Just like us humans, a dog can become itchy for a variety of reasons, some of which are more serious than others. Reasons why a dog can be itchy include parasites, allergies and skin conditions.
Getting to the bottom of why your pet is itchy can be pretty difficult, so in this article, we’ll answer the following questions to help your pet get back to feeling their best, non-scratchy self:
- What can I do if my dog keeps itching?
- Why is my old dog so itchy all the time?
- Can I put olive oil on my dog’s itchy skin?
- How often should I bathe my dog?
- Why is my dog so itchy at night?
- Can dog itching be serious?
- Do worms make dogs itch all over?
Disclaimer: Please refer to the information in this article as a guide only. If you want more information about why your pet may be itching, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
What can I do if my dog keeps itching?
If your dog keeps itching you’ll want to get to the bottom of it. Aside from your pet being uncomfortable, a dog who’s constantly scratching can be pretty difficult to be around.
If you notice that your dog is itching more than usual, the first thing to consider is whether they may have fleas. Pet parents can easily check this by carefully combing through your pet’s coat, and looking for the critters.
It’s good to know that usually, the type of flea that infects dogs is the type of flea associated with cats. This means that if you have a household with a cat and a dog, they may transfer fleas between each other.
If you do spot fleas on your pet, don’t panic! Fleas can be sorted out following a treatment from your veterinarian. Aside from establishing a proper ectoparasite treatment schedule for your pet in the future, you’ll also want to wash their bedding after you’ve treated them.
You can read more about helping protect your pet from fleas in our article Flea-Free Living: Strategies for Preventing and Treating Fleas.
If you don’t notice fleas on your pet, then the best thing is to take them to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis of what’s causing them to scratch. This will involve them asking you questions, and examining your pet and may also involve additional diagnostics such as blood tests or looking at samples under the microscope
Another parasite which can cause itching in dogs is mites. However, these aren’t visible to the eye, so you’ll need to take your pet to a veterinarian for a diagnosis. Mites are also fairly easy to treat, and often the same medication which protects your pet against fleas will also protect them against mites.
Why is my old dog so itchy all the time?
An older dog can be itchy for a variety of reasons, similar to a dog of a younger age for example:
- Allergies – common allergens include food, pollen and dust mites.
- Ectoparasites – fleas and mites can cause your pet to scratch but are easily prevented by using veterinary-approved preventatives.
- Skin conditions – such as those linked with bacteria, viruses and autoimmune diseases.
Can I put olive oil on my dog’s itchy skin?
Technically yes, you can put olive oil on your dog’s itchy skin, however, it’s unlikely to help. Putting olive oil on your dog’s skin, will probably just result in them licking it off, and making a mess in your home.
If your dog has itchy skin, the best thing to do is take them to your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
When it comes to oil and dogs with skin problems, coconut oil is a popular choice. However, it’s best to incorporate it into your dog’s feeding schedule, rather than apply it directly onto their skin. Although, it’s best to talk to your veterinarian before adding things to your pet’s diet.
How often should I bathe my dog?
Generally speaking, unless you’re advised otherwise by your veterinarian, it’s best to bathe your dog only when necessary. This is because bathing your dog removes the oils in their coat which help keep it in good condition.
Bathing your dog too often can upset the normal balance of their skin flora, and lead to skin or hair coat problems. It’s ok to give your dog a bath occasionally, for example, if they have rolled in something smelly, or have been swimming in the river.
We go into more detail on this topic in our article How often should you wash your dog?.
Why is my dog so itchy at night?
As we mentioned earlier, dogs can be itchy for a variety of reasons. Regardless of whether your dog is more itchy in the evening or during the day, the best thing to do is to take them to a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Can dog itching be serious?
Just like us humans, dogs itch from time to time, and it isn’t usually something to worry about. However, if your dog is scratching more than usual, it can be a sign of a health condition and it’s best to get to the bottom of it.
Continued scratching can over time damage your pet’s skin and make it more susceptible to infection. If your pet is itching constantly, it’s best to take them to your veterinarian.
Do worms make dogs itch all over?
Worms such as those found in your dog’s gastrointestinal system, are unlikely to cause your dog to itch.
However, this could seem a little confusing, as there is a type of skin condition called dermatophytosis, which is commonly referred to as ringworm. Dermatophytosis isn’t actually caused by a worm, it’s actually caused by a fungus. It gets its name from the ring-shaped changes it can cause on the skin.
Veterinarians recommend treating your pet for both endoparasites (such as worms) and ectoparasites (such as fleas, mites and ticks), to reduce the chances of them becoming sick.
We’ve listed some products below which can help keep ectoparasites out of your home:
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article and that it’s helped guide you on what to do if your dog is itching more than usual. Don’t forget, if you notice something abnormal with your pet, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.
Charlotte qualified as a veterinarian in 2023 and has been working as a writer for several years helping pet parents understand how to help their pets live happy healthy lives whilst pursuing her interests in wildlife conservation.
She enjoys traveling and has undertaken positions in Belgium, Spain, Austria, Germany, and the Galapagos and has a 15-year-old rescue dog called Chiki.
