Dog Skin Allergy Symptoms｜What to Do If Your Dog Keeps Scratching?

Seeing your dog scratching until raw, restless, and scratching even in the middle of the night truly breaks a pet owner's heart. Dog skin allergies are an extremely common health problem in Hong Kong – the humid weather combined with various allergens makes dog skin disease difficult to prevent. This article provides a detailed explanation of dog eczema, dog skin itching causes, symptoms, and treatment methods to help your beloved dog say goodbye to the misery of itching.

Dog Skin Allergy Symptoms: 10 Warning Signs

Below are common symptoms of dog skin allergies and dog skin disease that owners should watch closely:

Itching-Related Symptoms

• Constant Scratching: Using paws to continuously scratch various body parts, especially ears, armpits, and belly
• Excessive Licking: Repeatedly licking paws, between toes, or specific body areas
• Rubbing Against Furniture/Floor: Rubbing body against sofas, carpets to relieve itching
• Biting Themselves: Gnawing at skin causing wounds

Skin Appearance Changes

• Red, Swollen Skin: Skin redness and inflammation, especially in armpits and inner thighs
• Rashes, Bumps: Small red dots or papules appearing on skin
• Hair Loss/Shedding: Localised or widespread hair loss, thinning coat
• Increased Dandruff: Dry skin, increased flaking
• Weeping Eczema: Skin developing blisters, discharge, forming crusts
• Darkened/Thickened Skin: Pigmentation and skin thickening from chronic inflammation

Common Affected Areas

Dog skin itching usually concentrates in the following locations:

• Paws and between toes (interdigital dermatitis)
• Belly, armpits
• Inner thighs
• Ears (ear canal inflammation)
• Around eyes and mouth

5 Main Causes of Dog Skin Allergies

There are many causes of dog skin disease. Below are the most common causes in Hong Kong:

1. Allergies (Most Common)

Allergies are the main cause of long-term dog skin itching, divided into three main categories:

2. Atopic Dermatitis

Dog eczema (atopic dermatitis) is the most common chronic skin condition, an autoimmune disease that flares up upon contact with allergens:

• Genetic factors play an important role
• Cannot be cured, focus is on control
• 1 in 3 Poodles will develop this condition
• Common breeds: Poodles, Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Labradors

3. Parasitic Infections

Parasite bites are a common cause of dog skin allergies:

• Fleas: Flea saliva can cause severe allergic reactions (flea allergy dermatitis)
• Lice/Ticks: Bites cause redness, swelling, and itching
• Sarcoptic Mange (Mites): Causes intense itching, hair loss, dandruff
• Demodex Mites: Causes localised hair loss, skin inflammation

4. Fungal/Bacterial Infections

• Fungal Infection (Ringworm): Circular bald patches, flaking, can spread to humans
• Yeast Infection: Greasy skin, odour, common in skin folds
• Bacterial Infection: Secondary to scratching wounds, causing pustules, crusting

5. Other Factors

• Dry Skin: Skin moisture loss in winter or air-conditioned rooms
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease can cause hair loss
• Stress: Anxiety can cause excessive licking, self-harm
• Nutritional Deficiency: Lack of essential fatty acids, vitamins

Dog Eczema vs Dog Skin Allergies: What's the Difference?

Many owners confuse "eczema" and "allergies" – they are actually closely related:

The key point is: dogs often lick constantly due to allergic itching, and saliva causes localised moisture, which triggers "eczema". Therefore, the key to treatment is identifying and controlling the underlying allergy problem.

Diagnostic Methods for Dog Skin Allergies

Accurate diagnosis is the first step to effective treatment. Veterinarians will perform the following examinations:

• Detailed History: Understanding onset time, diet, environmental changes
• Full Body Skin Examination: Assessing inflammation extent and severity
• Skin Scraping: Microscopic examination for mites, fungi
• Cytology: Confirming bacterial or yeast infection
• Wood's Lamp Examination: Screening for fungal infection (ringworm)
• Allergy Testing: Blood tests or intradermal tests to identify allergens
• Elimination Diet: 8–12 weeks feeding hypoallergenic food to confirm food allergies

Treatment Methods for Dog Skin Allergies

Treatment plans depend on the cause and severity:

Medical Treatment

Topical Treatment

• Medicated Shampoo: Antibacterial, antifungal, or soothing formulas
• Ointments/Sprays: Localised anti-inflammatory and itch relief
• Moisturising Products: Repairs skin barrier

Long-Term Management

Dog skin allergies often cannot be cured and require long-term control:

• Avoid contact with known allergens
• Regular bathing and skin care
• Continuous skin health supplements
• Regular follow-up monitoring

6 Ways to Improve Dog Skin Itching

In addition to medication, the following methods can help improve dog skin itching:

1. Improve Diet

• Eliminate common allergenic ingredients (chicken, beef, wheat)
• Switch to hypoallergenic proteins: duck, salmon, venison
• Choose skin-sensitive prescription food
• Avoid human food and treats

2. Supplement with Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish oil is an important nutritional supplement for improving dog skin disease:

• EPA and DHA have anti-inflammatory properties
• Reduces skin redness and itching
• Regulates immune response, reduces allergies
• Promotes healthy coat, reduces hair loss

3. Use Anti-Allergy Grooming Products

• Choose gentle, fragrance-free dog-specific shampoos
• Oatmeal ingredients help soothe itching
• Dry thoroughly after bathing to avoid moisture
• Bathe once every 1–2 weeks (over-washing damages skin barrier)

4. Regular Parasite Prevention

• Use monthly flea and tick prevention medication
• Regularly wash dog beds and blankets
• Keep home environment clean

5. Reduce Environmental Allergens

• Regular vacuuming, washing bedding to reduce dust mites
• Use an air purifier
• Reduce outdoor activities during pollen season
• Wipe paws and body after returning home from outdoors

6. See a Vet for Professional Diagnosis

If dog skin allergies persist without improvement, bring your dog for examination. Allergy testing, skin scraping, and other tests can determine the cause for targeted treatment.

Dog Skin Allergy FAQs

Petcore Veterinary Clinic Dog Skin Services

Petcore Veterinary Clinic provides comprehensive dog skin allergy and dog skin disease diagnosis and treatment services:

• Full Body Skin Examination: Detailed assessment of inflammation extent and severity
• Skin Scraping/Cytology: Diagnosing mites, fungi, bacterial infections
• Allergy Testing: Identifying environmental and food allergens
• Medical Treatment: Anti-itch medication, antibiotics, antifungal prescriptions
• Cytopoint Injection: Long-acting itch relief treatment
• Dietary Advice: Hypoallergenic and prescription food recommendations
• Skin Care Guidance: Grooming products and daily care advice

Contact Us

• Yuen Long Clinic: G/F, 30A Fuk Tak Street, Yuen Long, N.T. | Phone: 2394-7300
• Sai Kung Clinic: Shop 2, 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, N.T. | Phone: 2394-4228
• WhatsApp: 9889-5518
• Website: www.petcore-vet.com

If your dog is constantly scratching itself raw, or showing dog eczema, dog skin itching, or other dog skin allergy symptoms, please bring your dog for examination as soon as possible. Using over-the-counter creams randomly not only treats the symptoms rather than the cause but may also worsen the condition. The professional team at Petcore Veterinary Clinic will identify the cause for your beloved dog and develop the most suitable treatment plan.