Reviewed by Dr Katie DavisonBVMS MRCVS - RCVS Recognised Advanced Veterinarian
A constantly scratching, licking or chewing dog is miserable - and so is the owner listening to it all night. Itchy skin is one of the most common problems we treat, and while it's rarely an emergency, it does need proper investigation to fix rather than just mask.
Here's what tends to be behind the itch, and how we go about getting your dog comfortable again.
The usual culprits
- Fleas - the single most common cause, and easy to underestimate
- Environmental allergies (atopy) - pollens, grasses, dust mites
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Skin infections (bacterial or yeast), often on top of another cause
- Mites and other parasites
Why the itch keeps coming back
Itchy skin is often a layered problem - an allergy weakens the skin, then a bacterial or yeast infection sets in on top, and the two feed each other. Treating only one part is why the itch so often returns.
Good year-round flea control is the foundation of nearly every itch plan, because even a few flea bites can trigger weeks of itching in a sensitive dog. From there, we work through the likely causes methodically.
How we help
We start with a thorough skin exam to identify what's going on, treat any infection, and get the itch under control so your dog gets relief. Depending on what we find, that might involve a flea-control plan, a diet trial, or longer-term allergy management - and modern anti-itch treatments have made a huge difference to how quickly we can help.
If your dog is scratching, licking or chewing constantly, book a consultation with us on 07 870 2696 - the sooner we start, the sooner they're comfortable.