Why Does Your Dog Keep Scratching Himself?

Dogs will scratch themselves for many reasons and sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint the cause. Of course, the daily scratch is natural and expected. But, when your dog starts to scratch one area excessively, there is usually an issue that needs to be addressed. 

However, trying to determine the exact cause of the scratching or itching is sometimes difficult because it can be medical or just boredom.

Below are some tips to help determine why your dog is scratching and suggestions for relief:

1. Fleas and Other Parasites

Fleas are one of the most common reasons for persistent scratching. These tiny pests bite into your dog’s skin, causing an intense itch, and even one flea bite can set off a serious scratching spree, especially if your dog is allergic to flea saliva. Other parasites, such as mites and ticks, can also cause itchiness and discomfort.

Check your dog’s hair and body for any fleas that you might find. Your dog can easily pick up a flea from another dog when you are outside, and it infests your home. 

What You Can Do:

• Give your dog a flea bath immediately and check with your vet for the best recommendation for fleas or flea bites if the initial bath doesn’t stop the itching.

• Use flea prevention treatments prescribed by your vet.

2. Your Dog Has Some Form of Allergies

Dogs can develop allergies to food, environmental factors, or grooming products. Common triggers include pollen, dust mites, and mold. Food allergies can also manifest as itchy skin, with the most common culprits being ingredients like chicken, beef, or dairy.

If your dog has allergies, his or her skin will be very dry and possibly oily which will cause your dog to scratch frequently.

Your dog can also have some sort of skin allergy which is causing the excessive scratching.

What You Can Do:

•  Consider an elimination diet if food allergies are suspected.

•  Switch to hypoallergenic shampoos and cleaning products.

•  Visit your vet for allergy testing to identify environmental triggers.

•  Improve the quality of your dog’s diet and add acidophilus cultures as well as fish oils; try adding freshly milled flax seed

3. Dry Skin

Dry skin can make your dog’s coat flaky and itchy, especially in the colder months or in dry climates. It could also stem from frequent bathing, which strips natural oils from the skin.

Your dog’s diet also plays a huge role in whether or not your dog has dry skin. A lack of water or moisture in your dog’s food can contribute to dry skin and further scratching.

If you live in a region with low humidity, it’s more likely that your dog will have dry skin. When you part your dog’s hair, you will see flakes of dandruff in your dog’s fur and the skin itself may be cracked and tough. If your dog has dry skin, if you just touch your pup, it might provoke your dog to scratch aggressively.

What You Can Do:

• Limit baths to prevent drying out their skin.

• Use a moisturizing dog shampoo and consider adding a skin conditioner.

• Supplement with fish oil or other omega fatty acids, as these can help keep their skin hydrated and reduce itchiness.

• Make sure your dog Is getting plenty of water and consider adding probiotics to your dog’s diet.

• If you can limit the dry food and add more wet food, this can help with itchy skin.

4. Skin Infections

Bacterial and fungal infections, like yeast infections, can make your dog scratch excessively. These conditions can often develop when the skin is broken from too much scratching, leading to redness, swelling, and sometimes a foul odor.

What You Can Do:

• Inspect your dog’s skin for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or a yeasty smell.

• Speak to your veterinarian about the right treatment for a proper diagnosis and the necessary medication.

• Avoid using harsh products or home remedies without consulting your vet, as they may worsen the infection.

5. Hot Spots

Hot spots are areas of inflamed skin that become irritated from your dog’s constant licking and scratching. Hot Spots will often appear in response to an initial irritation, such as a bug bite, but can worsen due to your dog’s attempts to scratch the itch.

What You Can Do:

• Trim the fur around the hot spot to keep it clean and dry.

•  Apply a pet-safe antibacterial solution to prevent further infection.

• Use an e-collar to keep your dog from scratching the area while it heals.

• Try applying Apple Cider Vinegar on the hot spot to give your dog some relief.

6. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances can sometimes cause skin problems, leading to itchiness and hair loss. Hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease are two conditions that may result in excessive scratching and should be diagnosed by a vet.

What You Can Do:

• Look out for other symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, or changes in coat quality.

• Visit your vet for blood tests to diagnose any potential hormonal issues.

• Follow prescribed treatment to manage the underlying hormonal problem.

7. Anxiety and Boredom

Sometimes, scratching is more than just a physical reaction—it can be a sign of stress or boredom. Dogs might scratch, chew, or lick themselves as a coping mechanism, especially when left alone or lacking stimulation.

What You Can Do:

• Provide enrichment activities such as puzzle toys, interactive play, and training exercises.

• If your dog starts to scratch, give him or her his favorite toy to distract him from scratching

• Establish a consistent routine with daily walks and attention to reduce anxiety.

• Consider consulting a behaviorist if anxiety seems to be the main trigger.

8. Nutritional Deficiencies

If your dog’s diet lacks essential nutrients, it can lead to skin issues and itchiness. A balanced diet with adequate levels of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids is key for healthy skin and coat.

What You Can Do:

• Assess your dog’s diet with the help of a vet or pet nutritionist.

•  Incorporate supplements like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids if recommended.

• Feed your dog high-quality dog food that meets all their nutritional needs.

• Avoid colored or processed food that lacks the nutrients your dog needs.

Some Other Suggestions to Provide Relief for Your Itching Dog

Below are some other suggestions to help provide relief for your dog and are beneficial even if your dog isn’t scratching excessively:

• When you bathe your dog, try using plain water and a good and a solver that is non-drying. If you need to use shampoo, look for a moisturizing shampoo as well as a moisturizing conditioner. 

• If you take your dog to the groomer, you might suggest they lower the heat when drying your dog’s fur. 

• Feed your dogs a moist food: canned, cooked, homemade or raw.

• Add digestive enzymes to every meal as mentioned above.

• Provide fresh, filtered drinking water at all times.

When You Should See a Vet for Your Dog’s Constant Scratching

If your dog’s scratching becomes frequent or severe, it’s important to take your dog to the vet. Any kind of prolonged scratching can lead to open wounds and infections, and only a vet can provide accurate diagnostics and treatment.

Observe your dog’s behavior and make note of any other symptoms (like changes in appetite or mood). Seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent complications and provide relief for your dog.

With a bit of investigation and the right approach, you can help your dog find relief from scratching and enjoy a comfortable, happy life.