- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Everybody gets the occasional itch, and dogs are no exception. But if your dog won’t stop scratching, they could have an underlying skin issue making them uncomfortable.
“Many people assume that when a dog scratches, it must be due to fleas, but that’s not always the case,” says Ashley Dalton, a certified professional dog trainer with Zoom Room Dog Training.
In fact, anything from allergies to anxiety could explain your pup’s scratching habit.
Read on to discover possible causes of your dog’s itchy skin and get tips help your dog stop scratching with over-the-counter treatments and science-backed home remedies.
Removing the Causes of Itchiness in Dogs
Itching, or pruritus, isn’t a medical condition by itself. Instead, it’s usually a symptom of another medical issue or behavior concern. Depending on the specific problem, your dog might be itchy all over or only scratch in a certain area.
While only your vet can make a diagnosis, any of the following issues might cause your dog’s scratching.
Fleas and ticks
Fleas and ticks are two of the most common root causes of itchiness in dogs.
Flea season usually starts in late spring and lasts through fall. But dogs need preventatives all year long to keep fleas at bay.
Parasites
Did you know that mange is actually caused by parasitic mites?
If your dog has a mange infestation, they may experience crusty skin, hair loss, and extreme itching.
Food allergies
Allergies are another common cause of canine itchiness, says Dr. Antje Joslin, a veterinarian consultant at Dogtopia.
Your dog may be allergic to an ingredient in their food or to something in their environment, like pollen or dust mites.
Dry skin
“A dry or dirty coat can cause discomfort and scratching,” Dr. Joslin says.
Depending on your dog’s coat type, they may need baths every four to 12 weeks.
Cone or wrap irritation
If your dog recently had surgery or another medical procedure, their recovery cone might bother their skin.
Recovery cones and suits should be tight enough that your dog can’t wiggle out of them but still loose enough for comfort.
Stress relief
“Dogs sometimes scratch when they aren’t actually itchy at all,” Dalton says. For example, dogs may scratch to self-soothe when they’re dealing with stress or anxiety, she explains.
Finding and addressing the source of your dog’s stress, whether that’s boredom, loneliness, or a new person in the house, can help put a stop to stress scratching.
Hot spots
Hot spots are inflamed, red bald patches that feel hot to the touch. They’re a form of “moist dermatitis” and can have several underlying causes, from trapped moisture to poor grooming.
Infections
A bacterial or fungal infection can irritate your pup’s skin. Beyond itchy skin, your dog may also experience symptoms like hair loss, scaly skin, and fluid discharge.
Hormonal conditions
“Some metabolic illnesses can cause changes to the skin,” Dr. Joslin explains.
For example, hypothyroidism can cause dry, scaly skin and hair loss.
When To Ask a Vet About Dog Scratching
Generally, you don’t need to worry if you notice your dog scratching every now and then.
But if your dog’s scratching damages their skin or seems to have a negative effect on their quality of life, they need medical attention to treat the underlying cause and get long-term relief.
According to Dr. Joslin, you should make an appointment with your vet right away if you notice any of these signs:
- Red or inflamed patches
- Hair loss
- Discharge or crusting
- Hives
- Lack of energy or activity
- Pain or vocalizing when scratching.
Over-the-Counter Treatments for Itching
Your vet may be able to prescribe solutions that treat the cause of your dog’s itchiness. Examples include antiparasitic medications for mange or antibiotics for bacterial infections.
Other times, they might recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment, like one of the following:
- Hydrocortisone cream: Hydrocortisone is a low-strength steroid that may soothe inflamed skin within 2 hours. Just make sure to choose a dog-safe product. If you aren’t sure which products are dog-friendly, your vet can make a recommendation.
- Oral Benadryl: The antihistamines in Benadryl may relieve allergy-related itching. Choose a product that contains only Benadryl without added ingredients.
- Medicated shampoo: A thorough bath with medicated shampoo could help with general itchiness, fungal infections, and hot spots. Your vet can recommend the right product for your dog’s specific skin concern.
At-Home Remedies to Stop Your Dog’s Scratching
“The internet is full of at-home remedies for itching, but their safety and effectiveness can vary widely,” Dalton explains.
That said, some home remedies have scientific evidence behind their itch-relieving potential. Some useful options to try include:
- Oatmeal shampoo: Colloidal oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that may ease irritation and provide relief from certain skin issues. You can find it in dog-safe shampoos and topical sprays.
- Baking soda: If you can’t bathe your dog, you can use baking soda as a sort of dry shampoo to cleanse and soothe their skin. You can also make a paste with water for problem areas.
- Fish oil supplements: Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can fight inflammation and support healthy skin and fur. You can give it to dogs in pill form or use it as a food topper.
- Coconut oil: Another good source of omega-3s and other fatty acids, coconut oil may help moisturize your dog’s skin and offer relief from dryness or inflammation-related itchiness. Try massaging it straight into your dog’s skin.
- Switching diets. If your dog is allergic to their food, curing their itchiness could be as simple as swapping to a hypoallergenic dog food. Just ask your vet before changing your dog’s food so they can provide guidance on doing it correctly.
- Creating a stress-free environment: If your dog scratches due to anxiety, new outlets for nervous energy, like chew toys or treat puzzles, could help.
“Because every dog is different, it’s always best to ask your vet before trying any home treatments,” Dalton emphasizes. “They can provide the safest and most effective recommendations based on your dog’s specific needs and underlying causes of itching.”
With your vet’s approval, you can put your home remedies or OTC treatments into action to help your dog stop scratching and get back to their happy, itch-free self.
