why is my dog scratching and itching

In the silent night, a sudden flurry of scratching noises interrupts the peaceful breathing. You gently sit up and see the dog restlessly scratching its body with its paws in the dark, even rubbing continuously against the floor. At that moment, heartache and worry overwhelm you, wishing you could instantly understand its pain and help it escape this torture. Dogs cannot express discomfort with words—scratching and itching are their "SOS signals" to us. Exploring the reasons behind this is the first step in showing them care.

Parasite infestations are a common "culprit" causing dogs to scratch and itch. Fleas, tiny yet agile creatures, are the most common external parasites on dogs. With their excellent jumping ability, they quickly hide in the dog’s thick fur and survive by sucking blood. Each time a flea bites, it releases special saliva that acts like a fuse igniting an "itch bomb," triggering a strong allergic reaction in the dog’s skin. The dog will frequently scratch and nibble at the bitten area to relieve the intense itching, and some may even cause skin damage or bleeding from excessive scratching. Ticks are equally concerning: once attached to the dog’s skin, they bury their heads deep into the flesh to greedily suck blood. In addition to local skin damage, ticks may carry and transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease and babesiosis, posing a significant threat to the dog’s health. Mites, such as scabies mites and demodex mites, prefer to parasitize in the dog’s hair follicles and sebaceous glands, causing scabies and demodicosis. Infected dogs develop symptoms like red patches, papules, and hair loss, with constant itching making them restless and frequently agitated.

Allergies are also a major cause of scratching and itching in dogs. Like humans, dogs can have allergic reactions to certain substances. Food allergies are not uncommon in dogs, with common allergens including beef, chicken, dairy products, and grains. When a dog ingests allergenic food, the immune system mistakenly identifies these substances as harmful "enemies," triggering a defense mechanism and a series of allergic symptoms, with skin itching being the most obvious. The dog may incessantly scratch its face, abdomen, paws, and other areas, and in severe cases, develop redness, swelling, or hair loss. Environmental factors can also cause allergies: airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold spores can trigger allergic reactions once they come into contact with the dog’s skin or are inhaled into the respiratory tract. During spring and autumn when pollen is prevalent, many allergic dogs frequently scratch their faces and ears, and may even sneeze or have a runny nose. Watching them suffer leaves owners feeling helpless and distressed.

Skin infections can also trap dogs in a cycle of scratching and itching. When a dog’s skin is broken, external bacteria can invade, causing bacterial infections such as folliculitis or boils. Infected areas become red, swollen, painful, and intensely itchy, prompting the dog to scratch unconsciously—which may worsen the infection and create a vicious cycle. Fungal infections are equally troublesome: for example, ringworm caused by Microsporum canis infection leads to round or oval hairless patches on the skin, covered in scales. The itching is unbearable, and dogs will scratch or rub to relieve it, often spreading the fungus to other parts of the body and worsening the condition.

In addition to the above, some underlying medical conditions can also cause skin itching and scratching in dogs. Hypothyroidism affects metabolism, leading to dry skin, hair loss, and subsequent itching. Liver and kidney diseases prevent the body from properly eliminating toxins, and these accumulated toxins irritate skin nerves, causing itching. These internal diseases are like "time bombs" hidden in the dog’s body, not only causing skin discomfort but also severely impacting overall health.

When noticing a dog scratching and itching, owners must take it seriously but avoid self-medicating blindly. First, carefully observe symptoms such as the scratching location, and whether there are red patches, hair loss, or dandruff—these details are crucial for veterinarians to diagnose the cause. Then, promptly take the dog to a pet hospital, where veterinarians will use professional methods like skin scrapings and blood tests to accurately identify the root cause. For parasite infestations, targeted internal and external deworming medications are needed. For allergies, allergen testing may be required to help owners avoid triggers and use anti-allergy medications to relieve itching. For skin infections, appropriate antibacterial or antifungal treatments will be prescribed based on the infection type.

During the dog’s treatment and recovery, the owner’s meticulous care is essential. Regularly grooming the dog’s fur not only detects skin issues early but also promotes blood circulation. Keeping the living environment clean—washing bedding and toys regularly—reduces allergens and pathogens. Providing a nutritionally balanced diet strengthens the dog’s immunity and aids skin recovery. Every gentle stroke and patient care session conveys our love and concern, reassuring the dog: "Don’t be afraid, I’ll stay with you until you’re healthy again."

Dogs entrust their entire lives to us. When they suffer from scratching and itching, we are their only reliance. Only by deeply understanding the causes and caring for them with professional knowledge and love can we help dogs overcome pain, regain healthy and happy lives, and continue to accompany us through every warm and beautiful day.