Field Day resident Vet, Emily Turner unpacks: Why is My Dog Always Scratching?
1. Fleas and Parasites
One of the most common cause of itching in dogs is flea infestations. Fleas are tiny, parasitic insects that bite your dog and cause itching. Even a few fleas can lead to constant scratching, biting, and licking. Other parasites, such as ticks and mites, can also cause similar symptoms. If you suspect fleas, check your dog's coat for small black specks or visible insects. You can also treat your dog preventatively with many over the counter products.
2. Allergies
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies. They may be allergic to environmental factors like pollen (grass pollen especially), dust mites, or mold, as well as food ingredients such as grains or certain proteins (chicken and beef tend to cause the most reactions). When exposed to allergens, your dog’s immune system reacts, leading to itching, redness, and sometimes skin infections. Food allergies can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms, but the most common sign of an allergy, whatever it is, is itchy skin. Pollen allergies tend to be seasonal and can be exacerbated after a walk or run around outside.
3. Dry Skin
Dry, flaky skin is another common reason for scratching. Dry skin can be caused by environmental factors like cold weather, low humidity, or over-bathing. If your dog spends a lot of time in an air-conditioned space or frequently takes baths, this could dry out their skin, causing them to scratch. Adding a humidifier to their environment or using moisturizing/sensitive shampoos and washing as little as possible can help alleviate dryness.
4. Skin Infections
Bacterial or fungal infections, like ringworm, can cause intense itching. These infections often occur when bacteria or fungi enter the skin through cuts or wounds. Infected areas may appear red, inflamed, and scabby. If your dog’s scratching is accompanied by hair loss or the development of sores, it’s best to consult a vet to rule out infections. The scratching can initially be caused by allergies or dry skin and then lead to infections which are then itchy in themselves.
5. Hot Spots
Hot spots are painful, inflamed areas on the skin caused by excessive licking, chewing, or scratching. These spots can develop quickly and often appear as red, moist patches on the skin. They’re typically the result of a previous irritation, like flea bites or allergies, but once the dog starts scratching, they worsen. Hot spots require prompt treatment from a veterinarian to prevent further infection.
6. Underlying Medical Conditions
Sometimes, persistent scratching is a sign of an underlying medical condition like hypothyroidism, mange, or autoimmune disorders. These conditions can cause changes in your dog’s skin, making them itch. If your dog’s scratching doesn’t improve with flea treatments or changes in diet/washing routines, it’s important to see a vet for a full diagnosis.
While scratching is a natural behaviour for dogs, excessive scratching can indicate an underlying issue that needs attention. Whether it's due to fleas, allergies, dry skin, or a more serious condition, identifying the cause is the first step to providing relief. If you're concerned about your dog's scratching, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian to get to the bottom of the problem and improve their comfort. They will be able to ascertain what the issue is and formulate a plan of action from here. Simple things like good diets and supplements such as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, fish oils etc are known to be very helpful in maintaining healthy skin and coats as they lead to a healthy skin barrier for the body, thus making irritations and allergens less likely to cause serious itching and less problems with the secondary effects of the scratching. Being itchy isn't fun for anyone and our fur babies deserve a life without itching, whatever the reason!
