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Scratching in Dogs

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

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Scratching in dogs is a behavior in which the dog uses its paws or teeth to intensely rub or scratch certain areas of its body. This behavior can indicate a variety of causes, including skin irritation, allergies, or parasiteA parasite is an organism that lives on or in another living being (the host) and feeds at its expense. Parasites can cause a variety of diseases in animals and humans. infestation.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

Dogs scratch for various reasons, the most common of which are skin irritations and itching. Skin irritations can be caused by allergic reactions, skin infections, or parasites. Allergies can be triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, house dust mites, or certain foods.

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, or mites are also common causes of itching and scratching. If a dog is infested with fleas, the flea saliva can cause an allergic reaction that leads to intense itching. Mites can cause a skin disease called mange, which is extremely itchy and uncomfortable.

Another common reason for scratching is skin infections caused by bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. or fungi. These infections can spread and further increase the itching, leading to a vicious cycle of scratching and further skin damage.

It is also possible that dogs scratch for behavioral reasons, such as due to boredom or stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being.. In such cases, scratching can be a form of compulsive behavior triggered by a change in the dog’s environment or routine.

Typical accompanying symptoms

Skin redness: A common accompanying symptom that indicates inflammation or irritation of the skin.
Hair loss: Can occur in areas that are heavily scratched, indicating damage to the hair follicles.
Scaling: The skin may become dry and scaly, often a sign of an underlying skin condition.
Unpleasant odor: A foul or unusual odor may indicate a bacterial or fungal skin infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..
Crusts: May indicate infected or healing skin areas caused by excessive scratching.
Behavioral changes: Dogs may appear restless or irritable if they are suffering from severe itching.

When to visit the vet?

A veterinarian should be consulted if the dog’s scratching is intense and persistentPersistent means lasting or continuing for an extended period. In veterinary medicine, it can refer to chronic diseases or symptoms that do not subside. or if there are visible skin changes. Professional help is especially necessary if the scratching impairs the dog’s daily life or the dog injures itself.

Another warning sign is the appearance of weeping wounds, severe redness, or swelling, as this could indicate a serious infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. The veterinarian should also be consulted if the dog shows other symptoms, such as fever, loss of appetite, or lethargy.

If the dog continues to suffer from itching despite treatment or the symptoms worsen, a re-examination is necessary to identify the underlying cause and find an appropriate treatment.

Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures

To detect symptoms, the pet owner should regularly observe the behavior and appearance of their dog. Abnormalities such as frequent scratching, licking, or biting at certain areas of the body should be noted. Changes in the skin, such as redness, scaling, or hair loss, are also important indicators.

The veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination of the dog. The veterinarian may take skin swabs or biopsies to test for infections or parasites. Blood tests can help identify allergic reactions or other systemic problems.

In some cases, an allergy testAn allergy test is a method for the diagnosis of allergic reactions. The body is exposed to various allergens to identify which substances trigger an allergic reaction. may be necessary to determine the specific allergens that are causing the itching. Based on the results of these tests, the veterinarian will make a diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and develop a treatment plan.

What can pet owners do and professional therapy options

As a first measure, the pet owner can try to minimize scratching by denying the dog access to areas known to contain irritants, such as certain plants or cleaning agents. Regular bathing with a special, skin-soothing shampoo can also help to relieve the itching.

A balanced diet, possibly supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, can improve skin health and reduce inflammatory conditions. It is important to switch to hypoallergenic food if a food allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. is suspected.

The pet owner should make sure to keep the dog free of parasites by regularly using flea and tick protectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment. products. A clean environment also helps to reduce the risk of infections and allergic reactions.

If the dog is stressed, behavioral changes such as more exercise, mental stimulation, or the use of pheromone sprays can help to improve well-being and reduce stress-related scratching.

