but it can cause infections if your dog keeps scratching and licking. Heres what you need to know.
What to Check for if Your Dog Is Itching Constantly
If your dog has hives, a swollen face, lips, or eye, or is panting excessively, see your vet immediately. These could be signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Other than scratching, you may see these signs of itchy skin in dogs:
Licking
Biting
Rubbing
Hair loss
Oozing, inflamed skin
Stench
If your dogs skin is oozing or inflamed, or if you smell a strong stench, you also need to see the vet, because these are signs of infection.
Causes of Dog Itching
There are several possible reasons why your dog is excessively itching. Common reasons may include:
Bacterial or fungal infections: Bacterial or fungal infections are a common cause of pruritus, with other symptoms including oozing, inflamed skin, a strong stench, and hair loss.
Atopic dermatitis: Also called allergic dermatitis, this is often caused by an allergen from the environment, such as from pollen, dander, and plants, so it can be seasonal.
Flea allergy dermatitis: This is a type of allergic dermatitis that occurs when fleas inject saliva into a dogs body. The proteins within the saliva trigger the immune system, causing itching that typically lasts several days. Even one flea bite can cause a reaction.
Food allergies: Food allergies are often seen in dogs with year-round itching, and allergic reactions can be tested through a diet trial.
Diagnosing Itchy Skin in Dogs
Your vet will likely recommend a range of testing options, including skin scrapings and blood tests, to determine the underlying cause for itching in your dog.
Skin cytology (scrapings): This test involves analyzing a tissue sample under a microscope. The vet will look for mites or infections from bacteria or fungus, such asringworm.
Intradermal testing: In this test, a veterinarian pricks the skin with a small amount of allergen. If the area swells after a half-hour, it means your pet is allergic to that substance.
Radioallergosorbent test (RAST): A blood test used to identify environmental allergens such as pollen.
Food trial: If food is a suspected allergen, then a vet may suggest a prescription diet (or food cooked at home) without any additional treats. If itchiness subsides, then food may be the culprit.
Treatment of Dog Itching
If you leave itchy skin in dogs untreated, it may lead to new problems, such as hot spots, which are areas of inflamed skin caused by excessive licking and biting. Your pet will also be uncomfortable, and the only way to stop the itching is to see a vet to find and treat the cause.
Over-the-counter treatments should only be given under the guidance of a veterinarian. Depending on the underlying condition, your vet may recommend one of the following options to help get the itching under control:
Antibiotics: In the case of bacterial and fungal infections, antibiotics may be prescribed, often taking 21 to 30 days to fully clear skin infections.
Insect control: Removing or limiting a dogs exposure to insects can help in cases of allergic reactions to insect bites.
Prescribed diet: If food allergies are suspected, your veterinarian may recommend a special diet. This may mean trial and error to find the right food.
Steroid medications: Medications such as glucocorticoids are highly effective but can have side effects such as increased hunger and thirst; these medications are usually prescribed for short periods.
Anti-itch medication: Cyclosporine, oclacitinib, and essential fatty acids are common medications prescribed to dogs for symptom management.
Antihistamines: While using antihistamines for treating itchiness is common, studies have not established it as a reliably effective treatment for dogs.
Dog shampoos: Your vet may recommend over-the-counter dog shampoos to help with itching in the short-term.
Dog Itching FAQs
Can stress cause itching in dogs?
Yes, stress can cause short-term itching in dogs. Taking your dog for a walk or playing with them may help relieve symptoms.
How can I relieve my dogs itching?
In addition to following your veterinarians recommendation for treatment, bathing your dog can help, particularly if your dog has atopic dermatitis.
Why is my dog so itchy but has no fleas?
Itchiness can be caused by infection or allergies in the air, such as pollen, dander, or plants. You may not be able to see the fleas, or a single flea bite could have caused the reaction. Taking your dog to the veterinarian will help rule out causes and provide the necessary care.
References
Moriello, K. Itching (pruritus) in dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual. April 2022.
Pruritus diagnostics in dogs and cats. Veterinary Information Network. February 2020.
Featured Image: iStock.com/Oksana Restenko
Why do I itch more at night?
Q.Lately I lie in bed each night scratching itches I either didn't have or didn't notice during the day. What's going on? What can I do about it?
A. You're experiencing a fairly common problem called nocturnal pruritus. This maddening condition can be triggered by several things, including our own circadian rhythm, the body's natural 24-hour cycle. This shift can trigger nighttime skin changes such as greater blood flow, feelings of warmth, and lower levels of corticosteroids that might otherwise tamp down inflammation (and itching).
Hormone changes from menopause and pregnancy can also cause skin dryness and itching, which can feel worse at night. Other possible culprits include certain medications, such as antibiotics, blood pressure pills, opioids, and diuretics, or skin care products such as soaps, deodorants, or bug repellents.
Rarely, nighttime itching signals a more serious health condition, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) or liver or kidney disease.
Try these strategies to ease the itch:
- Change your bedding or pajamas to softer, cotton-rich versions.
- Don't linger in a bath or shower, which can lead to dry skin.
- Apply a thick moisturizer to the most itchy areas.
- Place a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air.
If none of these measures brings relief, talk with your doctor about next steps.
Image: Kiwis/Getty Images
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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.
