Persistent scratching is one of the most common concerns raised by dog owners, and while an occasional scratch is perfectly normal, continuous scratching, licking, or chewing often indicates that something needs attention.
Scratching isn’t just uncomfortable for your dog. Over time, it can damage the skin’s protective barrier, create entry points for bacteria, and affect your dog’s overall wellbeing. The challenge is that scratching can stem from numerous everyday factors – from seasonal weather changes and grooming routines to environmental debris and coat type.
At Company of Animals, founded by world-renowned animal psychologist Dr Roger Mugford and now led by his daughter Dr Emily Mugford, a highly qualified veterinarian we’ve spent decades understanding canine behaviour and wellbeing. Our Pet Head range brings this expertise to everyday coat care, with products formulated specifically for dogs’ unique skin requirements.
Enriching pets’ lives – Devoted to the physical and mental wellbeing of companion animals.
Maintaining healthy skin doesn’t require complicated routines. Often, small adjustments to grooming practices and product selection can significantly improve your dog’s coat appearance and comfort. This guide explores seven common causes of scratching and provides practical, science-backed grooming approaches to help keep your dog’s skin and coat in optimal condition.
1. Environmental & Seasonal Factors That Affect Skin Moisture
Seasonal weather shifts significantly impact your dog’s skin moisture levels. Just as human skin responds to environmental changes, canine skin requires consistent moisture balance to maintain its protective barrier function.
Cold Weather & Indoor Heating
Winter conditions present a double challenge for skin moisture. Cold outdoor air holds less humidity, while indoor heating systems actively remove moisture from the environment. This combination can leave your dog’s skin feeling dry and tight, often showing as flaky patches, increased scratching, or more attention paid to paws and elbows.
Dogs depend on their skin’s natural lipid layer for protection. When environmental conditions deplete these protective oils faster than the skin can replenish them, dryness and scratching follow.
Summer Heat & Water Exposure
Warmer months bring different challenges. Sun exposure, swimming, and more frequent bathing all affect the skin’s moisture balance. Dogs who regularly swim in chlorinated pools or saltwater are particularly prone to dryness if their coats aren’t properly rinsed and maintained afterwards.
Consistent hydration is essential. Using a moisturising shampoo formulated for canine skin pH helps maintain the moisture balance your dog’s skin needs. For specific dry areas like paw pads, elbows, or skin folds, targeted moisturising products can help keep skin looking and feeling healthy. Look for formulas containing ingredients like oatmeal extract, which has been widely used in skincare for its moisturising and skin-softening properties.
2. Environmental Debris & Surface Irritants
Dogs explore low to the ground, which means their coat and skin contact more environmental debris than many owners realise. Grass pollen, dust particles, mould spores, and general outdoor residue cling to fur during walks. For dogs with drier or more reactive skin types, these particles can contribute to scratching, rubbing, or focused attention on paws.
Removing Surface Debris Between Baths
One practical approach to managing environmental build-up is removing debris before it settles deep into the coat. A quick wipe-down after walks removes surface particles that might otherwise sit against the skin until the next bath.
Pet Head offers grooming wipes designed for this purpose. They’re convenient for post-walk clean-ups and can be particularly useful during high-pollen seasons or after beach visits. This simple habit helps maintain cleaner coats between regular grooming sessions.
3. Sensitive Skin in Dogs
Some dogs are simply more prone to skin irritation than others. Sensitive skin in dogs doesn’t always show up immediately, and it’s not always linked to one obvious cause. Instead, it’s often the result of how a dog’s skin reacts to its surroundings, grooming routine, or everyday products.
Some Coats React More Easily to Products or Environments
Certain dogs react more strongly to grooming products, environmental changes, or even specific fabrics. Signs include redness, frequent scratching, dull coats, or recurring irritation without clear cause.
Breeds with fine coats or lighter skin pigmentation often fall into this category, though any dog can have skin that requires gentler product formulations. This sensitivity makes them more prone to dryness and visible scratching behaviour.
Gentle Formulas Support Skin Comfort
Switching to gentle, skin-friendly grooming products can significantly improve coat appearance and reduce scratching behaviour. Products formulated specifically for sensitive skin types cleanse without stripping the protective oils dogs’ skin naturally produces.
