Soothing Your Dog’s Itchy Skin: A Guide for Concerned Pet Parents

From home remedies to vet-approved treatments, we’ll help you find what works best for your furry friend.

Itchy skin can make your dog miserable! As a pet parent, it’s tough to watch your pup constantly scratching, licking, and chewing at their skin.

We know just how distressing it can be for you and your furry pal.

That’s why, today, it’s time to get to the bottom of that itch!

We’re exploring what might cause your dog’s itchy skin and discussing how to relieve them.

Common Culprits Behind That Itch

There are many reasons why your dog might be itchy.

Some of the most frequent causes we see at our clinic include:

Allergies

Just like humans, dogs can have allergies to things like pollen, dust mites, and certain foods.

These allergies can cause skin irritation, leading to excessive scratching, licking, and chewing. You might even notice your dog licking their paws more than usual.

Now, before you grab the antihistamines, they’ve been proven less effective in pets with environmental allergies. Your veterinarian has medications and diagnostic tests that can resolve or alleviate your dog’s allergies.

Fleas

These tiny pests are a common cause of itchy skin in pets.

Even just one flea can make your dog extremely uncomfortable! Flea saliva causes an allergic reaction in many dogs, leading to intense itching and scratching.

Mange

This skin disease is caused by mites, which are microscopic parasites that burrow into the skin.

Mange can cause severe itching, hair loss, skin infections, and sores. There are different types of mange, some of which are highly contagious to people. Monthly preventatives are effective in preventing mites and other parasites.

Dry Skin

Dry skin can be caused by many things, like dry weather, poor nutrition, and certain medical conditions.

It can lead to flaking, scaling, and itchiness, making your pup uncomfortable.

Anxiety

Believe it or not, anxiety can manifest physically, and sometimes that means itchy skin!

If your dog is stressed or anxious, they may lick, chew, or scratch their skin excessively.

This can be due to separation anxiety, changes in their routine, or even boredom.

Spotting the Signs

Sometimes, it’s obvious when your dog is itchy. You might see them scratching constantly or licking and chewing at their skin.

But sometimes, the signs are more subtle.

Here are a few things to watch for:

• Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing. If your dog is constantly scratching, licking, or chewing at their skin, it’s a sign that something is bothering them.
• Paw licking. While some licking is normal, excessive licking of the paws can be a sign of allergies or irritation.
• Ear scratching. Ear infections, allergies, or ear mites can cause itchy ears.
• Hair loss. Excessive scratching can lead to hair loss, especially in areas like the belly, legs, and tail.
• Red or inflamed skin. Irritated skin can look red, bumpy, or scabby.
• Changes in behavior. A constantly itchy dog may become restless, irritable, or even withdrawn.

If you notice these signs, it’s time to take action!

Finding Relief for Your Dog’s Itchy Skin

Understanding why your pup is itchy is only a tiny step to relief. Now, let’s get you all the way there.

Try an Itchy Dog Home Remedy

For mild cases of itchy skin, there are a few things you can try at home:

• Apply a cool compress to the itchy areas.
• Use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo.
• Feed your dog organic fatty acids (trusted brands only).

Preventative Care

• Keeping your dog on a flea and tick preventative year-round can help avoid issues. Avoid flea and tick shampoos and use only veterinary-recommended products.
• Brush your dog regularly to remove loose fur and allergens contributing to itching.
• Make sure your dog is on a high-quality diet — good nutrition is essential for healthy skin and coat.
• Keep your dog’s environment clean. Vacuum regularly and wash your dog’s bedding frequently to reduce allergens.
• Use a humidifier. If your dog has dry skin, a humidifier can help to add moisture to the air and soothe their skin.

Visit the Vet

If your dog’s itching is severe visit your veterinarian immediately.

We can help determine the underlying cause of the itching and recommend the best treatment plan.

We’re Here to Help!

Remember, we’re always here to help you and your fur baby.

We offer several treatments for itchy skin, including medicated shampoos, topical creams, and oral medications.

We also take a “Fear-free” approach to veterinary care, which means we use gentle handling techniques to make your dog’s visit as stress-free as possible.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s itchy skin, don’t hesitate to contact us.

We’re here to help your pet feel comfortable and happy in their skin!