Why is my dog s skin red and itchy all over

Itchy skin

Itchy skin is not usually a sign of anything serious. You can often treat it yourself and it will usually go away after a few weeks.

How to treat itchy skin yourself

Sometimes itching is caused by dry, cracked or irritated skin. There are simple things you can do to help ease the itching.

These things may also help stop itchy skin returning and avoid skin damage from scratching.

Do

• pat or tap your skin instead of scratching it

• hold something cool on your skin, like a damp towel

• have cool or lukewarm baths or showers

• use an unperfumed moisturiser or emollient regularly

• keep your nails clean, short and smooth

• wear loose cotton or silk clothing

• use a laundry liquid or powder that's for sensitive skin

Dont

• do not wear tight clothes, or clothes made from wool or synthetic fabrics

• do not spend a long time in the bath or shower

• do not use perfumed soaps, deodorants or moisturisers

A pharmacist can help with itchy skin

A pharmacist can tell you what the best products are for itchy skin. For example, medicines called antihistamines may help with some causes of itching.

They can also recommend lotions and creams, such as menthol creams that help by cooling the skin.

Tell the pharmacist where your skin is itchy and if you have any other symptoms.

A pharmacist might also be able to tell you:

• what you can do to treat it yourself
• if you need to see a GP

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if itchy skin:

• is affecting your daily life
• does not get better with self care or keeps coming back
• is caused by a new rash, lump or swelling that you're worried about
• is all over your body
• is severe
• happens during pregnancy

Treatment from a GP

A GP might prescribe creams, lotions or tablets, depending on what's causing the itching.

They will look at your skin and ask about your symptoms.

They might arrange a blood test, which may help find the cause of your itchy skin.

The GP may also refer you to see a doctor who specialises in skin problems (dermatologist).

Causes of itchy skin

Itchy skin has many possible causes. If you have other symptoms (such as a rash or swelling) this might help to find the cause.

But do not try to diagnose yourself. See a GP if you're worried.

Itchy skin is common during pregnancy.

Its usually nothing to worry about but its important to check with a GP or midwife because it can sometimes be caused by a liver condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).

Itchy skin is also common after the menopause. It usually gets better over time.

Less commonly, itchy skin can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as thyroid, liver or kidney problems.

Page last reviewed: 19 July 2023 Next review due: 19 July 2026

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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

Dog Skin Conditions, From Belly Rashes to Scabs and Sores

Skin problems are among the most common reasons dogs end up at the veterinarians office.

A dogs skin condition can have a wide range of causes, from external parasites like fleas and mites, to allergies and serious endocrine disorders.

While some dogs skin conditions can be treated at home, any worsening skin issue or one that continues beyond one or two weeks without improvement is a good reason to head to your veterinarian.

Here are some telltale signs of common skin problems for dogs and what could be causing them.

Common Signs of Skin Problems for Dogs

Find out what could be causing your dogs skin condition and what you can do about it.

Rash (Commonly on the Belly)

A rash (redness or irritation) can occur on any part of your dogs skin but is commonly seen on the belly. Common causes of a dogs belly rash are:

• Contact dermatitis, which is a reaction to coming into contact with something irritating like poison ivy, fertilizer, or lawn chemicals

• Insect bites

• Allergies

If contact dermatitis is suspected, wash the affected skin to remove any of the irritant that may still be present.

For a rash caused by insect bites that doesnt appear to be bothering your dog, no treatment is necessary. The spots should go away on their own.

For a rash caused by insect bites or allergies that is bothering your dog, give your dog a cool bath using a dog shampoo containing colloidal oatmeal. Contact your veterinarian if the rash persists.

Scabs

Scabs, or crusting of the skin, can be the primary problem, or it can occur after a short-lived pustule (or pimple) pops and crusts over. Scabs on dogs can be caused by:

Treatments will differ, but they may include medicated shampoos or ointments, and possibly oral antibiotics or an antiparasitic medication.

Red Spots

Red spots on a dogs belly during the late spring and early summer can be caused by black fly bites. These flat, red spots typically do not bother dogs and can be left untreated.