When selecting products for sensitive skin, look for pH-balanced formulas free from harsh cleansers and enriched with moisturising ingredients like oatmeal extract and aloe vera. These ingredients help maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance while keeping coats clean and fresh.
4. Grooming Habits That Can Impact Skin
Grooming is essential for healthy skin and coat care, but certain habits can unintentionally contribute to scratching behaviour.
Bathing Too Frequently
Bathing is essential for cleanliness, but excessive bathing removes the natural oils that protect your dog’s skin. One of the most common grooming mistakes is over-bathing, which often leads to dryness and increased scratching.
For most dogs, bathing every 3-4 weeks is sufficient, unless they’re particularly muddy or have specific needs recommended by a veterinarian.
Using Human Shampoo or Incorrect pH Formulations
Human shampoo isn’t formulated for canine skin. Dogs have a different pH balance than humans, and using products designed for human skin can disrupt their skin’s protective function, potentially causing irritation and scratching.
More importantly, dogs lick themselves during grooming, which means any product residue left on their coat will be ingested. This makes species-appropriate formulation essential not just for effectiveness, but for safety.
Dog shampoos are made with canine skin pH in mind and formulated with ingredients selected for their safety when inevitably ingested through normal grooming behaviour. When choosing between human products and dog-specific formulations, a proper dog shampoo is always the safer choice.
5. Build-Up of Dirt, Oils & Environmental Residue
While over-grooming can cause problems, insufficient grooming between baths also contributes to discomfort. Dirt, natural oils, and everyday residue don’t just sit on the surface – they can trap irritants against the skin, especially in thicker or longer coats, leading to discomfort and scratching.
Regular Bathing Helps Remove Accumulated Debris
Proper bathing with appropriate dog shampoo helps remove dirt and grime from the coat while maintaining the skin’s natural balance. This supports cleaner skin and fresher coats without disrupting the protective lipid layer.
Conditioning Supports Coat Smoothness
Conditioning isn’t just about appearance. A quality dog conditioner helps smooth the hair shaft, reduce tangles, and prevent friction that can affect skin comfort. Smoother coats are less likely to trap debris and environmental particles between the hair shafts.
6. When Scratching Isn’t Related to Fleas
Many owners assume persistent scratching means fleas, but this isn’t always the case. If your dog scratches frequently but shows no signs of flea infestation, dry skin is often the underlying factor.
Dry Skin as a Primary Cause
When skin lacks adequate moisture, it becomes tight and uncomfortable, triggering scratching behaviour. This is particularly common during weather changes, after frequent bathing, or in dogs with naturally drier skin types.
For dogs experiencing dryness-related scratching, focusing on moisture restoration can help improve skin appearance and comfort. Regular bathing with moisturising, pH-balanced shampoos helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance. Between baths, targeted moisturising products can address specific dry areas that dogs tend to focus on.
Pet Head Oatmeal Soothing Cream uses colloidal oatmeal, a finely milled form of oats that has been used in skincare for decades due to its unique properties. Unlike the oatmeal extract used in our shampoos, colloidal oatmeal forms a protective film on the skin’s surface and helps retain moisture in dry areas. The cream combines colloidal oatmeal with castor oil and cocoa butter to help soften and hydrate dry patches on elbows, wrinkles, paw pads, and other areas dogs may scratch or lick due to dryness.
However, if scratching persists despite improved grooming and moisturising routines, veterinary consultation is essential to rule out other causes. Diet, underlying health conditions, and other factors may require professional assessment to identify the root cause and provide appropriate solutions.
7. Seasonal Concerns & Persistent Scratching
Some scratching appears only at certain times of year, while other cases seem to linger regardless of season. Knowing when grooming can help and when additional support is needed allows you to act promptly.
When Mild, Grooming Helps Remove Surface Irritants
Seasonal patterns often show up as mild scratching, paw licking, or face rubbing during specific times of year. In these cases, regular grooming can help by removing pollen and environmental particles before they accumulate.
