Dogs love to scratch, nibble, and groom themselves – it’s their nature! However, excessive scratching may indicate an underlying issue that might lead to sore, uncomfortable skin. Let’s explore some common causes and provide some useful tips to help prevent and manage your dog’s itchiness.
Fleas and ticks – signs to look out for:
Fleas and ticks are the most common culprits for itchy dogs. Even a single flea bite can cause raised bumps, redness, and persistent scratching.
Look for signs such as:
- Flea waste: Tiny brownish-red dots on your dog’s fur
- Bite marks: Red, raised areas, especially on the belly, head, and ears
We suggest these options for prevention of bites
- Insecticide-free repellents
Healthy Pet Store offers repellents made from natural herbs and tinctures, free from harsh chemicals. These are gentle on your dog and the environment, but if your dog has special needs or epilepsy, speak to your vet before using any of the products.
- Daily supplements
Billy No Mates and Mr. Slobberchops are easy-to-use powders that make your dog’s blood unappealing to fleas and ticks. Sprinkle over food daily for protection. In some areas where ticks are rife, you can double the dosage. These powders can be mixed with pâté or wet food.
- Repellent bandanas
The Whippa Snappa insect repellent dog bandana provides wearable, natural protection. Infused with a safe repellent, it’s perfect for outdoor adventures.
- Treatment for active infestations
If fleas are already present, try the Neem Team shampoo or powder range. Apply 1–2 times weekly for 2–3 weeks to break the flea life cycle while soothing your pet’s irritated skin.
- Home protection
Fleas often hide in carpets and furniture. DiatomPure® powder creates an environment pests avoid, helping keep your home flea-free.
Nutritional deficiencies: the role of omega-3 and omega-6 in balance
Dry, flaky skin or a dull coat may signal an omega-3 deficiency. Most high-quality commercial foods have the correct balance of omega 3 to 6, but some grain-heavy kibbles, lower-quality canned foods or home-prepared meals with no oily fish may result in an imbalance
You can try adding:
- Sprats
Healthy Pet Store’s Freeflow Whole Sprats and Dried Sprats are simple, tasty options rich in omega 3 oils.
- Fish Oils
Kronch fish oils are versatile and work with all diets, from raw to kibble. Alternatives like Dorwest Omega Star or Proflax Skin & Coat are perfect for non-fish lovers – just drizzle over food.
Environmental triggers
If scratching occurs after your dog takes walks, rolls in grass, or after using a new detergent for bedding, environmental irritants, such as grass pollen, dust mite dander or chemical reactions could be to blame.
You can:
- Wash gently
Wash paws with warm water or a gentle shampoo like Dorwest Natural & Naked. Avoid using shampoos with oil-stripping sodium lauryl sulfate and look instead for coconut-based foaming agents. Switch to fragrance-free, gentle detergents for your dog’s bedding and toys
- Apply a barrier cream
Apply soothing creams like PetNat Dermacton Cream to irritated areas. This drug-free option nourishes skin and promotes hair regrowth. Use before a walk on sore areas so the dog is distracted and avoids licking the lotion away
- Look at the whole picture
Dealing with reactions to grass pollens or dust mite dander involves a systematic approach of wiping the dog down after being outside with a damp microfibre towel, such as the Snugglesafe towel; an immune-modulating supplement to calm an over-reactive immune system, such as Denes Greenleaf or Dorwest Green Releaf, and allergy-covers for pet bedding.
Stress and anxiety: emotional scratching
Dogs may chew or scratch excessively to self-soothe during stressful situations, such as changes in routine, moving house, or exposure to loud noises.
- First check for physical causes
Inspect in between toes for small injuries or foreign objects. Consult a vet if no physical cause is found. Dogs may lick to soothe nerve or bone pain, so ask your vet for a pain relief trial.
- Positive reinforcement training
Work with a trainer to redirect anxious behaviours to mentally stimulating activities.
- Medication and calming remedies
In severe cases, trainers and vets can recommend prescription medication. We offer supplements or herbal remedies from Nupafeed Stressless to Chew Bits Calm pastilles and everything in between. Healthy Pet Store can connect you with trusted, positive-reinforcement trainers to support your dog.
Take our advice – make your dog smile!
Itchy dogs can be happy dogs once you identify and treat the cause of their discomfort. From treating pests to adjusting their diet, there are plenty of natural and effective ways to help. Visit our Healthy Pet Store in Salisbury Road, Totton, or online, for expert advice and a wide range of natural products tailored to your dog’s needs.