A dog that keeps scratching, licking or biting its skin is not "just being a dog" - persistent itching (pruritus) is one of the most common reasons for dermatology visits and always has a cause. The good news: once the cause is found, itching can almost always be controlled effectively.
The most common causes
- parasites - fleas, mange and other mites,
- infections - bacterial and yeast infections of the skin,
- allergies - flea-bite allergy, food allergy and atopic dermatitis,
- less commonly hormonal and other internal conditions.
How we diagnose the cause
Itching is a symptom, not a disease, so we work in stages: a detailed history and skin examination first, then ruling out parasites (skin scrapes, flea checks), assessing for bacterial and yeast infection, and finally considering allergy. If food allergy is suspected we run an elimination diet; for environmental allergy there are appropriate tests and treatments. This order avoids wrong diagnoses and unnecessary medication.
What not to do on your own
- do not give human antihistamines or steroids without veterinary advice,
- do not change foods chaotically - it makes allergy diagnostics harder,
- do not delay if the dog scratches until it bleeds or the skin smells unpleasant.
Home care that supports treatment
Depending on the cause, we may recommend medicated shampoos, regular cleaning of skin folds, or omega-3 supplementation to strengthen the skin barrier. Consistent flea prevention and washing the pet's bedding also help. Do not use human cosmetics - their pH differs and can make things worse.
A well-managed allergic patient can live in complete comfort. If your dog keeps scratching, book a veterinary dermatology visit at the MultiVet clinic in Lutynia near Wrocław - we will find the cause and plan treatment tailored to your pet.