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Itchiness is a common problem that can affect any dog at any stage of its life, from occasional episodes to ongoing, more serious conditions.
It can be very hard for us to witness our dogs being so uncomfortable that they scratch themselves until they break their skin, so seeking itch relief is very important.
Of course, a certain level of itch could be completely normal, and there’s nothing wrong with that! But if they’re constantly or even regularly scratching, or making themselves sore, then it’s definitely time for some more intervention.
In fact, it’s often only in retrospect that we realise how bad the itching and scratching has become. We all know how gradually these things can start and how hard it can be to recognise the subtle shift from normal scratching to relieve a passing itch, to more persistent and worrying responses.
Itching – and the resultant scratching – can occur for a number of different reasons.
Fundamentally, dogs itch because something is irritating their skin (or at least, they think it is).
While the most common cause is the presence of parasites such as fleas, bacterial infections, allergies and other medical conditions can also be to blame. Diseases such as skin infections are often secondary to another issue, but skin allergies are pretty common in dogs too1. In humans, “allergies” typically cause a runny nose and sneezing – but in dogs, skin itchiness is the most common sign.
That said, in many cases, dogs itch because they have scratched, and they then scratch because they were itching, and then they itch because of the scratching... and so on. This is called the “itch-scratch cycle”, and it’s why it’s so important to get on top of any skin problems quickly, before the cycle becomes embedded. Sometimes, the original cause may have subsided, but because of this irritation cycle, the scratching and itching continue!
This is why your vet will usually need to see your dog, and maybe do some tests to find out what the problem is. Itching is a response to so many other problems that it’s not always obvious at first glance what’s the underlying issue.
Well, as you’d expect, the underlying cause needs to be addressed – and the treatment will depend on the cause! However, if the itching is severe, or leading to skin damage, the vet may prescribe an anti-itching medication to relieve the sensation while other investigations or treatments are ongoing. This can give your dog a respite from the irritation, and also help break that itch-scratch cycle. And of course, improving your dog’s comfort level will help relieve your stress levels, too. But it’s important to remember that usually this is basically buying time for the underlying cause to be found and dealt with.
It’s a fact that you can find fleas almost everywhere, especially in the summer months – and even in winter if you have a nice, warm cozy home!
When out on walks, rummaging in undergrowth or playing with other dogs, it’s important to be mindful that your pet is at risk of coming into contact with fleas and other bothersome parasites. These can easily jump onto your dog to bite them, and it is this bite that causes the itch – especially if your pet is allergic to them, just like we can be.
When it comes to itch relief for dogs, firstly, it’s important to address the cause of the itch. Your vet can prescribe an effective treatment to kill parasites, including fleas. They may also suggest an environmental solution that can be used around your house to kill flea eggs and larvae, as these are often the cause of recurring problems in dogs that have been treated.
Bacterial and yeast infections are also a very common cause of itching2, particularly in dogs that also suffer from allergies. Your vet will be able to carry out simple tests to confirm whether an infection is present or not. In severe cases, they may be able to tell by looking at it – but remember, this isn’t necessarily a sign that you’ve done anything wrong, these infections can become established really quickly. Once they’ve identified the problem, your vet will then be able to prescribe a treatment or shampoo to kill the yeasts and bacteria, and soothe the itching.
If the source of your dog’s itching is an allergy, then the problem may be more complicated to treat. Skin allergies are pretty common in dogs, and although some breeds are at higher risk, any dog can be affected. Dogs can become allergic to environmental factors – like pollens, or dust mites – or even to their food (although it’s less common). The specific substance they’re allergic to is often referred to as an “allergen”.
Unfortunately, just like in us, allergies in dogs tend to be life-long. This means you’ll need to work closely with your vet team to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Sadly, there’s no one “magic bullet” that will cure or treat all allergies. However, the good news is that almost all skin allergies can be controlled – it's just a question of finding out what combination of treatments works best for your dog as an individual.
Diagnosing allergies is a process which usually takes time and commitment.
However, it’s really useful to find the exact trigger, if we can, because then we can consider avoiding it (for example, using a specific food that doesn’t include the protein they are allergic to). If that is not possible (for example, with many pollen-based allergies), then in some cases immunotherapy can be used to help “retrain” the immune system not to over-respond, as happens in allergies.
At the same time, treatment to control the itching and to reduce the body’s unnecessary immune response can be used. We can also try to reinforce and strengthen the skin’s barrier function, making it harder for the allergens to get in and trigger a response. There are a wide range of injections, tablets, creams and shampoos that can be used, alone or in combination, to help control the response and keep your dog comfy.
As a loving owner, when it comes to dealing with your dog’s itchy skin, finding a way of providing them with relief is your primary goal. But to produce a lasting effect, it’s essential to work with your vet to find the cause of your pet’s itchiness and the best way to soothe your dog’s itchy skin. If you notice that your dog is itchy, then do ask your vet for help.
Not sure if your dog has a skin problem or not? Don’t worry, you’re not alone – it's often really hard to be sure whether it’s a problem or not! That’s why we’ve produced the itchy skin checklist, to help you out: take a look and give it a go!
