SYMPTOMS
If your dog has itchy skin, they’ll no doubt be scratching constantly - having a good itch around the ears, rattling the tag on their collars, leaving clumps of hair all over the place and generally being quite restless. The scratching might be annoying for you, but very annoying and distressing for them. It’s also a clear sign to take your dog to the vet for a health check.
SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
Itching – your dog may rub along the furniture or the floor to try and get relief from their itch
Scratching – your dog might scratch at themselves in one particular spot or all over
Licking – and if your dog licks itchy areas of their skin too much, they can quickly make themselves feel even more sore
Shaking their head – this can be a sign of an ear infection, which can be linked to a more generalised skin complaint
Hair loss – your dog may seem to have bald areas or patches of hair loss
Dry or greasy skin, or a dull appearance to their coat
CAUSES
Fleas can cause itchy skin - by far the number one reason that you might see your dog itching and scratching
Mites can also cause itchy skin. These are microscopic parasites that live on the skin and can be caught from other dogs or from wildlife (such as foxes). They can feel incredibly itchy to your dog.
Skin infections can lead to itchy skin. If your dog has broken the skin and made themselves sore from itching and scratching they’re more likely to get a secondary skin infection from bacteria and yeasts.
Allergies are a very common cause of itching and scratching in dogs and will need veterinary treatment.
Dry skin can cause itching. Just like in people, if your dog has dry skin they’ll probably feel itchy too. Dry skin can be a result of a poor diet or from other health conditions that your vet can check out.
If your vet rules out any medical cause for the symptoms, they may tell you that your dog has a sensitive digestion and advise on a particular type of diet.
CARE AND SUPPORT
Itching and scratching are not pleasant for your dog and itchy skin can be caused by so many different things, that it’s important to get proper advice and a diagnosis from the vet. That way you can choose the correct treatment.
Vigilant flea control is a must. Make sure all the pets in the household are treated for fleas, and be sure to vacuum and clean the house thoroughly.
Choosing hypoallergenic washing powder to launder your dog’s bedding may help some itchy dogs who have a sensitivity to certain washing powders.
Bathe your dog using soothing, hypoallergenic , moisturising shampoos (often containing oatmeal or aloe vera) to help soothe and calm their itchy skin.
Keeping your dog’s coat in good condition will help it to stay healthy and itch free.
Look at your dog’s diet. This may help if they have any dietary sensitivities or allergies – so trying a wheat free and/or gluten free diet may benefit your dog. It’s also a good idea to look out for recipes with added vitamin E and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. They can help reduce skin inflammation and help to promote a healthy skin.