5 Common Reasons Your Dog May Be Itchy (And How to Treat It)

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably seen your furry friend try all sorts of things to scratch an itch. They might paw at an ear, scoot their butt across the carpet, or shake their head from side to side, sending dog slobber everywhere.

But itching can be a problem. If your dog licks, scratches, or chews at their skin until it’s raw and inflamed or develops frequent infections, they may have pruritus. Pruritus is a fancy term for itching, a problem that affects many dogs and can have many causes.

Why is my dog itchy?

There are many reasons your dog may be itchy. Below are the most common causes of itching in dogs.

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1. Flea allergies

Fleas are usually easy to see and diagnose, and they are a common cause of itchiness. The itch is often concentrated above the tail, but it can be anywhere on the body. You may also see evidence of fleas or flea dirt on your dog’s fur or in their environment.

Fleas can cause itchiness in any dog. But some dogs have a flea allergy, which makes them even more vulnerable. A dog with a flea allergy can become itchy with just a few flea bites, even if the dog and its environment remain flea-free.

2. Environmental allergies

Your dog may be allergic to environmental substances, such as:

• Dust

• Pollen

• Dander

• Grass

• Smoke

• Mold

As with seasonal allergies in humans, symptoms develop when a dog’s immune system mistakes these allergens for foreign invaders and overreacts. In dogs, the airborne particles enter the body through the skin. This leads to symptoms like itchiness.

Dogs with environmental allergies often show signs of itchiness around their face, belly, and paws. Signs of an allergic itch include:

• Frequent scratching

• Repeated ear infections

• Changes in skin

• Recurring skin infections

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• Pesky pollen: Seasonal allergies can cause itchy skin and puffy eyes in dogs. Learn what to do if your pup reacts to airborne allergens.  

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• Hot spots: Many dogs develop itchy areas that become infected. Here’s how to prevent and treat these inflamed sores.

3. Parasites

Along with fleas, parasites like ticks and mange can cause your dog to be itchy. Dogs can pick up these pests from their environment or through contact with other dogs.

Parasites can also lead to other, more serious health issues. Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease. Fleas can transmit some types of tapeworms and other diseases. Parasites can also indirectly cause fungal infections in dogs, resulting in itchy skin.

4. Food allergies and food intolerance

Some dogs are allergic to specific food ingredients, such as: 

• Chicken

• Beef

• Dairy

• Wheat

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Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakes the protein in food for a foreign invader (such as a virus or bacteria). Food allergies in dogs are less common than food intolerance. But either food allergies or intolerances can still cause itchiness, especially around the ears and paws.

Other common symptoms of food sensitivities include:

• Itching

• Hives

• Skin and ear infections

• Digestive problems

5. Skin infections

Itching and infections can become a vicious cycle in dogs with allergies. Dogs with allergy-related itch tend to have more bacteria on their skin, which causes further inflammation and itching. The continued damage to the skin also makes them more prone to skin infections.

What medication can you give a dog for itchy skin?

Depending on the cause of your dog’s itch, medication might be helpful. Some medications have to be prescribed by a veterinarian. But some over-the-counter (OTC) human medications are safe for dogs and can help relieve symptoms.

But always contact your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication. Even if a medicine is safe for dogs, it’s important to give the right dosage and be aware of potential side effects.

Antihistamines

You can safely give your dog some OTC antihistamines. But some research indicates that these may not be as effective for treating dog allergies as they are for human allergies.

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a common antihistamine that’s available OTC. It is safe for dogs with mild allergies or allergic reactions.

Always ask your veterinarian about the correct dose for your dog. Too much Benadryl can cause antihistamine poisoning, resulting in difficulty breathing, seizures, and coma.

Allergy medications

There are various treatments available for environmental allergies. Some medications can block the chemical signals that cause allergic itch in dogs. These include oclacitinib (Apoquel), a daily oral medication, and lokivetmab (Cytopoint), which is a long-acting injection for dogs.

Allergy shots

Depending on your dog’s allergies, a veterinarian may prescribe allergy shots. These shots contain a small amount of what your dog is allergic to. This will help them build tolerance over time.

Flea and tick medications

For dogs with an allergy to fleas or another parasite, oral or topical flea and tick preventives are essential year-round.

Steroids

Steroids, or cortisone, are effective in blocking an allergic reaction quickly. They are often used to control itching in the short term. They are not the best long-term option because they can have many side effects.

Additionally, when given in high doses, they prevent the immune system from working. This can lead to other health issues for your dog.

Antibiotics

Sometimes itching can cause your dog to develop an infection. In this case, a veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

What at-home remedies can you use on your dog to treat itchiness?

There are several at-home remedies that might help alleviate your dog’s allergic itch. But check with your veterinarian before you try any of them. An at-home solution may not be the answer for your dog’s itching.

Below are some common home remedies supported by scientific research that may help itchy dogs.

Shampoo

Regular bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo sometimes soothes itchy and inflamed skin. Frequent baths also rinse allergens out of your dog’s coat.

Coconut oil

You can apply coconut oil to your dog’s skin once a week to help with itching. After applying, let it absorb for 5 minutes. Then rinse your dog off.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that can reduce inflammation and help a dog’s skin react less to allergens. Omega-3 is found in fish oil and can be given to your dog as a supplement. Supplements are available in many forms, including as a liquid, capsule, soft gel, or chewable treat. They require several weeks to build up in the body before they are effective. 

Colloidal oatmeal

The way colloidal oatmeal treats itch is unknown. But it generally offers 1 to 3 days of relief from allergy-related itching. There are both shampoos and cream rinses available for dogs. Cream rinses may provide longer relief.

Special diets 

Certain dog foods contain ingredients to improve skin health and reduce inflammation. These diets are usually available by prescription from your veterinarian.

When should you take your dog to the vet for itchiness?

Take your dog for a veterinary visit if you notice excessive scratching, biting, and licking of their skin. Chronic itching is a symptom of an underlying problem. So anytime you notice signs of ongoing itching, take your dog to the vet to understand the cause.

A veterinarian can perform an exam and a thorough skin history to determine the exact cause of your pup’s itchiness. They can then recommend a treatment to address the root cause of your dog’s itch and get it under control.

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Written by:

Lauren Lee, BA, MA

Lauren Lee, BA, MA, is a writer specializing in animal care and pet health content. Since she was a young child, her passions have been writing and anything to do with animals.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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