Last Updated: 30/05/2025
If your dog keeps scratching but doesn’t have fleas, there may be other causes at play. Learn about common triggers like allergies, skin infections, and irritants—and how to help your dog find relief.
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 29 minutes - medium read
No pet owner likes to see their beloved dog scratching incessantly. Not only is it uncomfortable and miserable for your furry companion, but it can also be downright frustrating for pet owners.
While fleas are a common cause of itching in dogs, it's important to recognise that itchiness can stem from many different sources.
Understanding the underlying reason for your dog's itchy skin and how to address it effectively is the first step to stopping your dog scratching once and for all!
Our canine companions may show that they are suffering from pruritus or itchy skin in different ways, including scratching, licking, biting, and rubbing against objects.
The skin is the largest organ in the body and therefore plays a pivotal role in our overall health. It serves as a protective barrier against external threats, helps regulate body temperature, and allows us to sense our environment through touch.
Skin also serves as a visual reflection of our internal well-being. Skin-related issues, particularly itchiness, can be a common concern in dogs and is the body's way of signalling that something is not quite right.
When pets excessively scratch it starts the 'Itch Cycle'. The 'Itch Cycle' typically begins with an underlying cause, such as allergies, parasites, or skin infections, triggering the dog's urge to scratch or bite at the affected area.
This incessant scratching can lead to skin damage, inflammation, and the creation of a perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive, causing secondary infections. The cycle perpetuates as these infections further intensify the itching, prompting the dog to scratch even more.
Breaking the 'Itch Cycle' involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause, relieving the itchiness, and fortifying the skin's natural defences.
Consulting with a veterinarian is crucial in effectively managing the 'Itch Cycle' and ensuring the well-being and comfort of your furry companion.
Bathing your dog at home with specially formulated shampoos and conditioners to support skin conditions, not only alleviates itchy skin but plays a pivotal role in strengthening the skin layer to protect against secondary infection.
The PAW by Blackmores Itchy Skin Duo containing Nutriderm Replenishing Shampoo and Conditioner effectively helps to cleanse, soothe and moisturise itchy and irritated skin. Along with the addition of soothing colloidal oatmeal in both, Nutriderm Shampoo also contains rosehip oil and vitamin B5, whilst Nutriderm Conditioner contains a Cerasine skin nutrient complex to improve skin hydration and moisturise the skin.
Supplements enriched with Omega Fatty Acids such as DHA and EPA are regularly recommended by veterinarians due to their outstanding health benefits. These essential nutrients not only combat inflammation but also work wonders in alleviating itching and enhancing the overall condition of your dog's coat.
By incorporating such supplements into your pet's daily regimen, you're investing in their long-term skin well-being, ensuring that they experience the soothing relief and skin strengthening benefits these supplements have to offer.
Support healthy skin, a shiny coat and stronger nails with PAW Blackmores Coat, Skin and Nails Chews. These tasty fish and chickpea chews are formulated with biotin, zinc and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to support the skin barrier and strengthen weak nails.
It's important to remember that fleas and flea allergy dermatitis are the most common cause of itching in dogs, that's why it's important to make sure that your dog is on flea prevention year round, even if you don't see visible fleas. For more information on the best flea control for your dog, read the veterinary written article: Flea, Tick and Worming Guide for Dogs.
As pet owners, it's our responsibility to ensure our furry companions live a comfortable and itch-free life. While fleas are a common suspect when dogs start scratching excessively, it is important to keep an open mind and explore other potential causes.
By understanding the diverse reasons for itchy skin, seeking professional guidance when necessary to break the Itch Cycle, and implementing preventative measures and long-term care, we can provide our dogs with a life free from the misery of unrelenting itchiness. Being an informed and attentive pet owner is the key to your canine companion's happiness and well-being.
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from environmental allergies. These allergies typically result from common triggers such as pollen, grass, plants and dust mites and may occur seasonally, with an increased number seen in Spring.
Signs of allergies may include itchy skin, watery eyes, paw chewing, chronic ear infection, and redness and skin inflammation. When allergies lead to skin-related issues in dogs, the condition is referred to as Allergic Dermatitis.
Unfortunately, there is no definitive test for Allergic Dermatitis in dogs. Diagnosis by your veterinarian is often made by a process of elimination. In some cases, medication may be recommended to manage the itchiness or referral to a Veterinary Dermatologist for further testing.
Because our pets can't live in a bubble, managing Allergic Dermatitis can be frustrating as dogs are frequently exposed to the allergens triggering their condition. It is important to remember that treatment won't offer a cure but rather aims to alleviate the allergy symptoms.
Food Allergies in dogs occur when the immune system mounts an immune response to an ingredient in their diet. Typically, this immune response develops gradually, with proteins like beef, chicken, lamb, dairy, and eggs being the most frequent triggers. Common signs of food allergies in dogs include itching, skin redness, frequent ear infections, paw licking and digestive upsets.
Diagnosis involves a veterinary assessment aimed at excluding other potential causes of skin issues, followed by observing the dog's response during a food elimination trial.
Read the Pet Circle article Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies for more information on food allergies.
Cleaning your dog's ears regularly removes dirt and wax build-up and can aid in the prevention of ear infections. PAW Blackmores Ear Cleaner is gentle on sensitive ears and is formulated with hydrolysed oats and cold pressed citrus oil to soothe effectively clean the ear canal.
Itchiness, regardless of its origin, has the potential to result in skin damage. This creates an environment where bacteria and yeast can thrive, leading to skin infections. These infections may occur all over the skin or be confined to a particular area, resulting in what's commonly referred to as a 'hot spot'.
For dogs suffering from skin infections, washing them with a medicated product followed by a nourishing conditioner such as PAW Blackmores Infected Skin Shampoo and Conditioner Duo helps to treat and control bacterial and fungal infections whilst soothing the irritation. A veterinarian diagnosis and the administration of prescription medication may also be required in some cases.
Identifying the underlying cause, alleviating itchiness, and fortifying the skin's protective barrier are essential steps to reduce the occurrence of skin infections.
Great for dogs that are prone to skin infections, the Infected Skin Duo Pack contains MediDerm Gentle Medicated Shampoo to aid in treating bacterial and fungal infections. It also contains the NutriDerm Replenishing Conditioner which aids in bringing the skin back to optimal health by replenishing it with ceramides and soothing oatmeal to moisturise the skin and improve the skin barrier.
Mange is a condition caused by small insects that burrow into the skin causing irritation and itchiness. Due to the widespread use of modern flea and tick preventatives, mites are now less prevalent amongst Australian domestic dogs. However, it's important to note that in some areas mange can still occur, so it is important to check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about mites.
If you have an itchy dog and are not sure where to start, please reach out to the Pet Circle Vet Squad for free and we are happy to answer any of your questions.
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips on keeping your pets happy and healthy.
