Why is my dog itching and biting himself

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 20, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Why Is My Dog So Itchy? Possible Causes & Treatment

Are you thinking about your dogs frequent scratching, licking, and rolling around on the rug? You may be feeling itchy yourself, just from watching all this activity!

There are many reasons your dog may be itchy. Many veterinarians believe its best to find the cause of the itch sooner rather than later. While occasional scratching can be normal for dogs, frequent scratching could indicate a medical condition that may get worse over time.

According to a 2023 Nationwide Survey on pet insurance data, for the eleventh year in a row allergic dermatitis (skin allergies) was the top reason dogs were brought into the vet. This condition can make your dog itchy and cause them to show signs like frequent scratching, recurrent ear infections, and skin changes. Continue on to learn more about allergic dermatitis and why August is such a special month.

Possible Cause of Your Dogs Itchy Skin

So, whats behind your dogs itchy skin? It may be caused by a medical condition called skin allergies. This means your dogs body overreacts to an allergen in the environment or to food, which makes them feel itchy. There are several potential culprits:

Flea allergy: Flea bites can create extremely itchy areas on your dog. They can be found anywhere on the body, but are most common at the hind legs, tail base, and rear end. Just because you dont see any fleas on your dog does not mean they arent there keep in mind that a bite from a single flea can make your dog very itchy.
Food allergy: Your dogs itching might be caused by a food allergy. Some dogs are allergic to common dog food ingredients such as beef, chicken, and dairy products.1 Food allergies in dogs can lead to changes to the skin around their paws, face, armpits, and belly.
Environmental allergy: Your dog may be allergic to environmental triggers like pollen, mold spores, or dust mites. Environmental allergens can cause allergic itch during certain seasons, or even year-round. Dogs with environmental allergies will often have changes to the skin around their face, belly, and paws.
Contact allergy: Your dog may be allergic to substances it encounters daily. These can include things like household cleaners, shampoos, insecticides, and plants. Dogs with contact allergies will often be itchy in the area that touched the contact allergen.

Skin allergies can make your dog uncomfortable. They can also lead to secondary health problems if there is a delay in treatment. When a dog licks or scratches an area excessively, it can damage the skin and lead to skin infections and wounds. These can cause changes like hair loss, body odor, and inflammation. Severe skin infections and wounds may even be painful for your dog.

How to Relieve Your Dogs Itchy Skin

When your dog experiences these skin changes because of skin allergies, it can be tempting to try an over-the-counter treatment or home remedy. However, using an OTC or at-home solution may not relieve your dogs itch. The following treatment options are commonly available and may offer some itch relief but may not be the best option for your dog.

Over-the-counter shampoos and oils. Treatments like coconut oil and itch-relief shampoos only provide temporary relief. Your dogs itch may come back because the root cause has not been addressed.
Antihistamines. While studies have shown that antihistamines may relieve allergies in humans well, antihistamines are less helpful in relieving itch in dogs with environmental allergies. In fact, it has been shown that antihistamines likely offer little to no benefit in treating environmental allergies in many dogs.
Prescription steroids. Steroids prescribed by a vet can be effective in reducing itchiness in your dog, but they may cause side effects5 in your furry friend. Dogs on prescription steroids often experience increased urination, thirst, and weight gain. They can also experience behavior shifts such as increased aggression.

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month. If your dog is scratching frequently in August or any time of year, schedule an appointment with your vet to discuss the most effective ways to relieve your dogs itch. If your dog has skin allergies, then a prescription treatment from your vet may be needed to get your favorite sidekick feeling better. So, call your vet today!

American poet Ogden Nash said, Happiness is having a scratch for every itch. For your dog, happiness is relieving the source of every itch.

Why Does My Dog Keep Biting Himself [6 Reasons & 6 Tips]

You have a problem if your dog is continuously clawing and biting himself.

Identifying the actual problem can be difficult.

For a variety of causes, dogs scratch and bite themselves.

There are many reasons for the dog biting themselves, but the most prevalent is that theyre itchy. Parasites, dry skin, allergies, and hormone imbalance cause itchiness. Your dog may be chewing at his skin because hes bored or anxious and not showing any signs of illness.

One must go deep into a dogs mind to comprehend them better.

The more you know, the easier it will be, and were here to help!

Allow us to assist you in developing a clearer vision!

Why Is My Dog Biting Himself?

When your dog is itchy, he will scratch himself and rub against a surface with his paws and teeth to relieve the itching. But if you find your dog biting and chewing his body more than usual, you should be concerned.

Excessive skin biting and scratching can suggest a variety of health problems.