When grooming a dog with seasonal sensitivity, product selection matters. Dogs with reactive skin require formulations that clean effectively while maintaining moisture balance and supporting the skin’s protective function.
Persistent Scratching Requires Veterinary Consultation
When scratching is persistent, severe, or accompanied by hair loss or visible skin damage, veterinary consultation is necessary. Grooming supports coat and skin maintenance, but it’s not a replacement for professional medical assessment when symptoms persist or worsen.
8. Dry or Cracked Paws Leading to Licking or Scratching
Paws are often overlooked in skin comfort discussions, yet they’re subjected to some of the harshest conditions. When paws become dry or sore, dogs often respond by licking or chewing, which can quickly escalate from a minor issue to a persistent problem.
Salt, Snow & Rough Terrain Dry Out Paws
Paw pads endure significant wear. Salted winter pavements, hot summer paths, and rough terrain can all dry out paw pads, leading to cracks, soreness, and obsessive licking behaviour.
Using a nourishing paw butter helps protect paw pads and supports everyday comfort, especially for active dogs who spend significant time outdoors on varied surfaces.
Why Dogs May Scratch More at Night
Some owners notice their dogs scratch more noticeably during the evening or night. This pattern doesn’t necessarily indicate a different type of problem – it’s often that the quiet environment makes scratching more noticeable, or that your dog is less distracted by daytime activities.
However, if nighttime scratching interrupts your dog’s sleep or yours, this warrants attention. Ensuring your dog’s skin is clean and moisturised before bed can help improve comfort during resting hours. Applying Pet Head Oatmeal Paw Butter or Oatmeal Soothing Cream to dry areas before sleep may support more restful nights.
If scratching regularly prevents sleep or seems worse at night specifically, consult your veterinarian, as this pattern can indicate conditions that benefit from professional assessment.
Grooming Approaches to Support Comfortable Skin
Here are practical grooming approaches and product selections to help maintain healthy-looking skin and coats:
Select pH-Balanced Products Formulated for Dogs
Product selection matters when managing a scratching dog. Human shampoos are formulated for human skin, while dogs have a different pH range. Using products with incorrect pH can disrupt the skin’s natural protective function, potentially leading to dryness and increased scratching.
More importantly, whatever you apply to your dog’s coat will inevitably be ingested when they groom themselves. This makes ingredient selection critical – products must be safe for dogs, not just effective cleansers.
Pet Head Sensitive Soul Shampoo is specifically formulated for dogs with skin that scratches easily or appears dry. It cleanses without stripping natural oils, helping maintain the skin’s moisture balance while keeping coats clean and fresh. The formula includes moisturising ingredients like oatmeal extract, calendula, marula oil, and aloe vera – chosen specifically for their skin-conditioning and coat-softening properties.
For dogs who benefit from additional coat conditioning, Pet Head Sensitive Soul Conditioner helps smooth hair shafts and reduce tangles. Smoother coats trap less debris and environmental particles, which means less opportunity for irritation between baths.
Maintain Moisture in Dry, Exposed Areas
Certain areas of your dog’s body are more exposed to drying conditions than others. Paw pads, elbows, and areas with skin folds can become particularly dry, leading to focused licking or chewing.
Pet Head Oatmeal Paw Butter provides targeted moisture for paw pads that become dry from pavement, salt, or rough terrain. The rich formula includes castor oil, cocoa butter, and colloidal oatmeal to help soften and hydrate dry paw skin. It’s easily applied after walks or before bed when your dog is relaxed.
For broader dry patches – like elbows, wrinkles, or areas your dog focuses on – Pet Head Oatmeal Soothing Cream offers lightweight, fast-absorbing moisture. This product uses colloidal oatmeal (different from the oatmeal extract in our shampoos), combined with castor oil and cocoa butter, to help nourish and hydrate dry skin areas. The formula is naturally derived and plant-based, designed to keep skin looking healthy and feeling comfortable through all seasons.
Refresh Coats Without Over-Bathing
Frequent bathing isn’t always the solution for scratching, especially when skin is already dry. However, leaving dirt, pollen, and debris sitting on the coat between baths can quietly contribute to discomfort. Strategic, gentle maintenance between full baths offers a middle ground.
