Dogs sometimes scratch themselves, but how do you know the difference between regular scratching and skin irritation? If your dog is frequently scratching, or rolling around on the ground or in the grass, it may mean they are dealing with a skin condition. It’s important to be able to figure out the cause in case it’s a serious issue. If you have to ask, “why is my dog so itchy?”, here are a few possible reasons:

What Could Be Causing Your Dog’s Itchy Skin?

Itchy skin is a common skin problem in dogs. There are a few causes of a dog’s itchy skin, some that are easily curable, while others that may be more serious:

Allergic Dermatitis

Allergic dermatitis is a medical condition caused by an allergic reaction and is a fairly common health problem in dogs. This means your dog’s skin is overreacting to an irritant or an allergy they’ve encountered through their environment or food. There are a few culprits that can cause allergic dermatitis:

1. Fleas

When fleas bite your dog, the skin becomes irritated, which causes itching and scratching. This is a common sign your dog has fleas. Flea bites can be found anywhere on your dog, but the most common areas are on the hind legs, the base of the tail, and the rear end.

Even if you can’t see the fleas, they can still be there. One single bite can cause your dog itchiness, so it’s important to treat the area quickly.

2. Food

Your dog’s food may be causing skin irritations. Some dogs may have or develop allergies to certain ingredients like corn, wheat, chicken, soy, or beef. Signs of these irritations typically show up in areas like their face, armpits, paws, and bellies. A dog licking their paws excessively may mean a food allergy.

3. Environmental

Your dog could also be itchy thanks to environmental factors. Dogs can be allergic to dust mites, pollen, or even mold. Keep watch for signs of irritation on paws, face, and bellies and see if there’s a correlation with time spent outdoors.

How to Treat Itchy Skin in Dogs

It’s very important to treat these conditions before they become more serious. When a dog licks their skin or scratches excessively, the area can become even more irritated and could break the skin, leading to infection. Hot spots, allergic dermatitis, and excessive scratching can also cause hair loss and inflammation.

It can be tempting to try at-home remedies, but you need to be careful not to irritate your dog’s skin further. They might also only temporarily treat the issue. Consult your vet for the best treatment options, but here are the most commonly used:

1. Over-the-Counter Shampoos and Oils

Coconut oil and itch-relieving shampoos can offer temporary relief, but they may not solve the problem completely. If your dog continues to show signs of itchy skin, you may need to look at a deeper cause.

2. Eliminate Irritants

If your dog’s allergic dermatitis is caused by a food allergy, environmental factors, or fleas, you should be working towards eliminating these irritants. Be sure to protect your dog from fleas with flea medication and also if need be, treat your home for fleas.

If it’s a food allergy, this could mean a change of food for your dog. There are many food options available without key ingredients like corn, beef, or wheat. This might mean testing out foods until you choose the best dog food for your dog and find one that doesn’t cause skin irritations.

If it’s an environmental factor, it can be hard to keep your dog inside at all times. If your dog seems to be allergic to pollen, try to limit their time outside during high pollen days and talk to your vet about how to help your dog survive seasonal allergies. If they seem to be allergic to grass, stick to the pavement or concrete areas. Bathing your dog after time outside may also help eliminate these irritants on the skin.

3. Prescription Steroids

Sometimes, the only thing that can cure your dog’s itchy skin is a prescription for steroids. These medications can be effective at reducing the irritation but they do come with side effects.

Dogs on steroids can experience weight gain, increased thirst, and urination, as well as behavior changes. Your vet will go over all of these side effects and help you choose the right treatment for your dog.

If you’re asking, “why is my dog so itchy?”, hopefully, these explanations can help you treat your dog’s skin irritation. Remember, you can always talk to your veterinarian about these concerns and possible treatments.