But when is a scratch a bad scratch?

Excessive scratching can often be a sign of a deeper problem that needs proper attention. And it’s not just worrying for them – but for you as well, as you worry about whether it’s normal, or healthy, or if there might be something more sinister going on. Here’s what you can look out for to prevent your pet from developing any skin-related stress.

How can you recognise if your dog’s itching is a problem?

There are a number of signs that can suggest to you that your dog’s itch is more than just a passing irritation, and is potentially more serious.

Excessive scratching 

Given that your dog’s natural tendency might be to claw away at their coat, it’s easy to overlook the odd scratch. But, as their owner, you know your dog best. Does it seem to you that your dog is scratching more than usual? Observe how long they spend scratching and where on their body seems to be irritating them. Is it one place specifically? Is it causing them stress, bald spots or even skin sores? Are they super focused on a specific area? That’s how you know it’s no ordinary itch, but something that needs a bit more investigation.

Biting their legs/feet

If their skin has dried out, is red, moist, broken or even darker, it may be causing them pain, and we know you don’t want to see your dog in distress.

Skin blemishes and sores

Have you noticed anything unusual just beneath your dog’s coat? Have a closer look through the fur to inspect the skin itself for raw spots. Redness, flaky or hairless patches, moist areas, and bleeding mean that their skin is damaged and would benefit from veterinary attention.

Providing your pet lets you, and isn’t already too sensitive from all the surface distress, have a good check through to see where sore spots are located and report back to your vet. A regular weekly bath might be a good time to inspect more thoroughly and even provide some itch relief. But remember that if their skin is making them uncomfortable, then they may be more reluctant than usual to participate. We’d recommend seeing your vet first before bathing your dog, in case your vet prescribes them a soothing or medicated shampoo.

(Too much) ear scratching or head shaking 

Dog’s ears aren’t just a velvety accessory. Like our own, they are essential to your dog’s hearing, but they’re also a great tool for communication, a valuable asset to all dog owners to let you know how your pup is feeling. You know that if their ears are up, they’re interested in something. If the ears are down and pointing back, they may be scared or feel threatened.

This means that, as an attentive, loving owner, you’re likely to be used to looking at your dog’s ears. Health conditions that lead to itchy skin can also result in itchy ears, and intense scratching or shaking their heads usually means there’s a problem to be addressed.

Keep an eye on your dog’s ears’ position, if they are scratching or rubbing their head excessively, check for redness/discharge and talk to your vet if you notice something concerning.

Licking

So, if their skin is still prickly and burning, expect to see that long pink tongue rolling out to lick at the source of their pain. Again, be mindful of how much time they’re investing in licking one specific spot. If they’re repeatedly returning to one area, or you see physical changes in the skin as previously described, then there may be an issue which may need medical relief.

What to do next if you’re dog has itchy skin? 

Though it’s easy to dismiss a scratch as part of their usual behaviour, the chances are, if your dog is itching excessively, there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. Keeping vigilant about their scratching is key to knowing when to look for help and winning the battle against uncomfortably itchy skin. It’s normal for dogs to occasionally scratch, but constantly chewing their feet, flapping their ears or biting their behinds definitely is not part of their usual behaviour. If you think you’ve identified excessive itchiness, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vets.

Itchy skin is a sign of many different ailments, from infections to allergies to parasites and disease. Your vet will be able to treat the itch whilst they try to diagnose the problem and provide you and your dog with much-needed relief.

If you’re still not sure if your dog’s skin needs attention, our online assessment tool can help you find out if your itchy dog needs to see your vet.