As a veterinarian practicing in the Ohio Valley, I can tell you one thing for sure: summer is prime time for itchy dogs. My schedule quickly fills up with cases involving ear infections, bald spots, chewing, licking, and non-stop scratching. Dermatology season is real.
Skin and ear issues are some of the most common reasons pets come to the vet, especially dogs. While these issues can affect other species too, today we’re focusing on our canine companions and their itchy woes.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Itchy (Even If They’re Not Scratching)
You might be surprised how often I hear this:
“He’s not itchy… he just won’t stop chewing his feet.”
“She keeps scooting on her butt, but I don’t think it’s bothering her.”
“His ears smell weird, but he’s not scratching them.”
Here’s the thing: dogs express discomfort in all kinds of ways. Chewing, licking, scooting, rolling around on the carpet, headshaking, or even rubbing their face on the furniture! All of these can be signs of itchiness. It doesn’t always look like traditional scratching.
If your dog is doing any of these things regularly, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Common Causes of Itching in Dogs
There are many possible causes for itchy skin, including:
- External parasites (like fleas and mites)
- Bacterial or yeast skin infections
- Food allergies
- Environmental (seasonal) allergies
In this post, we’re going to focus on allergic causes: but don’t assume your pet has allergies just yet. It’s always important to work with your veterinarian to rule out other underlying conditions first, especially parasites and infections, which are incredibly common and often overlooked.
Food Allergy vs. Environmental Allergy: What’s the Difference?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Many pet owners jump straight to blaming the food when their dog starts scratching… and I get it. We’ve all seen marketing claims that food allergies are the root of all skin problems. But the truth is, food allergies are far less common than environmental ones.
That said, some dogs really do have food allergies. So how do we tell the difference?
Food Allergies
- Usually cause year-round symptoms
- Often involve the ears and paws, though the whole body can be affected
- Require a strict, vet-guided elimination diet to diagnose
- Can overlap with environmental allergies
Environmental Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)
- Often seasonal, though some dogs experience symptoms all year
- May cause itchiness all over the body or in specific areas like the face, belly, and feet
- Can be triggered by pollen, grass, mold, or dust mites
- Tend to worsen with age if not managed
It’s also possible for a dog to have both food and environmental allergies. That’s why proper diagnosis is key: and why throwing food changes at the problem without guidance can lead to months of frustration.
Treating Food Allergies
If your vet suspects a food allergy, they may recommend one of two approaches:
1. Elimination Diet with Hydrolyzed Protein
This is the gold standard. Your dog eats a special diet made with hydrolyzed proteins (which are broken down so the immune system doesn’t recognize them as allergens). The trial lasts at least 12 weeks with no treats, table scraps, or flavored meds during that time.
Yes, it’s strict. But it’s also the most reliable way to diagnose food allergies.
2. Novel Protein Diet
This involves feeding your dog a protein they’ve never had before, like rabbit or venison. While this method can work, many over-the-counter “limited ingredient” diets are made on shared equipment and risk contamination. For best results, this approach should be guided by your vet using prescription diets.
After the diet trial, your vet may suggest a challenge test, where the old food is reintroduced to see if symptoms return. That helps confirm whether a true allergy exists.
Treating Environmental Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)
Unfortunately, you can’t just move to a new state and expect your dog to stop being allergic. Environmental allergens are everywhere: especially here in the Ohio Valley. Here’s how we typically manage them:
1. Avoidance
Nice in theory. But unless you can keep your dog in a bubble, complete avoidance of pollen, grass, and dust mites just isn’t realistic.
2. Antihistamines
Benadryl and similar meds are commonly tried, but only work for about 30% of dogs. Some owners find mild improvement, but it’s rarely a long-term solution.
3. Medications to Control Symptoms
Thankfully, there are modern, vet-approved medications that help most dogs live more comfortably:
- Apoquel: Oral daily med that reduces itch and inflammation
- Cytopoint: Monthly injection that helps control itch at the immune level
- Atopica: An older option that’s still used in some cases
- zenrelia: A newer product combining itch control and skin barrier support
These options don’t “cure” allergies, but they manage symptoms well and can greatly improve quality of life.
4. Immunotherapy
This is the most specific long-term option. After allergy testing, a veterinary dermatologist can create custom allergy shots (or drops) for your dog. These help the immune system build tolerance over time. It’s not a quick fix, but for some dogs, it offers the best chance at reducing the need for long-term medication. This is the only “cure” for environmental allergies.
What To Do If Your Dog Is Itchy
If your dog is showing signs of itchiness, here are the steps I recommend:
- Make sure your dog is on parasite prevention
Fleas are still a major cause of itchiness, even in dogs that live mostly indoors. Just because you aren’t seeing fleas, doesn’t mean they aren’t there! - Schedule an exam with your veterinarian
A good vet will help rule out infections, parasites, and other treatable issues before moving on to allergies. - Understand that allergies are chronic
Environmental allergies tend to come back unless managed. Don’t be discouraged: with the right plan, your dog can still live a happy, comfortable life.
When to Consider a Diet Trial
Your vet may recommend a diet trial if:
- Your dog’s itchiness occurs year-round
- Ears and paws are repeatedly affected
- There’s no obvious seasonal pattern
- Other treatments aren’t working well
But remember, diet trials require commitment. They’re only effective if followed strictly and for the full duration.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Got a story about your itchy pup? I’d love to hear it. Drop a comment below and tell me what’s worked — or what hasn’t — for your pet.
🐶 Don’t forget to check back here every Tuesday at 9:30 AM EST for more pet parent tips and stories. Your dog deserves great care, and you deserve trusted, real-life advice from a vet who gets it.