Vet Advice For Your Dog’s Itchy Skin

Itchy skin in dogs is a big problem. In fact, 20% of dogs will have skin problems that need a vet visit at some point in their lives. Skin allergies (a cause of itchy dog skin) have been on our list of top pet insurance claims for several years now.

Figuring out what’s behind your dog’s itchy skin can be a real puzzle — and that’s what makes it tricky to treat. We chatted to Dr Feargus McConnell, a dedicated vet who runs Petdirect’s online pharmacy, to learn why he recommends a holistic approach to tackling itchy dog skin. Here’s what he had to say, plus some useful tips to help your furry friend feel more comfortable.

A common (and annoying!) problem

Itchy skin is a frequent concern for dogs. Unsurprisingly, products for itchy skin are consistently among the top sellers at Petdirect. Dr Feargus not only runs the pharmacy, but his own dog, Ace, suffers from itchy skin. He says we’ve become better at recognising itchy skin as dogs now share our spaces more closely:

“In the past, dogs were more likely to live in the garden, whereas now they live in our houses and beds.”

Dr Feargus says that while an occasional scratch is perfectly normal, constant itching over several days is a sign that something isn’t right. That’s when it’s worth consulting a vet or trying a few remedies at home. It’s something that can really affect a dog’s quality of life.

“I’ve seen dogs that have been so itchy they’ve licked themselves raw.” says Dr Feargus. “They’re to the point where they’re almost losing all of their fur and where they just can’t stop scratching. They wake themselves up at night scratching and their owners can’t get any sleep. So, it’s an issue that ranges from really mild to severe animal welfare issues.“

Treating your dog’s itchy skin

Treating this condition, especially long term, can prove hard.

“It can be tricky because there’s so many different factors that can cause itchy skin in dogs,” says Dr Feargus. “Some breeds are predisposed to having skin problems. Other times it’s allergies or pollens in the environment, like grass pollen or certain types of plants that flower seasonally.

Other times it can be related to the dog’s food, and other times it can be something in their environment that their skin is reacting to. This could be anything from a particular chemical, the plastic that’s in their dog bowl to the chemicals used on flooring.

Flea and flea-bite allergies are a very common cause of itching in the summer. To eliminate the chance that your dog’s itchy skin is flea-related, make sure you’re staying up to date with a quality flea preventative product. Identifying the underlying cause is the key because treating only the symptoms often leads to temporary relief. Without addressing the root problem, the cycle of itching and discomfort continues.

Dog itchy skin treatment

In the past, steroids and antibiotics were commonly prescribed for itchy dogs. While effective, steroids can have unpleasant side effects, and frequent use of antibiotics can lead to resistance. This approach isn’t sustainable for long-term care.

Dr Feargus says that today there are modern medications like Oclacitinib that work well to stop the itching. However, they only treat the symptoms rather than the cause. For a more comprehensive solution, it’s important to support the dog’s skin health and strengthen their natural protective barrier, making future flare-ups less likely.

A vet-approved approach to itchy skin in dogs

According to Dr Feargus, a holistic approach involving diet, supplements, regular washing, and stress management can help reduce itchy skin in dogs.

1. Diet

Feeding your dog a high-quality, skin-supportive diet can make a noticeable difference. Hypoallergenic or sensitive-skin formulas can help reduce inflammation and fortify the skin barrier.

If your dog has food intolerances, be consistent with their meals. “Make sure that you’re not feeding them lots of different scraps and that sort of stuff. It will just lead to skin flare-ups,” says Dr Feargus.

2. Supplements

Supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, are another simple way to support healthy skin. However, always consult your vet before choosing a supplement, as human-grade products may not be suitable for dogs.

3. Washing

If you suspect your dog has a seasonal allergy to things like grass or pollen, regular baths can help. After walks or time spent in long grass, washing their paws or wiping them down can remove allergens and prevent your dog’s itchy skin flare-ups before they start.

4. Stress management

Dogs can experience stress or anxiety just like people. Some dogs are laid-back, while others are more sensitive and prone to anxiety. Stress can show up as excessive licking or scratching, which acts as a self-soothing mechanism.

“Changes in the environment, for instance a new baby in the house, or moving house can cause stress,” says Dr Feargus.

The best approach depends on your dog’s personality. High-energy dogs may benefit from extra exercise, while enrichment toys, such as treat-dispensing puzzles, can keep their minds occupied and prevent boredom-related licking.

In extreme cases, prescription medication may be needed to help manage stress. If this happens, work closely with your vet to create a suitable plan that addresses the underlying cause of dog itchy skin.

Address your dog’s unique needs

The first step to help your dog with itchy skin is tailoring a plan to their specific needs.

“If we’re thinking it could be diet related – the first thing is to change what they’re eating. So, swapping to a hypoallergenic or special skin diet,” says Dr Feargus. “If your dog has itchy skin lesions like cracks or infections, then prescription medication and supplements might help as well as regularly wiping down the problem areas.”

Visiting the vet is really important for ruling out underlying health issues and creating a comprehensive management plan.

Being itchy can be incredibly annoying and we wouldn’t accept it for ourselves. If your dog’s having problems, it’s really important to go a vet and get them seen.

Insurance for the unexpected

Dog itchy skin and allergies can all lead to high vet bills. PD Insurance protects your pet and your pocket. With our dog insurance plans, you can choose between three annual defined benefit limits. You also get one or more months of FREE pet insurance when you sign up.

Don’t wait ’til after something happens to your pet and it’s too late. Get a quote today to learn how much you’ll pay for affordable quality cover for your fur baby.

NB: Please note, cover limits vary by plan and maximum per-claim limits may apply.