My dog is scratching a lot, what could be the reason?

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1. What is Scratching and Why Is It an Important Symptom?

Scratching (medically known as pruritus) is the behavior of a dog rubbing, licking, or biting itself due to an uncomfortable sensation on the skin.

If this symptom persists for a long time, it may lead to:

Skin wounds
Secondary infections
Hair loss
Chronic stress

2. Main Causes Grouped by Category

Scratching can be divided into six main categories:

A) Parasites (lice, fleas, ticks, sarcoptic mites, etc.)
Symptoms:

Severe itching on the abdomen, behind the ears, and at the base of the tail.
Dogs rub, bite, and lose hair.
Skin may appear red, scaly, or have sores.

Types:

Fleas – most common; can cause allergic reactions.
Sarcoptes mites – cause sarcoptic mange, with itching in ears, elbows, and abdomen.
Demodex – lives deeper in the skin, common in dogs with weak immune systems.

Treatment:

Spot-on treatments (Frontline, Advocate), oral medications (NexGard, Bravecto), shampoos.
Mites must be removed and treated immediately.
Mange requires specific tests and veterinary supervision.

B) Allergies

Food Allergies

Common triggers: chicken, dairy, wheat, soy.
Symptoms may include ear infections, diarrhea, vomiting, or paw licking.

Environmental Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)

Triggers: pollen, house dust mites, mold, scented soaps.
Seasonal itching in spring or fall may indicate this type.

Treatment:

Food allergy: elimination diet and cell-based tests.
Environmental allergy: antihistamines, corticosteroids, topical sprays, allergen immunotherapy.

C) Dry Skin and Poor Grooming

Frequent washing or inappropriate shampoos damage the skin’s protective layer.
Common in winter or dry climates.

Treatment:

Moisturizing shampoos (aloe vera, oatmeal-based).
Omega-3 and Omega-6 supplements (fish oil).
Wash every 3–6 weeks depending on breed and skin type.

D) Fungal and Bacterial Skin Infections

Fungal infections: circular hairless patches, crusts, or foul-smelling areas; common in ears, neck, and paw folds.
Bacterial infections (pyoderma): itching, pus-filled sores, redness, warmth of skin.

Treatment:

Antifungal and antibacterial creams or oral medications prescribed by a vet.
Different infections require specific treatments, self-medication is not recommended.

E) Psychological and Behavioral Causes

Boredom, loneliness, lack of attention, new pets, or changes in environment.
Dogs may lick or bite themselves to calm down.

Treatment:

Mental stimulation (puzzle toys, games).
Daily walks and physical activity.
If needed, natural calming supplements under veterinary supervision (melissa, valerian, etc.).

F) Other Causes

Skin tumors or immune disorders.
Hormonal imbalances (hypothyroidism or Cushing’s syndrome).
Reactions to new medications or cosmetic products.

These are less common and require tests for accurate diagnosis.

What to Do – Step by Step

Step	Recommendation
1	Observe your dog carefully: where and how often is it scratching? Is hair falling out?
2	Note any recent changes: food, medication, cleaning products?
3	Do not self-treat, consult a veterinarian.
4	If infection is present – treatment; if not – investigate allergies or behavioral causes.
5	Ask your vet for skin scraping, allergy testing, or other dermatological exams.

Additional Veterinary Tests

Skin scraping microscopy
Fungal tests (Wood lamp, culture)
Blood tests and thyroid hormone levels
Allergy tests (intradermal or serological)

Conclusion

“Scratching is a symptom, not the cause!”
The most important step is to determine the underlying cause, as the same symptom (scratching) may result from different reasons: fleas, fungal infections, allergies, or stress.

If the problem persists and home measures do not help, consult your veterinarian immediately.