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How dog food can help reduce scratching

Last Updated October 2024 

This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian, Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc in partnership with Hill's Prescription Diet . This article is intended for Australian audiences only.

Scratching is a frequent problem in dogs that can greatly impact both their quality of life and that of their owners. 

While many factors contribute to itchy skin, choosing the right food can play a crucial role in supporting skin health and managing itching. 

Identifying the main causes of itching and learning how specific foods can help is key to improving your dog's skin.

Main causes of itching in dogs

The most common causes of itching in dogs typically fall into three categories: environmental factors, flea infestations, and food sensitivities.

  • Environmental Sensitivities: This is the leading cause of allergic reactions in dogs. Pollen, mould, dust mites, grass and other allergens in the environment can trigger an immune response, leading to itchy, irritated skin.
  • Flea Allergies: Flea bites can cause intense itching, especially for dogs allergic to flea saliva. Even a single flea bite can trigger a severe immune response, leading to relentless scratching.
  • Food Sensitivities: Less common, food allergies are usually caused by specific proteins in the diet, such as beef, chicken, or dairy.

The first step to managing any dog with itchy skin is to rule out fleas as a potential cause. Fleas are a common source of itching in dogs, and chronic itching can lead to secondary skin infections. Consistent flea control breaks the flea life cycle, preventing further irritation. It is essential to consult with a veterinarian to treat any secondary infections that have developed due to chronic itching. 

Environmental sensitivities and how food can help

If flea control doesn't resolve the scratching, environmental allergies should be considered. Just like in humans, dogs can develop a reaction to environmental factors such as pollen, grass, dust, or mould. Since complete avoidance of these allergens is impossible, long-term management is key.

A specially formulated diet can support dogs with environmental sensitivities by promoting skin health from within. Nutrients like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help strengthen the skin barrier and support continued skin health, while antioxidants support a healthy immune system.

Hill's Prescription Diet Derm Complete includes a blend of bioactives and phytonutrients to help normalise the immune response and reduce scratching in dogs with environmental sensitivities.

If symptoms persist, a veterinarian may recommend medications to further manage the scratching.

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Food sensitivities 

Food sensitivities, while often suspected, are less common in dogs. When they do occur, proteins such as chicken, beef, or dairy are usually the culprits.

Diagnosis and management of food sensitivities requires feeding a low-allergen diet. Hill's Prescription Diet z/d is an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities. It is formulated with hydrolysed proteins that are broken down into small pieces, preventing the immune system from recognising them as allergens. This helps avoid adverse food reactions and therefore reduce the associated itching.

Environmental and food sensitivities

Some dogs may suffer from both environmental and food sensitivities, and so require a food which addresses both.

Hill's Prescription Diet Derm Complete is specially formulated to support environmental and food sensitivities. As well as containing a blend of ingredients to support the skin barrier against environmental irritants, it is made with a single, novel animal protein, egg,  to help avoid adverse food reactions.

Compliance and consistency are key

For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, consistency is critical when feeding a specialised diet. These diets must be followed strictly, often for the dog's entire life, and other foods should be avoided. 

Having both dry and wet food options helps ensure that pets enjoy their meals and stay on track. Wet food can offer added moisture, which is especially beneficial for dogs that need more hydration, and variety in texture can help prevent mealtime boredom.

By selecting the right food and maintaining consistency, pet owners can help reduce their dog's itching and scratching, leading to a comfortable and happy life for their pet. 

For any concerns regarding dog skin health, it is important to seek veterinary advice regarding the best treatment options. Prescription Diet foods should only be fed as directed by a veterinarian.