Diagnosing and treating allergic itch in dogs
Your dog doesn’t have to live with the daily discomfort of itch. Show your dog’s itch score to your vet and ask about diagnosis and treatment options that could help get them back to normal itch levels.
Recent treatment advances mean that vets now have access to newer options to treat allergic itch in dogs – so even if it feels like you’ve tried everything for your dog’s itch, it’s worth talking to your vet again. Persistent itch despite treatment could indicate that their itch management plan needs reviewing with your vet.
Diagnosing allergic itch
Your vet will typically take a step-by-step approach to assessing your dog's itch to formulate an appropriate management plan.
This may include:
- A full physical examination
- Assessment of your dog’s current itch level – show your vet a screenshot of your dog’s latest itch score
- Reviewing your dog’s history, diet, and environment
- Taking skin and hair samples to look for parasites or infections
- Conducting elimination diet trials
- Assessing response to treatments
- Skin or allergy testing to identify environmental triggers for atopic dermatitis
Sometimes it may not be possible to identify exactly what the trigger is for your dog's itch. You can help your vet by tracking your dog’s itch score to help assess their response to any diet and treatment trials.
Treatment and management options
Allergic itch can be a complex problem, and every dog’s itch is different. Your vet might recommend one treatment, or a combination of management options. The aim is to get your dog to the itch level of a normal, non-allergic dog.
Anti-itch treatments
Medications prescribed by your vet are often the key to getting your dog's itch back to normal.
JAK inhibitors: tablets given at home which target specific pathways involved in itch and inflammation. JAK inhibitors are a key treatment for management of allergic itch in dogs, with newer options available:
- Oclacitinib - available from UK practices since 2014
- Ilunocitinib - available from UK practices since summer 2025
- Atinvicitinib - available from UK practices from spring 2026
Steroids: steroids such as prednisolone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone are given as tablets at home or injections at the vet practice. They have a broad effect on itch and inflammation, as well as other systems in the body.
Monoclonal antibodies (lokivetmab): injections given once monthly, targeting one key protein involved in itch.
Calcineurin inhibitor (ciclosporin): a medicine that acts on the immune system to help manage the symptoms of allergic skin disease and can be used for longer term management.
Additional treatment options
Other treatments may be used alongside prescribed anti-itch medication to help maintain skin health and reduce flare-ups. However, for some dogs the right anti-itch medication prescribed by your vet may be all that is needed.
Helping your itchy dog at home
Monitor changes or flare upsTrack your dog’s itch using the Itch Quiz and show your dog’s progressive itch scores at your veterinary review appointments
Stick with the treatment plan your vet advisedGive medications as directed by your vet and don't stop when your dog's itch is under control, as this means the medication is working. If your treatment isn't working, return to your vet to discuss alternative or additional treatment options.
Keep up with parasite preventionFleas and mites are common causes of itching.
Maintain a consistent dietFeed the diet and supplements as directed by your vet. Avoid sudden changes or extra treats, especially during food trials.
Common treatment myths and misconceptions
There are a few myths and misconceptions when it comes to treating allergic itch in dogs. Here are some common ones:
Treatment goals
Living with the daily discomfort of itch can be distressing for you and your dog. However, the right treatment plan devised together with your vet can help get your dog back to normal itch levels and improve your enjoyment of daily life together.
Your vet will track your dog's progress and adjust their management plan accordingly. Regularly track your dog's itch score at home using the Itch Quiz to help you and your vet monitor your dog's itch level over time together.
Whether your dog is newly itchy or still suffering with itch despite treatment, show your vet your dog's itch score and ask about the right itch management plan, including newer treatments available.
Use our Vet Finder tool to
- Rybnicek J et al. Vet Dermatol. 2009 Apr; 20(2):115-22
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