Tackling "Itchy Dog Syndrome"

Originally published in LEO on February 16, 2000 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026

From The Pet Guy Archives

Few things are more frustrating for both dogs and their owners than constant scratching, licking, and irritated skin. In this column from 2000, Jeff Seidenfaden explains some of the most common causes of canine itching and offers practical tips to help soothe dry skin and reduce discomfort during the winter months.

Although veterinary dermatology has advanced considerably over the past two decades, many of the preventive measures discussed here—including proper skin care, good nutrition, and working closely with your veterinarian—remain important components of keeping your dog's skin and coat healthy.

Original 2000 Column

Scratch, lick, slurp, slurp, lick, scratch... does this sound like a typical evening spent listening to your pet's misery?

For many people (including my good pal Jackie Gulbe), this becomes a way of life. After learning so much about the subject through the saga of Jackie and her Golden Retriever, Jack, I'm going to tackle the terrible task of relieving canine "itch" syndrome.

This problem can stem from many causes, most of which are allergies. These should be diagnosed by your veterinarian and treated accordingly. What we'll look at here are some of the many home remedies that may help alleviate the dreaded itch.

I know from looking at my own hands that skin gets dry and cracks during this time of year. It just happens. Thanks to the dry heat we create in our homes with furnaces, our pets dry out right along with us, and so it is important to put some things back into their skin to help relieve the pain.

It's easy for us to rub a little lotion on our hands when they are dry. Folks even use lotion on their legs, face, and body when dryness appears, but it's not so easy to do that with your dog. Indeed, it's best to try to avoid the problem altogether.

How is this done? No, you don't have to turn off your furnace and freeze all winter (although you might have nice, smooth skin as a result), but you can start with the environment.

Buy a humidifier. This doesn't have to cost a fortune—a small, simple unit available at most discount stores will suffice. If this doesn't sound good to you, I have known some people who put bowls of water on the register vents. While your pet may drink from all these sources, you will also be adding some moisture to the air. It may help a little.

Once you have replenished the moisture in your house, look at your dog's skin.

Many people bathe dogs when their skin is dry, only to find that it doesn't help. In fact, it makes the condition worse. If you must bathe your pet in the winter months, use a dog shampoo. Human shampoos are formulated to dry the skin, while canine shampoos are designed to moisturize it.

Use a shampoo with aloe or oatmeal. Make sure it does not contain detergents, as these will rob the skin of oils.

I often recommend, too, that people add omega fatty acids to their dog's food. Some brands, such as Eukanuba, have Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids already added, which will help rebuild and maintain both healthy skin and coat. You can also buy a supplement called Linatone, which can be poured directly on the dog's food. You'll see the difference in several weeks.

There are many fine hair-care products available through your local pet store, including conditioners and sprays. Some may need to be washed out, while others will soothe the skin simply by spraying it on and then rubbing it in. Choose the one that keeps your pet happiest.

Refrain from offering your pet table scraps, as anything out of the ordinary in a dog's diet can cause not only an upset stomach but also a food allergy. There is no reason to take an already difficult situation and make it worse by having to combat an allergy alongside basic dry skin. And stay positive—there is help.

Contact your veterinarian for further information about allergy testing for your dog and for advice on the right supplements.

The Pet Guy Perspective Today

The fundamentals of this article have stood the test of time remarkably well. Dry winter air, environmental allergens, and nutrition all continue to play important roles in canine skin health.

Modern veterinary medicine, however, has given us many additional tools for diagnosing and treating itchy dogs. Today's veterinarians are more likely to identify underlying causes such as environmental allergies (atopy), flea allergy dermatitis, food allergies, bacterial or yeast infections, hormonal disorders, or parasites before recommending treatment. Advanced therapies—including prescription allergy medications, monoclonal antibody injections, and customized immunotherapy—have dramatically improved quality of life for many chronically itchy dogs.

The nutritional advice remains solid. Omega-3 fatty acids continue to be widely recommended to support healthy skin and reduce inflammation, although today's veterinary supplements are more standardized and concentrated than many products available in 2000.

One recommendation deserves a small update: while adding moisture to your home's air can certainly help during dry winter months, humidifiers should be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway today is this: persistent itching is not normal. If your dog is scratching constantly, chewing at its feet, developing recurring ear infections, or losing hair, don't assume it's "just dry skin." A veterinary examination can often identify the underlying cause and provide lasting relief.

Continue Reading in The Pet Guy Archives

• Winterizing Your Pets

• Summer Can Be Easy for Your Pets: Part I

• Summer Can Be Easy for Your Pets: Part II

• Working Through Litterbox Problems

  
  

About The Pet Guy Archives

The Pet Guy Archives preserve Jeff Seidenfaden's original newspaper columns, television features, and educational articles spanning more than three decades. Each article is carefully republished to preserve its historical authenticity while making it accessible to today's pet owners.

About the Author

Jeff Seidenfaden is The Pet Guy—an award-winning pet expert, television host, newspaper columnist, entrepreneur, and animal advocate who has spent more than three decades helping families build better relationships with their pets. Through his newspaper columns, television appearances, and educational outreach, Jeff has shared practical, compassionate advice with hundreds of thousands of pet owners across the country.