Why Is My Dog So Itchy? A Pet Parent's Guide to Seasonal Allergies

If your dog has spent the last few weeks scratching, nibbling at their paws or rubbing their face along the carpet, you are not imagining it, and you are certainly not alone. "Why is my dog so itchy?" is one of the most common questions we hear from Pet Parents at this time of year, and late spring into summer is exactly when it peaks.

The good news is that there is a great deal you can do at home to help your dog feel more comfortable.

What causes itchy skin in dogs?

As the weather warms up, the air fills with pollen from grasses, trees and weeds. Grass pollen in particular runs high from May right through July, which is why so many dogs start scratching now. Dogs do not tend to sneeze their way through hay fever the way we do. Instead, the allergens settle on their skin and paws and trigger irritation. Add in the return of fleas and other creepy crawlies as temperatures climb, and you have a recipe for a thoroughly uncomfortable dog.

Signs of seasonal allergies in dogs

The classic signs are hard to miss: scratching, licking and chewing (paws are a firm favourite), red or flaky patches, rubbing against the furniture, and ears that need more attention than usual. Most Pet Parents notice it around the paws, face, ears and tummy first.

The best food for dogs with itchy skin

Start from the inside out. What goes into your dog's bowl has a real bearing on the condition of their skin and coat. We are firm believers in natural, grain-free food, because grain is a common trigger for sensitive tummies and itchy skin alike. Our grain-free dog food range is built around named proteins and gentle, recognisable ingredients with no vague labelling. For dogs who really feel it, the Grain-Free Natural Duck for Sensitive Dogs and our Peptide+ Hypoallergenic range are well worth a look, while the Natural Ocean Salmon and Trout food brings added Omega 3 to support the skin barrier.

Natural ways to soothe an itchy dog at home

A little gentle grooming goes a long way. Wiping your dog's paws and tummy after a walk clears away the pollen they have picked up before it can cause bother, and a regular bath with a soothing, chemical-free shampoo from our health and wellbeing collection helps wash allergens out of the coat.

Supplements can make a real difference too. Our Salmon Oil for Dogs drizzled over dinner supports the skin barrier and brings a lovely shine to the coat, while the Betty & Butch Skin and Coat Treats are packed with Omega 3, zinc and biotin for exactly this job. For dogs prone to irritated skin, Dorwest Easy Green is a natural herbal supplement worth considering. And do keep on top of parasite prevention, because an itchy dog in May is very often a flea bitten one.

When should I take my itchy dog to the vet?

Home care can work wonders for mild, seasonal itching, but it does have its limits. If your dog is breaking the skin, losing fur, developing sores or hot spots, or simply seems miserable and unsettled, please do not wait it out. I am an AI assistant; please consult your vet for medical concerns. Your vet can rule out infections and more serious allergies, and together you can build a plan, with good food and gentle care supporting everything they recommend.

Shop the itchy skin essentials

We have pulled together everything you need to tackle the spring itch in one place. Have a browse of our health and wellbeing collection and our grain-free food range from the comfort of your sofa, and we will get your order on its way. If you would rather chat it through, the teams at our Handforth and Chorlton stores are always happy to help.

Here's to happy skin and waggy tails all season long.