Take the Itch Quiz for your dog
Is your dog’s itch keeping you up at night? Or perhaps you’re unsure if your dog’s itching is normal, including if they’re currently on itch treatment.
Dogs don’t groom like cats and regular grooming behaviour in dogs can be a sign of itch. If you notice your dog regularly scratch, lick, chew or nibble at their skin or paws, or persistently roll or rub on furniture, they may be suffering from an itchy skin allergy. Persistent itch despite treatment could indicate that your dog’s itch needs reviewing with your vet.
When finished, show a screenshot of your dog’s itch score to your vet.
Understanding allergic itch in dogs
Skin allergies develop when a dog’s immune system overreacts to substances that are usually harmless, causing inflammation and persistent itch. This can be triggered by environmental factors, certain foods, or parasites. Many affected dogs suffer with allergic itch throughout the year, while others may experience seasonal flares ups.
Allergic itch is more than a frustration. It can disrupt your dog’s comfort, sleep, exercise, and natural behaviour1. It can also reduce your dog’s quality of life - and yours - impacting daily routines and the bond with your dog.1,2
Common signs of skin allergies
Not all signs of allergic itch are obvious, and the severity and frequency of itch signs will be different for every itchy dog. Recognising subtle signs is important to manage your dog’s itch and help get them back to normal.
Itching and scratching their bodyCommon areas include armpits, belly and face.
Licking, chewing or biting the skinEspecially the paws and between the toes
Rubbing and rollingFor example on carpets or furniture
Scabs, sores and red skinOften caused by persistent scratching and inflammation.
Head shaking and ear scratchingInfected ears can also develop an unpleasant smell.
Discoloured furOften red or brown staining, including on their paws.
'Scooting' or dragging their bottomThis can indicate itch around the back end.
Hair thinning and hair lossOften caused by scratching, chewing and inflammation
Does your dog show any of these signs? Take the Itch Quiz to see if your dog’s itch is normal.
What causes allergic itch in dogs?
Allergic itch in dogs is caused by an overreaction of the immune system to one or more allergens, so types of allergic itch are grouped depending on the allergen. There are four main types of allergic itch in dogs3,4 and dogs can experience one or more of these at the same time.
Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD) - caused by environmental allergens, such as pollen or house dust mites. This is the most common type of skin allergy in dogs.
Parasite allergies - such as to flea bites
Food allergies - often to protein sources such as beef, dairy, chicken or pork in your dog’s diet, treats or medications. You dog may also have digestive as well as itch symptoms.
Contact allergies – triggered by direct contact with substances, for example plants, cleaning products or certain materials.
How to tell if it's allergic itch
Some signs of allergic itch and other skin conditions in dogs can be similar and discussing your dog’s itch with your vet is the essential first step to getting your dog back to normal itch levels.
Your vet will ask you questions about your dog’s history, including signs of itch behaviours and current or previous medications. Take the Itch Quiz to help your vet understand how itchy your dog is. Your vet will aim to reduce your dog’s itch quickly and have medications to do this. This may involve switching or adding treatments. The vet may discuss a longer-term plan involving further tests and ongoing monitoring of your dog’s itch.
Common myths and misconceptions
When it comes to dog skin allergies, there are many myths and misconceptions that you might read about. Here are some common ones:
If you haven't already, check your dog's itch level by completing the Itch Quiz and show a screenshot of their itch score to your vet.
Use our Vet Finder tool to
- Linek M et al. Vet Dermatol 2010;21:456-62
- Fernandes B et al. Vet Sci 2023;10:659
- Olivry T, et al. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 1990;20(6):1443–56.
- Miller J, et al. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2023;59(6):255–284.
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