Johannesburg, 10 March 2025: It’s no secret that dogs love a good scratch, but when does an itch become a serious concern? If your furry friend seems to be scratching, licking, or biting more than usual, it could be a sign of something more serious. Chronic itching and skin irritation can lead to discomfort, infections, and even behavioural changes in dogs, affecting their overall well-being and happiness.
“Allergies are the number one reason dogs visit the vet,” says Dr Tarryn Dent, Business Unit Lead, Companion Animals, at Zoetis South Africa. “Persistent itching can lead to discomfort, skin damage, and secondary infections. Identifying the cause and seeking appropriate treatment is essential for your pet’s well-being.”
Understanding canine allergies
Dogs can suffer from a range of allergies, and identifying the root cause is the first step towards effective treatment. The four most common allergies in dogs are:
- Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD): Some dogs are highly sensitive to allergens found in flea saliva. A single flea bite can trigger intense itching, particularly around the lower back and tail. Flea allergies are more common in warmer months but can occur year-round in homes where fleas persist. Signs include red, irritated skin, hair loss, and excessive scratching. Preventative flea control is key in managing this condition.
- Environmental allergies (Atopic Dermatitis): Pollen, dust mites, moulds, and other environmental allergens can cause allergic reactions in dogs. Symptoms often begin between 6 months and 3 years of age and can worsen over time. Itching typically affects the paws, face, ears, and underarms, leading to frequent scratching, licking, and chewing. The irritation often results in red, inflamed skin and secondary bacterial or yeast infections, which intensify discomfort.
- Food allergies: Dogs can develop allergic reactions to certain dietary ingredients, especially proteins like beef (34% of cases), dairy (17%), chicken (15%), lamb (14.5%), and wheat (13%). Unlike food intolerances, which cause digestive issues, food allergies manifest as skin problems, making them harder to distinguish from environmental allergies. Symptoms include chronic ear infections, itchy skin, and gastrointestinal upset. A veterinarian-supervised elimination diet is the best way to diagnose food allergies.
- Contact allergies: The least common type of allergy, contact allergies occur when a dog’s skin reacts to direct contact with irritants such as certain grasses, synthetic materials, shampoos, or pesticides. Signs include redness, itching, and irritation at the site of contact, typically the feet, belly, or muzzle. Avoiding the irritant is the best course of action, but topical or systemic treatments may be necessary.
Signs to watch for
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your dog may be dealing with an allergic reaction:
- Frequent licking, chewing, or biting of paws, legs, or tail
- Excessive rolling, rubbing, or scooting along the ground
- Persistent ear infections or head shaking
- Hair loss, rashes, or inflamed skin
- Changes in skin texture or colour
- Unusual or foul odours coming from the skin or ears
- General restlessness or discomfort
Treatment without the struggle
Administering medication can be a challenge for many pet owners. Studies show that 65% of owners struggle to get their dogs to take a pill, and some pets even hide or run away at the sight of medication. The stress and difficulty of pilling can make treatment compliance difficult, prolonging discomfort for both pets and their owners.
Thankfully, new and convenient treatment options are now available. “Zoetis offers a range of effective itch relief solutions, including chewable tablets (coming soon) and monthly injections,” says Dr Dent. “Speak to your vet about suitable treatment options which can provide lasting relief by blocking the itch signal from the skin to the brain, stopping the cycle of scratching and discomfort.”
By addressing the underlying cause and selecting the right treatment, pet owners can help their dogs enjoy a happier, healthier, and itch-free life.