Black fly bites can be confused with ringworm spots, which do require treatment in the form of topical or oral antifungals.

Black fly bites will appear suddenly, be accompanied by other bites, be confined to the belly, and not bother the dog.

Ringworm, on the other hand, can appear anywhere, may or may not irritate your dog, and usually starts in one area as opposed to several areas appearing at once.

Small Red Bumps

Raised red bumps can be caused by several different things. If the bumps are smaller and include crusts, they may be caused by a bacterial or fungal skin infection called folliculitis. This is typically treated by your veterinarian with oral antibiotics and possibly with medicated shampoos or ointments.

Large Red Bumps

If the bumps are larger and flatter with no crusting, they may be hives caused by an allergic reaction. They are usually treated with an antihistamine and/or steroids. While usually not life-threatening, the swelling caused by an allergic reaction can obstruct the airway, so its important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Redness/Irritated Skin

Along with itching, redness and irritation are often the most common signs of allergies in dogs. Finding the cause of the allergic reaction, whether its to a food, fleas, or something in their environment, is the most effective way to treat the irritated skin.

While the root cause is being discovered, and to give your dog temporary relief, a gentle oatmeal dog shampoo or oatmeal bath can be used to soothe and hydrate the skin.

Hot Spots

A hot spot is a moist, irritated area of skin, usually with hair matted over it. Hot spots are caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area. The excessive licking introduces bacteria to traumatized skin, causing the hot spot.

Hot spots are more common in hot, humid climates and will sometimes arise after a dog has been exposed to moisture from swimming or muddy/rainy weather. They are also more common in dogs with a dense undercoat.

Uncomplicated hot spots can be treated by carefully clipping the area to allow the skin to breathe and cleaning the area with medication or a topical solution recommended by your veterinarian. You can prevent hot spots by keeping your dog groomed and drying them after swimming or being in the rain.

Dry/Flaky Skin

Flaking of your dogs skin can be caused by more serious conditions like seborrhea, where a dog produces too much sebum, or cheyletiellosis, a condition caused by a mite thats also known as walking dandruff.

But these flakes can also simply be a sign of dry skin. Ensuring that your dog is fed a good-quality food that is high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is a good first step in maintaining their skin health. If the flaking continues, consult your veterinarian.

Itchy Skin

The two main causes of itchy skin are allergies and external parasites like fleas and mites.

Allergies

Itchiness due to allergies usually involves a dogs feet, armpits, flank, ears, and groin. Mild allergies or itchiness can be treated with a soothing dog shampoo containing oatmeal. Switching your dog to a sensitive-skin diet (which often contain fish as the main protein source and are high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) can also help.

External Parasites

Fleas will more commonly cause itchiness at the base of the tail, on the stomach, and along the inner thighs. Itchiness due to fleas and mites (that cause sarcoptic mange) will needed to be treated with medications specific to the type of parasite, such as a flea preventative.

Hair Loss/Bald Patches

The causes of hair loss, excessive shedding, or bald patches in dogs are extremely varied, including:

• Allergies

• Ectoparasites like fleas and mange mites (demodectic mange)

• Cushings disease

• Pressure sores, most often seen in large breed dogs, will cause hair loss at bony pressure spots like the elbow

• Genetics

• Stress

• Poor nutrition

Most causes of hair loss in dogs require a trip to the veterinarian to diagnose the cause. If you suspect pressure sores, ensuring your large breed dog has a cushioned place to lie down can help prevent the pressure sores.

Sores

Sores that do not have an obvious cause or are not healing properly could be the sign of a serious underlying condition such as cancer or another disorder that is preventing proper healing. These areas should be kept clean and seen by your veterinarian.

Dark Spots

Dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, can be secondary to chronic inflammation, in which case, they can clear up (slowly) if the underlying condition is treated. Dark spots on dogs can also indicate a hormone-associated disorder or be a sign of skin damage from the sun, trauma, or constant friction.

See your veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause of dark spots.

WRITTEN BY

Geneva Pagliai, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Geneva Pagliai was born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada. She received her undergraduate degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from...