Health

Dogs

Itchy skin and skin allergies

Itching is a sign, not a diagnosis, and it is one of the most common reasons dogs see a vet. The usual causes are parasites such as fleas, skin infections and allergies to fleas, food or things in the environment like pollen and dust mites. Finding the cause with your vet is the key to lasting relief.

What you might notice

• Scratching, licking, chewing or rubbing more than usual.
• Red skin, rash or spots.
• Hair loss or bald patches.
• Brown saliva staining on paws or legs.
• Smelly, greasy or thickened dark skin.

Common causes

• Fleas and flea allergy.
• Environmental allergy (atopic dermatitis) to pollen, dust mites or moulds.
• Food allergy.
• Mites such as mange mites.
• Bacterial or yeast skin infections.
• Reactions to shampoos, cleaning products or washing powder.

What you can do at home

• Check the coat for fleas and flea dirt, especially near the tail.
• Keep up regular flea control on all pets in the home.
• Stop your dog damaging the skin, for example with a soft cone or a body suit.
• Note when the itching started and whether it is seasonal, to tell your vet.

Book a vet in the next day or two if

• Scratching or licking more than normal for more than a few days.
• Bald patches, sores, scabs or a rash.
• Smelly skin or ears.
• Itching that returns every season.

Don't

• Do not use human creams or medicines on your dog without vet advice.
• Do not use tea tree oil or other essential oils, which can be toxic to pets.
• Do not start home treatments before the cause is known.

Prevention

• Use year-round flea control recommended by your vet.
• Groom regularly and check the skin.
• If a food trial is advised, feed only the vet-recommended diet with no other treats.
• Treat ear and skin problems early before they spread.

This guide gives general information about common health problems in dogs and cats. It is not a diagnosis and it does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Every animal is different, and signs that look mild can sometimes hide a serious problem, especially in cats, which often hide illness and pain. If you are worried about your pet, or if your pet shows any of the warning signs listed here, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic straight away. Never give your pet human medicines or any medicine not prescribed for that animal by a vet.