Owning an itchy dog is one of the most common reasons for visiting your vet, particularly in spring and summer. Dogs can suffer from allergies and skin diseases, so it is important to have an understanding of the many causes of the “itchy dog syndrome.”

To accurately diagnose and treat your dog, you will need to work closely with your vet, as many skin conditions require long term treatment. Constant monitoring of your dog’s progress and feedback to your vet is vital, as is your commitment to managing and treating the condition. To assist your vet to diagnose and then treat the itch, it is helpful to firstly provide some key information. For example:

After careful examination of your dog, your vet may perform some pathology tests such as skin scrapings, samples of skin flakes, cytology on lumps or ears, skin biopsies, or a series of blood and urine tests. Your vet will then be able to advise you of the one or more medical conditions responsible for causing your dog to scratch. The most common ones being the following

Many of the conditions described above may appear similar on initial examination, however once a diagnosis has been made, your vet will develop a treatment protocol which may involve injections, tablets, medicated shampoos, rinses and in some cases very careful monitoring and repeat blood testing. The aim is to eliminate the itch and odour, restore the hair loss and return the hair coat on your dog to its shiny best.

Please follow the directions of your vet carefully and report the progress regularly. Use shampoos and medications formulated specifically for the skin of dogs. Itchy dogs can be frustrating at times but by being persistent with flea control and skin care and following your vet’s advice, your dog will really appreciate your diligence – and – there will be no more thumping on the floor at night keeping you both awake!