Pet Head Sensitive Soul Spray provides light hydration and freshness without requiring a full bath. It’s particularly useful after walks, during allergy season, or whenever your dog needs a quick refresh without the stress of a complete bathing routine. The spray-on formula makes it easy to target specific areas like the belly, back, or legs where debris tends to collect.
Pet Head Sensitive Soul Wipes are equally practical for focused clean-ups. Use them on paws, faces, bellies, and skin folds – areas where environmental particles accumulate most readily. Regular use of wipes helps remove surface allergens and debris before they can affect skin comfort, keeping coats cleaner between grooming sessions.
For dogs with longer coats or those prone to tangles, consider a leave-in conditioning spray between baths. Pet Head Quick Fix Leave-in Conditioner and Pet Head Ultimutt Clean Leave-in Conditioner both help keep coats manageable and reduce friction that can contribute to irritation. They can be applied to wet or dry coats and require no rinsing.
Signs That Your Dog Needs Professional Attention
While grooming supports everyday comfort and coat maintenance, some symptoms should never be ignored:
Redness or Inflammation
Although mild redness may be attributed to environmental factors or dryness in some cases, persistent inflammation indicates that the skin barrier is compromised. This makes the area more vulnerable to infection and usually requires veterinary assessment to identify the underlying cause.
Persistent Scratching
Occasional scratching is normal canine behaviour. However, when scratching persists throughout the day or becomes more severe at night, this is a warning sign. If your dog seems unable to relax, stops during walks to scratch, or regularly wakes from sleep to itch, this indicates more than everyday irritation and needs veterinary intervention.
Hair Loss
Hair loss usually develops after repeated scratching, licking, or chewing and is a strong indicator that the skin has been irritated for some time. If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, veterinary assessment is recommended to rule out infection or underlying skin conditions.
Scabs or Discharge
Scabs form when irritated or broken skin begins to heal, but repeated scratching can reopen wounds before they fully recover. You may see crusty patches, flaky build-up, or areas that look sore and uneven.
Any discharge – whether clear, yellow, or sticky – is a sign of infection that must not be overlooked. Discharge usually comes with an unusual odour and indicates that the skin requires professional care, not just home grooming.
Continuous Paw Licking
Paw licking is one of the most common signs of discomfort in dogs. Occasional cleaning is normal, but continuous paw licking, chewing, or nibbling suggests irritation, dryness, or sensitivity in the paws.
Over time, excessive licking can stain the fur, soften the skin, and lead to painful sores between the toes. Because paws are constantly exposed to rough surfaces and environmental irritants, ongoing licking is a clear sign your dog may need extra support or veterinary assessment.
If you notice any of these signs, a vet visit is the safest next step.
Final Thoughts
Dog scratching is often your pet’s way of signalling that something’s out of balance. With thoughtful grooming, gentle products formulated specifically for canine skin, and attention to everyday coat maintenance, you can support your dog’s comfort and keep scratching to a minimum.
At Company of Animals, under the leadership of Dr Emily Mugford (veterinarian) and building on the legacy of Dr Roger Mugford (world-renowned animal psychologist), we understand that every dog is unique. Our Pet Head range offers pH-balanced, moisturising solutions designed for dogs’ specific skin requirements – from sensitive formulations to targeted moisture for dry areas. Whether you’re managing seasonal dryness, environmental debris, or simply maintaining everyday coat health, small consistent steps in grooming make a meaningful difference.
Explore our full range of Pet Head grooming products and discover how proper coat care supports your dog’s wellbeing every day.
FAQs
Why is my dog itching so much?
Multiple factors can cause scratching including environmental debris, dry skin from weather changes, or sensitivity to products. Diet, underlying health conditions, and other factors may also play a role. While maintaining clean, moisturised skin through proper grooming helps support skin comfort, persistent scratching warrants veterinary consultation to identify the root cause. Different dogs require different approaches, and a vet can assess your individual dog’s needs.
Why is my dog itching but has no fleas?
