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

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

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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.

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B) Allergies

1. Food Allergies

• Common triggers: chicken, dairy, wheat, soy.

• Symptoms may include ear infections, diarrhea, vomiting, or paw licking.

2. 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.).

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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.

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What to Do – Step by Step

Additional Veterinary Tests

• Skin scraping microscopy

• Fungal tests (Wood lamp, culture)

• Blood tests and thyroid hormone levels

• Allergy tests (intradermal or serological)

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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.