If your dog is excessively scratching, it can be more than just an occasional itch—it could signal an underlying issue that needs attention.
Persistent scratching can lead to raw skin, infections, and discomfort for your pup, making it essential to figure out the cause.
We outline the common causes of excessive scratching in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Excessively Scratching: Why It Happens
Excessive scratching in dogs often points to skin irritation, allergies, or parasites. Common triggers include fleas, food allergies, seasonal environmental allergens like pollen, and even skin infections.
In some cases, stress or behavioral disorders can also manifest as obsessive scratching.
A dog might be reacting to an underlying immune issue or a poorly balanced diet, all of which can lead to irritated, inflamed skin.
Dog Excessively Scratching: Common Causes
Fleas and Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Fleas are a top culprit when it comes to itching in dogs. Even a single flea bite can cause severe irritation, especially if your dog is allergic to flea saliva.
Dogs with flea allergy dermatitis will often scratch incessantly, particularly around their lower back, tail base, and thighs.
This type of scratching can lead to hair loss, redness, and secondary infections if not addressed quickly.
Read more: Dog panting excessively (Should you worry?)
Environmental Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)
Dogs, like humans, can suffer from seasonal or year-round allergies to things like pollen, mold, dust mites, or grasses.
These allergens can trigger itchy skin, especially on the paws, belly, armpits, and face.
Scratching is often accompanied by licking, chewing, or rubbing against furniture to relieve the itch.
Chronic exposure can make the skin thickened or darkened over time.
Food Allergies
Some dogs develop allergies or sensitivities to ingredients in their diet, especially proteins like chicken, beef, or dairy.
Skin reactions are one of the primary symptoms, often causing itching and inflammation, particularly around the ears, paws, and rear end.
Unlike environmental allergies, food-related itching tends to persist regardless of the season.
An elimination diet is often necessary to pinpoint the offending ingredient.
Mites and Mange
Mange is caused by tiny parasitic mites that burrow into your dog’s skin.
There are different types, such as sarcoptic mange (which causes intense itching) and demodectic mange (usually seen in puppies or immune-compromised dogs).
Hair loss, scabs, and relentless scratching are common symptoms.
This condition is highly uncomfortable and contagious in some forms, requiring immediate veterinary treatment.
Skin Infections
When the skin is broken from scratching or other trauma, bacteria and yeast can take advantage.
These infections can make the itch even worse, creating a vicious cycle of scratching and skin damage.
You might notice a foul odor, discharge, or greasy patches on the skin, especially in folds or ears.
Common examples include yeast infections in the ears or between the toes.
Anxiety or Boredom
Sometimes the cause of excessive scratching isn’t physical, but behavioral. Dogs that are anxious, stressed, or under-stimulated may resort to repetitive behaviors like scratching, licking, or chewing.
This can lead to self-inflicted sores and bald spots, particularly on the legs or paws.
Environmental enrichment, exercise, and addressing the root emotional triggers are key to reducing this type of scratching.
My dog is constantly scratching and biting himself
When a dog is scratching and biting himself constantly, it usually signals severe itching or irritation. This behavior can be caused by fleas, mites, food or environmental allergies, bacterial or yeast infections, or even stress-related compulsive behavior.
Biting and scratching damage the skin, potentially causing open sores, infection, and hair loss.
Persistent self-trauma is a warning sign that veterinary attention is needed to identify and treat the underlying cause effectively.
Dog scratching belly with hind legs
Scratching the belly with the hind legs usually points to itchy or irritated skin on the abdomen. Common causes include allergies, flea bites, contact with irritants like grass or cleaning products, or skin infections.
The belly has thin skin, making it especially sensitive. Occasional scratching can be normal, but frequent or aggressive scratching may indicate inflammation that needs treatment.
Dog excessively scratching and licking
When a dog is both scratching and licking excessively, it often signals a systemic skin issue rather than a simple itch.
Allergies (food or environmental), parasites, hormonal imbalances, or yeast and bacterial infections are common triggers.