Reason 1: Parasites

A flea infestation is one of the most prevalent causes of your dog biting and scratching his skin. Fleas are parasitic insects that nibble and feed on your dogs blood.

A flea nibble on your dogs skin may show as a tiny, raised red mark that will swell and become irritated if scratched. If your puppy ingests contaminated fleas while chewing at his skin, a flea infestation may lead to parasitic worms if left untreated.

With high infestations, anemia can develop in young or smaller dogs. Flea allergic dermatitis, characterized by extreme itching, frequent licking and scratching, hair loss, and scab forms, can occur in sensitive people.

If your dog snores loudly, check its health. One of the causes your dog bites himself is because of his health.

Reason 2: Allergies

Your dogs skin may become itchy and flaky due to allergies in the surroundings. A typical reason for excessive scratching and biting at the skin is allergies, which generally begin in your dogs early years.

Certain breeds, like Terriers, Beagles, Setters, and Retrievers, are also susceptible to allergies. Pollen, dirt, dust mites, trees, and certain foods are just a few of the things that might cause an allergic reaction in dogs.

Reason 3: Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common cause of itching in dogs. Inadequate bathing, environmental factors, or nutritional deficiencies such as a lack of omega fatty acids can all contribute to dry skin.

A number of these reasons sometimes cause dry skin.

Reason 4: Hormonal Imbalances

Dog skin is more vulnerable to infections due to hormonal changes. Thyroid hormone deficiency & overproduction of cortisol are the most typical hormonal causes.

When the skin changes or frequent scratching is present, there will be a wide range of symptoms to go along with it.

For this issue, you should seek the advice of a veterinarian. Dogs, on the other hand, can be sensitive to unfamiliar environments. Since dogs are observant, youll notice an increase in yawns when its time for a vet visit.

Reason 5: Anal Glands Infection

When the anal glands arent frequently flushed, they can become a source of bacteria.

The bacteria cause itching on the dogs back, particularly in the buttocks, tail, groins, and hind legs. Anal gland problems can be caused by a lack of exercise and a poor diet.

Reason 6: Psychological Reasons

Your dogs behavior may signify stress, worry, or boredom, and he is licking or biting his skin to express these feelings. Excessive lapping and nibbling of the body can develop into an obsession if not treated and rectified.

Also, your dog standing on you may have a psychological problem. You can work with your veterinarian and a dog trainer to develop a training plan and fix your dogs bad habits.

6 Ways to Prevent Your Dog from Biting Himself

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4zDL63FRkc

Weve got some tips to keep your dog from biting itself. Here are a few ideas I have for you.

Tip 1: Buster Collar

The plastic Buster Collar is the most effective method for keeping your dog from biting himself. Many veterinary clinics have them on hand for just this reason.

Having a buster collar on hand in an emergency is a good idea. Slip your dogs regular collar through its loops, then put it back on your dog. Its that simple!

For the first few minutes, many pups will be bewildered by the new extension of their collar and may run into items on top of it.

A temporary repair, of course, but its an excellent method to keep your dog from hurting themselves while you make an appointment with the vet.

Tip 2: Comfy Blow-up Collar

If you have a dog that isnt a fan of the traditional doughnut kind of collar, you may want to try a blow-up doughnut collar instead.

If your dog has a long neck or is remarkably flexible, you may consider using an alternative method for relieving his itch. If your dog can get past its current collar, you may always swap to a less-comfortable one.

Tip 3: Bodysuit

Using a medical bodysuit, canine jumper, or modified childs t-shirt can keep your dog from licking and biting on skin irritations or injuries. This wont stop a dog from nipping its back if the problem is with its legs or feet.

Tip 4: Barrel Mouthpiece

Not for long-term usage, but in an emergency, a muzzle can keep your dog from hurting himself while youre at the clinic. The dogs impulse to lick and gnaw at the area for unexpected foreign body infections, but keeping it clean is best.

Never leave your pups unattended while using a muzzle, and only basket muzzles should be worn for more than a few minutes.

Tip 5: Bitter Spray

Bitter sprays suitable for pets can be used to break up the habit of licking or biting. The second layer of protection for your dog is best provided by applying them to a garment, including a sock or t-shirt.

Tip 6: Use Shampoo

If your dog has immediately begun chewing, give him a bath with dog-safe shampoo. This should remove pollen, burrs, and road dust from your dogs coat. A skin-calming shampoo also may help relieve irritations.

You should be aware of how to bathe a dog properly.

This is a list of the finest current solutions. So utilize it now!

I hope this has satisfied your expectations.

FAQs

How frequently should canines be dewormed?

Every three months, at the very least. Depending on your dogs lifestyle, more frequent worming may be required, and it is suggested that you discuss this with your veterinarian if you are worried.

