Care guide

Itchy skin and scratching

Scratching or licking more than usual isn't normal and needs a vet visit. Call now if your dog's face or muzzle swells or it breaks out in hives.

Worth a vet check soon

Verdict: Care guide · Call your vet or a poison line
Call your vet if: Scratching, licking or nibbling more than usual, bald patches, sores or wounds from scratching, red skin or a rash, a smell from the skin, or a sore patch that's getting bigger and lick-stained fur, or dark, thick skin. All 7
First step: Call your vet now if your dog's face or muzzle swells or it breaks out in hives. All steps
Sources: PDSA, VCA Urgent Care, AKC. Reviewed 9 October 2026.

Call your vet now if your dog's face or muzzle swells or it breaks out in hives.
Book a vet visit if your dog is scratching or licking more than normal. The cause needs to be found before it can be treated.
Fleas are a common cause, so ask your vet which flea treatment to use.
Watch for scratching and licking in private, which some dogs do when no one is looking.
Tell your vet about any new food, shampoo, cleaning product or washing powder used before the itching started.

Don't use human creams, medicines or home remedies until your vet has found the cause.
Don't ignore the itch. It's very uncomfortable, and scratching can make the skin worse.

Fleas, skin allergies, mites, and bacterial or yeast infections are common causes. Repeated scratching and licking can make the skin worse.

Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.

General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.