Licking can temporarily soothe itching but ultimately worsens skin damage. Persistent scratching and licking should be evaluated to prevent chronic skin disease.
Dog excessively scratching face
Excessive facial scratching is commonly linked to allergies, ear problems, dental issues, or mites.
Dogs may rub their face on furniture or scratch with their paws when the face feels itchy or painful.
Facial skin is delicate, so repeated scratching can quickly lead to sores or infections. Facial itching that continues or worsens requires veterinary attention.
Read more: Dog excessively scratching face (Causes explained)
Dog excessively scratching ear
Frequent ear scratching usually indicates ear irritation or infection, often caused by yeast, bacteria, allergies, ear mites, or trapped moisture.
Dogs may scratch one ear more than the other or pair scratching with head shaking. Ear problems rarely resolve on their own and can worsen quickly, so early treatment is important.
Read more: Dog excessively scratching ear (Causes explained)
Dog excessively scratching neck
Scratching around the neck is often associated with allergies, collar irritation, fleas, or skin infections.
The neck is also a common site for hot spots, especially in dogs with thick fur. Constant neck scratching can break the skin and lead to painful sores.
If scratching is intense, localized, or persistent, the underlying cause should be identified and treated.
Read more: Dog excessively scratching neck (When to worry)
My dog is constantly scratching and biting himself but no fleas
If your dog is constantly scratching and biting himself but has no fleas, the behavior is usually due to allergies, skin infections, or irritation unrelated to parasites.
Common causes include food allergies, environmental allergens (pollen, dust, mold), yeast or bacterial infections, dry skin, or contact irritants like certain shampoos or bedding.
Stress or anxiety can also lead to compulsive licking and biting. Even without visible fleas, persistent scratching can damage the skin, cause sores, and lead to secondary infections, so a veterinary evaluation is important to identify the underlying cause and provide targeted treatment.
Old dog excessively scratching
Excessive scratching in older dogs is often linked to age-related skin changes, chronic allergies, or underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, or infections.
As dogs age, their skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and more prone to irritation, making even minor allergies or insect bites trigger more intense itching.
Persistent scratching in senior dogs should not be ignored, as it can quickly lead to sores, secondary infections, and discomfort that affects their quality of life.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Excessively Scratching
Start by checking your dog’s skin and coat for signs of fleas, ticks, or obvious irritants.
If fleas are present, use a vet-approved flea treatment and clean your home thoroughly. Even without visible fleas, a preventative may be recommended if your dog has flea allergy dermatitis.
Switching to a limited ingredient or hypoallergenic diet can help if food allergies are suspected. Be patient—diet trials may take 6–8 weeks to show results.
If allergies seem seasonal or environmental, regular bathing with a soothing oatmeal shampoo may provide relief. Anti-itch sprays or medicated shampoos can also help, but check with your vet before using any over-the-counter products.
Keep your dog well-groomed, especially if they have a thick or long coat. Mats and tangles can trap allergens and moisture, exacerbating skin problems.
Behavioral scratching may improve with added mental stimulation, exercise, or calming aids like pheromone diffusers.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If your dog’s scratching is constant, disrupting their sleep, or causing hair loss and skin wounds, it’s time to consult your veterinarian.
Red, inflamed, or bleeding skin can quickly become infected and should be addressed promptly.
Also see your vet if:
You notice scabs, foul odors, or oozing skin.
Over-the-counter treatments aren’t working.
Your dog is losing weight or acting lethargic.
There are signs of ear infections, like head shaking or odor.
Behavioral signs point to stress or anxiety.
Early treatment prevents chronic skin issues and keeps your dog comfortable and happy.
Read more: Dog licking paws excessively (Here’s what it could mean)
Key Takeaway
Excessive scratching is more than a nuisance—it’s often a sign that something deeper is going on with your dog’s health.
By observing your dog’s behavior, checking their skin, and acting quickly, you can often relieve their discomfort and avoid more serious complications.
When in doubt, your vet is the best resource for identifying the root cause and helping your dog find relief.