Is it possible to treat my dog for parasites without visiting the veterinarian?

Take your dog to the vet if you suspect worms or any of the symptoms mentioned above. Even if your dog is cured of intestinal worms with natural therapies, you should immediately take them to the doctor.

Is it necessary to bathe your dog every day?

Every four weeks is a reasonable rule of thumb to follow when bathing your dog, according to Wendy Weinand of Petco, the manager of grooming instruction for the company.

Why Is My Dog Itching So Much?

Itchy skin on a dog, also called pruritus, is a symptom of many different conditions. If your dog is itchy, they may scratch, bite, or lick an area repeatedly, or it may seem like their whole body is itchy.

Not only is this nonstop itching uncomfortable for your dog, but it can cause infections if your dog keeps scratching and licking. Heres what you need to know.

What to Check for if Your Dog Is Itching Constantly

If your dog has hives, a swollen face, lips, or eye, or is panting excessively, see your vet immediately. These could be signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Other than scratching, you may see these signs of itchy skin in dogs:

Licking
Biting
Rubbing
Hair loss
Oozing, inflamed skin
Stench

If your dogs skin is oozing or inflamed, or if you smell a strong stench, you also need to see the vet, because these are signs of infection.

Causes of Dog Itching

There are several possible reasons why your dog is excessively itching. Common reasons may include:

Bacterial or fungal infections: Bacterial or fungal infections are a common cause of pruritus, with other symptoms including oozing, inflamed skin, a strong stench, and hair loss.
Atopic dermatitis: Also called allergic dermatitis, this is often caused by an allergen from the environment, such as from pollen, dander, and plants, so it can be seasonal.
Flea allergy dermatitis: This is a type of allergic dermatitis that occurs when fleas inject saliva into a dogs body. The proteins within the saliva trigger the immune system, causing itching that typically lasts several days. Even one flea bite can cause a reaction.
Food allergies: Food allergies are often seen in dogs with year-round itching, and allergic reactions can be tested through a diet trial.

Diagnosing Itchy Skin in Dogs

Your vet will likely recommend a range of testing options, including skin scrapings and blood tests, to determine the underlying cause for itching in your dog.

Skin cytology (scrapings): This test involves analyzing a tissue sample under a microscope. The vet will look for mites or infections from bacteria or fungus, such asringworm.
Intradermal testing: In this test, a veterinarian pricks the skin with a small amount of allergen. If the area swells after a half-hour, it means your pet is allergic to that substance.
Radioallergosorbent test (RAST): A blood test used to identify environmental allergens such as pollen.
Food trial: If food is a suspected allergen, then a vet may suggest a prescription diet (or food cooked at home) without any additional treats. If itchiness subsides, then food may be the culprit.

Treatment of Dog Itching

If you leave itchy skin in dogs untreated, it may lead to new problems, such as hot spots, which are areas of inflamed skin caused by excessive licking and biting. Your pet will also be uncomfortable, and the only way to stop the itching is to see a vet to find and treat the cause.

Over-the-counter treatments should only be given under the guidance of a veterinarian. Depending on the underlying condition, your vet may recommend one of the following options to help get the itching under control:

Antibiotics: In the case of bacterial and fungal infections, antibiotics may be prescribed, often taking 21 to 30 days to fully clear skin infections.
Insect control: Removing or limiting a dogs exposure to insects can help in cases of allergic reactions to insect bites.
Prescribed diet: If food allergies are suspected, your veterinarian may recommend a special diet. This may mean trial and error to find the right food.
Steroid medications: Medications such as glucocorticoids are highly effective but can have side effects such as increased hunger and thirst; these medications are usually prescribed for short periods.
Anti-itch medication: Cyclosporine, oclacitinib, and essential fatty acids are common medications prescribed to dogs for symptom management.
Antihistamines: While using antihistamines for treating itchiness is common, studies have not established it as a reliably effective treatment for dogs.
Dog shampoos: Your vet may recommend over-the-counter dog shampoos to help with itching in the short-term.

Dog Itching FAQs

Can stress cause itching in dogs?

Yes, stress can cause short-term itching in dogs. Taking your dog for a walk or playing with them may help relieve symptoms.

How can I relieve my dogs itching?

In addition to following your veterinarians recommendation for treatment, bathing your dog can help, particularly if your dog has atopic dermatitis.

Why is my dog so itchy but has no fleas?

Itchiness can be caused by infection or allergies in the air, such as pollen, dander, or plants. You may not be able to see the fleas, or a single flea bite could have caused the reaction. Taking your dog to the veterinarian will help rule out causes and provide the necessary care.