Dog Health
Why Is My Dog Itching So Much?
Sometimes, when a dog is itchy, it seems all-consuming. Instead of snuggling or playing, he is preoccupied with scratching at his ears or back, biting...
DOG
CAT
Itchy Skin in Dogs1
Itchy skin (pruritus) is irritating and uncomfortable for our pets. Though there are many possible causes, allergies are a common culprit. Pets can be allergic to the environment, fleas, or food. If left untreated, allergic itch can lead to secondary skin or ear infections.
Skin allergies are the #1 reason dogs visit the veterinarian.2
Read more
Causes of Itching in Dogs
Stop Itch at the Source
Explore helpful solutions for pets with itchy, irritated, and sensitive skin.*
Allergy
Apoquel® Chewable (oclacitinib chewable tablet)
Allergy
Atopica® Capsules (cyclosporine)
1. Moriello, Karen A. “Pruritus in Animals.” Merck Manual. Jan 2020. Retrieved from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/integumentary-system-introduction/pruritus-in-animals
2. Hill PB, Lo A, Eden CA, Huntley S, Morey V, Ramsey S, Richardson C, Smith DJ, Sutton C, Taylor MD, Thorpe E, Tidmarsh R, Williams V. Survey of the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in small animals in general practice. Vet Rec. 2006 Apr 22;158(16):533-9. doi: 10.1136/vr.158.16.533. Erratum in: Vet Rec. 2006 Jun 3;158(22):763. PMID: 16632525.
*Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Prescription products featured require approval from your veterinarian. Important safety information for all products listed can be found on individual storefront product description pages.
Signs
When is it more than just an itch?3
If you notice your pet scratching more than usual, it could be a sign of a chronic skin condition caused by environmental allergens – and some dogs may also have reactions to flea bites or ingredients in their food. Know what to watch for and potential allergy triggers to avoid so you can help them find relief.
3. Vallejo, Natasha. “Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy) in Dogs.” GreatPetCare. Oct. 2023. Retrieved from https://www.greatpetcare.com/dog-health/atopic-dermatitis-in-dogs/
Does My Dog Have Allergies?
Is your dog itching like crazy? A skin health checkup can help pin down what's causing your pet's itch. With proper diagnosis and treatment, they may get much-needed relief.
Gain Control Over Allergic Itch
Allergy medications and anti-itch products that may help ease your pet's signs and flare-ups.*
Allergy
Apoquel® Chewable (oclacitinib chewable tablet)
Allergy
Atopica® Capsules (cyclosporine)
*Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Prescription products featured require approval from your veterinarian. Important safety information for all products listed can be found on individual storefront product description pages.
Treatment
Treating Itchy Skin in Dogs
Is your dog itching like crazy? A skin health checkup can help pin down what's causing your pet's itch. With proper diagnosis and treatment, they may get much-needed relief.
Break the Itch-Scratch Cycle
Stop the loop of itching, licking, and scratching with products that target itch and inflammation.*
Allergy
Apoquel® Chewable (oclacitinib chewable tablet)
Allergy
Atopica® Capsules (cyclosporine)
Nourish the Skin from Within
Therapeutic diets for pets with environmental or food sensitivities.*
Food
Hill's® Prescription Diet® Dog Derm Complete Dry
Food
Royal Canin Skintopic™ Dry for Medium & Large Dogs
Healthy Skin from Head to Toe
Cleansing and soothing solutions to help relieve itching and irritation.*
Anti-Itch
CeraSoothe™ Pramoxine Anti-Itch Shampoo
Ear Care
pH•notix™ Rebalancing Ear Cleaner for Dogs
*Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Prescription products featured require approval from your veterinarian. Important safety information for all products listed can be found on individual storefront product description pages.
Prevention
How to Help Keep Your Pets Itch-Free5
Don't let problem skin get the best of your pet. Here are some proactive steps you can take to help avoid flare-ups and secondary issues:
-
1Administer year-round, broad-spectrum parasite protection
-
2Regularly inspect your pet for fleas and ticks
-
3Supplement your pet's skin and coat health with omega-3 soft chews or fish oil
-
4Feed a hydrolyzed or novel protein prescription diet
-
5Use anti-itch shampoos, mousses, or sprays to moisturize and calm the skin
-
6Vacuum and clean more often to limit dust in the home
-
7Regularly wash your pet's bedding
-
8Keep your pet away from freshly cut grass
All-in-One Parasite Protection
Monthly heartworm preventatives that also cover fleas, common intestinal worms, and other pests.*
Preventatives
Simparica TRIO™ (sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets)
Preventatives
NexGard® Plus (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets)
Farewell to Fleas
Combat itch-inducing external parasites with fast-acting flea and tick control.*
Preventatives
Seresto® Collars (imidacloprid, flumethrin)
Preventatives
Credelio™ (lotilaner)
Skin & Coat Support
Nutritional supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.*
Supplements
Greenies™ Supplements Skin & Coat for Adult Dogs
Supplements
Welactin® Omega-3 Supplement Soft Chews for Dogs
Is your dog itching like crazy? A skin health checkup can help pin down what's causing your pet's itch. With proper diagnosis and treatment, they may get much-needed relief.
5. Koehler, Rhiannon. "How to Help Prevent Itching in Dogs and Cats." GreatPetCare. May 2024. Retrieved from https://www.greatpetcare.com/wellness/how-to-help-prevent-itching-in-dogs-and-cats/
*Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Prescription products featured require approval from your veterinarian. Important safety information for all products listed can be found on individual storefront product description pages.