Outlook on current research

Research into the symptom of scratching in dogs is a dynamic and constantly evolving field. Scientists are currently investigating the genetic and environmental factors that can influence scratching behavior. Current studies focus on the investigation of allergies, skin diseases, and parasiteA parasite is an organism that lives on or in another living being (the host) and feeds at its expense. Parasites can cause a variety of diseases in animals and humans. infestations. It is believed that genetic predispositions may play a role in certain breeds, which is why the analysis of the geneticsGenetics is the science of genes, heredity, and the variation of organisms. It studies how genetic information is passed from generation to generation and how it influences the development, appearance, and behavior of living things. of dogs prone to excessive scratching is an active area of research.

Another important area of research is the study of the skin microbiota and how it interacts with the dog’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body.. The skin of dogs harbors a variety of microorganisms that can play a role in inflammatory conditions. By understanding this complex relationship, researchers hope to develop new treatments that target the skin’s microbiome and thus reduce scratching.

In addition, there are ongoing studies on the role of nutrition in the preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. and treatment of scratching behavior. Some diets rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are said to have anti-inflammatory effects and may therefore help to relieve scratching. This has led to a growing interest in the development of specialized feeds that specifically target inflammatory skin conditions.

Modern technologies, such as the use of wearable sensors, allow researchers to monitor the scratching behavior of dogs in real-time and collect detailed data. These technologies could help to identify correlations between environmental changes and scratching behavior, thus better understanding the causes.

The psychologicalPsychological refers to anything related to the mind or behavior. In veterinary medicine, this can include the study of animal behavior, including stress responses and behavioral disorders. component of scratching is also being explored, as some dogs scratch out of stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. or boredom. Behavioral studies aim to identify the emotional and psychologicalPsychological refers to anything related to the mind or behavior. In veterinary medicine, this can include the study of animal behavior, including stress responses and behavioral disorders. triggers and develop effective behavioral interventions. This research could lead to new approaches to improve the well-being of dogs and reduce scratching.

Overall, current research shows that scratching in dogs is a complex symptom influenced by a variety of factors. By better understanding these factors, scientists hope to develop more targeted and effective treatment methods.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my dog constantly scratching? Dogs scratch for various reasons, including allergies, parasites such as fleas or mites, skin infections, or simply dry skin. It is important to have the exact cause diagnosed by a veterinarian in order to find the right treatment.
Can my dog’s scratching be harmful? Yes, excessive scratching can irritate the skin and lead to infections. It can also be a sign that the dog is suffering from an underlying health problem that needs to be treated.
How can I help my dog scratch less? The treatment depends on the cause of the scratching. For allergies, a change in diet or avoiding certain allergens could help. In the case of parasiteA parasite is an organism that lives on or in another living being (the host) and feeds at its expense. Parasites can cause a variety of diseases in animals and humans. infestation, appropriate preparations are necessary. Regular grooming and moisturizing the skin can also help.
What home remedies can help with scratching dogs? Some home remedies such as oatmeal baths or the application of aloe vera can help to soothe the skin. However, it is important to consult a veterinarian beforehand to ensure that these remedies are suitable for your dog.
Can stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. increase scratching in dogs? Yes, stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. and boredom can lead to increased scratching in dogs. In such cases, increased exercise, mental stimulation, and behavior modification techniques could help to reduce scratching behavior.
Should I put a collar on my dog to prevent scratching? A protective collar can help in the short term to protect the skin while the cause of the scratching is being treated. However, it should not be considered a permanent solution.
How do I know if my dog’s scratching is caused by parasites? In the case of a parasiteA parasite is an organism that lives on or in another living being (the host) and feeds at its expense. Parasites can cause a variety of diseases in animals and humans. infestation, you may be able to see fleas or flea dirt in the coat. However, a veterinary check may be necessary to identify specific parasites such as mites.
Can a poor diet affect my dog’s scratching behavior? Yes, an unbalanced diet can lead to skin problems and thus to increased scratching. A diet rich in essential fatty acids can help to improve skin health.
Is it normal for my dog to scratch more in the spring? Seasonal allergies can occur in dogs as well as in humans, which can lead to increased scratching in the spring. A veterinarian can help with the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment of seasonal allergies.
How often is it normal for a dog to scratch? Occasional scratching is normal, but if it becomes excessive or damages the skin, it is advisable to see a veterinarian to determine the cause and begin appropriate treatment.