If you’ve ruled out fleas, dry skin is a common culprit. Environmental factors like weather changes, indoor heating, or frequent bathing can deplete skin moisture, leading to dryness and scratching. Maintaining moisture balance through appropriate grooming products and targeted moisturisers like Pet Head Oatmeal Soothing Cream can help improve skin appearance. If scratching continues despite addressing dryness, consult your vet to explore other potential causes.
What can I give my dog for itching at home?
While proper grooming with moisturising, pH-balanced products helps maintain comfortable-looking skin, persistent itching requires professional assessment. Diet, environmental factors, sensitivities, and underlying health conditions can all contribute to scratching. Rather than trying home remedies, consult your veterinarian to identify the specific cause and receive appropriate guidance for your dog’s individual needs.
What is the best shampoo for dogs with itchy skin?
Look for pH-balanced shampoos formulated specifically for dogs with moisturising ingredients like oatmeal extract and aloe vera. Pet Head Sensitive Soul Shampoo is designed for dogs with dry or easily irritated skin. However, if your dog has diagnosed allergies or persistent skin issues, always follow your veterinarian’s product recommendations, as they can advise based on your dog’s specific condition.
Can diet cause dog itching?
Yes, diet can be a factor in some cases of persistent scratching. However, determining whether diet is the cause requires veterinary assessment. Your vet can help identify whether dietary factors are involved and recommend appropriate changes if needed. This is not something to diagnose at home, as many conditions can mimic food-related scratching.
When should I take my dog to the vet for itching?
Seek veterinary advice if your dog shows: persistent scratching despite regular grooming with appropriate products, scratching that interrupts sleep or daily activities, hair loss, red or inflamed skin, scabs or discharge, continuous paw licking, or ear scratching combined with head shaking (which may indicate ear infection). While grooming supports healthy-looking skin, only a veterinarian can diagnose underlying conditions and provide targeted treatment.
What about dog scratching ears and licking paws?
Focused behaviour like persistent ear scratching or continuous paw licking often indicates specific issues beyond general dryness. Ear scratching, especially when accompanied by head shaking, may signal an ear infection requiring veterinary treatment. Continuous paw licking can indicate irritation, dryness, or other underlying concerns. While keeping paws moisturised with products like Pet Head Oatmeal Paw Butter helps maintain healthy paw pad appearance, persistent licking behaviour warrants professional assessment.
Should I try home remedies for dog itching?
We don’t recommend trying home remedies without professional guidance. Scratching can result from numerous causes – some requiring specific veterinary treatment – and home remedies may delay appropriate care or inadvertently worsen the situation. The safest approach is consulting your veterinarian, who can identify the root cause and recommend suitable solutions for your dog’s specific needs.
How often should I bathe a dog who scratches frequently?
For most dogs, bathing every 3-4 weeks with pH-balanced, moisturising products is sufficient unless your veterinarian recommends otherwise for specific skin conditions. Over-bathing can strip natural oils and contribute to dryness. Between baths, use wipes and refreshing sprays to maintain cleanliness without disrupting the skin’s moisture balance.
What’s the difference between oatmeal extract and colloidal oatmeal?
Oatmeal extract is used in Pet Head shampoos and conditioners for its moisturising and coat-conditioning properties during bathing. Colloidal oatmeal is a finely milled form used in Pet Head Oatmeal Soothing Cream – its unique structure allows it to form a protective film that helps skin retain moisture in targeted dry areas. Both derive from oats but serve different functions in a comprehensive grooming routine.
Can dry weather or winter cause increased scratching?
Yes. Cold air and indoor heating reduce environmental humidity, which can leave skin feeling dry and tight. This often shows as increased scratching, particularly around paws, elbows, and areas with less coat coverage. Maintaining moisture through appropriate grooming products during winter months helps support skin comfort during harsh weather.
Why do grooming products matter for scratching dogs?
Dogs have different skin pH than humans (7.0-7.5 vs 5.5), and products formulated for human use can disrupt the skin’s natural balance. Additionally, dogs lick themselves during grooming, so any product residue will be ingested – making species-appropriate formulation essential for both safety and effectiveness. Using pH-balanced products designed specifically for dogs helps maintain the skin’s protective function while ensuring safe ingredients.