Itchy Skin in Cats1
Itchy skin (pruritus) is irritating and uncomfortable for our pets. Though there are many possible causes, allergies are a common culprit. Pets can be allergic to the environment, fleas, or food. If left untreated, allergic itch can lead to secondary skin or ear infections.
More than 1 out of 5 small animal consultations in general practice involve a dermatological problem.2
Causes of Itching in Cats
Stop Itch at the Source
Explore helpful solutions for pets with itchy, irritated, and sensitive skin.*
Allergy
Atopica® for Cats
(cyclosporine oral solution)
Allergy
CeraSoothe™ Pramoxine Anti-Itch Mousse
1. Moriello, Karen A. “Pruritus in Animals.” Merck Manual. Jan 2020. Retrieved from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/integumentary-system-introduction/pruritus-in-animals
2. Hill PB, Lo A, Eden CA, Huntley S, Morey V, Ramsey S, Richardson C, Smith DJ, Sutton C, Taylor MD, Thorpe E, Tidmarsh R, Williams V. Survey of the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in small animals in general practice. Vet Rec. 2006 Apr 22;158(16):533-9. doi: 10.1136/vr.158.16.533. Erratum in: Vet Rec. 2006 Jun 3;158(22):763. PMID: 16632525.
*Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Prescription products featured require approval from your veterinarian. Important safety information for all products listed can be found on individual storefront product description pages.
Signs
When is it more than just an itch?4
If you notice your pet scratching more than usual, it could be a sign of a chronic skin condition caused by environmental allergens – and some dogs may also have reactions to flea bites or ingredients in their food. Know what to watch for and potential allergy triggers to avoid so you can help them find relief.
4. Pendergrass, JoAnna. "Symptoms of Allergies in Cats You Shouldn't Ignore." GreatPetCare. June 2023. Retrieved from https://www.greatpetcare.com/cat-health/symptoms-of-allergies-in-cats/
Does My Cat Have Allergies?
Is your cat itching like crazy? A skin health checkup can help pin down what's causing your pet's itch. With proper diagnosis and treatment, they may get much-needed relief.
Gain Control Over Allergic Itch
Allergy medications and anti-itch products that may help ease your pet's signs and flare-ups.*
Allergy
Atopica® for Cats
(cyclosporine oral solution)
Allergy
CeraSoothe™ Pramoxine Anti-Itch Mousse
*Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Prescription products featured require approval from your veterinarian. Important safety information for all products listed can be found on individual storefront product description pages.
Treatment
Treating Itchy Skin in Cats
Is your cat itching like crazy? A skin health checkup can help pin down what's causing your pet's itch. With proper diagnosis and treatment, they may get much-needed relief.
Break the Itch-Scratch Cycle
Stop the loop of itching, licking, and scratching with products that target itch and inflammation.*
Allergy
Atopica® for Cats
(cyclosporine oral solution)
Allergy
CeraSoothe™ Pramoxine Anti-Itch Mousse
Nourish the Skin from Within
Therapeutic diets for pets with environmental or food sensitivities.*
Food
Hill's® Prescription Diet® Cat z/d® Dry
Food
Royal Canin® Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry for Cats
Healthy Skin from Head to Toe
Cleansing and soothing solutions to help relieve itching and irritation.*
Anti-Itch
Pramoxine HC Anti-Itch Spray
Ear Care
Epi-Otic® Advanced Solution
*Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Prescription products featured require approval from your veterinarian. Important safety information for all products listed can be found on individual storefront product description pages.
Prevention
How to Help Keep Your Pets Itch-Free5
Don't let problem skin get the best of your pet. Here are some proactive steps you can take to help avoid flare-ups and secondary issues:
-
1Administer year-round, broad-spectrum parasite protection
-
2Regularly inspect your pet for fleas and ticks
-
3Supplement your pet's skin and coat health with omega-3 soft chews or fish oil
-
4Feed a hydrolyzed or novel protein prescription diet
-
5Use anti-itch shampoos, mousses, or sprays to moisturize and calm the skin
-
6Vacuum and clean more often to limit dust in the home
-
7Regularly wash your pet's bedding
-
8Keep your pet away from freshly cut grass
All-in-One Parasite Protection
Monthly heartworm preventatives that also cover fleas, common intestinal worms, and other pests.*
Preventatives
Revolution® Plus
(selamectin and sarolaner topical solution)
Preventatives
Advantage® Multi for Cats (imidacloprid + moxidectin) Topical Solution
Farewell to Fleas
Combat itch-inducing external parasites with fast-acting flea and tick control.*
Preventatives
Seresto® Cat
(imidacloprid, flumethrin)
Preventatives
Credelio™ Cat (lotilaner)
Skin & Coat Support
Nutritional supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.*
Supplements
EicosaDerm™ Omega-3 Liquid
Supplements
Duralactin® Feline Soft Chews
Is your cat itching like crazy? A skin health checkup can help pin down what's causing your pet's itch. With proper diagnosis and treatment, they may get much-needed relief.
5. Koehler, Rhiannon. "How to Help Prevent Itching in Dogs and Cats." GreatPetCare. May 2024. Retrieved from https://www.greatpetcare.com/wellness/how-to-help-prevent-itching-in-dogs-and-cats/
*Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Prescription products featured require approval from your veterinarian. Important safety information for all products listed can be found on individual storefront product description pages.
