5 Changes to Make Today for Your Itchy Dog: Solutions for skin relief

12 May

If your dog is constantly scratching, biting, or licking at their skin, you’re not alone. Itchy dogs are one of the most common reasons pet parents seek help from vets and canine nutritionists. The good news? There are simple changes you can make today that can bring real relief to your dog’s discomfort.

In this guide, we’ll explore 5 effective changes that target common environmental and nutritional triggers of itching. From the products you use in your home to the food in your dog’s bowl, these steps can help calm irritated skin, reduce allergens, and support your dog’s overall health.

1. Switch Your Washing Powder and Cleaners to Dog-Friendly Options

Did you know that many standard laundry detergents and household cleaners contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can trigger skin reactions in sensitive dogs? Residue from these products can linger on your dog’s bedding, toys, and even the floors they lie on.

Make the switch:

Choose a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic laundry detergent that’s free from dyes and harsh chemicals. Look for labels like “sensitive skin” or “pet-safe.” Brands like Ecoegg and ingenious probiotics
Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets, which can leave irritating residues.
Opt for pet-safe, natural cleaning products around the home. Brands like the above ingenious probiotics, or making your own vinegar and water solution can be safer for dogs. Don’t forget what you clean your floors with as well!

By reducing chemical exposure, you’re removing a potential cause of irritation that can make your dog’s skin flare up.

2. Wash Your Dog’s Bedding Weekly

Your dog’s bed can become a hotspot for allergens, including dust mites, pollen, and mould spores — all common culprits in itchy skin. Washing your dog’s bedding weekly is an easy and effective way to cut down on allergen exposure.

Top tips for washing bedding:

Wash at 60°C minimum (140°F) to kill dust mites and bacteria.
Use the same hypoallergenic, fragrance-free detergent mentioned above or just simply wash on a hot wash with no detergent
Dry bedding thoroughly in direct sunlight if possible — UV light helps kill bacteria and mould spores.
Don’t forget to wash soft toys and blankets regularly too.

Regular cleaning not only helps soothe your dog’s skin but also keeps their sleeping environment fresh and hygienic.

3. Wipe Your Dog Down After Outdoor Walks

For dogs with environmental allergies, outdoor walks can mean exposure to pollen, grass, and mould — leading to itchy flare-ups when they get home. Wiping your dog down after every walk can reduce these allergens and prevent them from spreading around your home.

Recommended products:

Paw washes: Products like the Dexas MudBuster or the Paw Plunger make it easy to clean your dog’s paws thoroughly after walks. Simply fill with water and gently plunge each paw to remove dirt and pollen.
Pet wipes: Opt for unscented, hypoallergenic wipes such as CLX wipes (great for yeasty dogs) or Earth Rated Dog Wipes.These can be used to gently wipe your dog’s paws, belly, and legs after being outside.
DIY solution: A damp microfibre cloth can work just as well if you prefer to avoid disposable wipes. Pair this with a simple water and iodine solution for relief to secondary skin infections.

This simple routine can dramatically cut down on allergens your dog comes into contact with, easing their itchiness. Remember not to rinse any of these off your dog, let them dry and create a barrier

4. Minimise Dust Mites and Allergens in Your Home

Dust mites are one of the most common environmental allergens affecting itchy dogs. They thrive in soft furnishings, carpets, and bedding — all places your dog spends a lot of time. Minimising dust mites can help reduce your dog’s allergic reactions.

How to control dust mites:

Vacuum carpets and rugs at least twice a week using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
Wash your dog’s bedding (and your own) weekly at 60°C.
Use dust-mite-proof covers on your dog’s bed and pillows. Alternatively use a duvet cover that can be taken off and replaced.
Keep humidity levels below 50% in your home — dust mites thrive in humid environments.
Consider replacing heavy curtains and carpets with blinds and hard flooring, which are less hospitable to dust mites.

These steps help create a cleaner, low-allergen environment that can make a noticeable difference to your dog’s comfort.

5. Boost Your Dog’s Immune System with a Balanced Diet

While environmental factors are major triggers, diet plays a critical role in managing chronic itching. A strong immune system is your dog’s best defence against allergies and skin irritations. Feeding a balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports skin health from within.

Key dietary tips for itchy dogs:

Choose a balanced diet: Whether you feed commercial food, home-cooked meals, or raw, ensure the diet meets your dog’s nutritional needs. A canine nutritionist can help tailor the best plan.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish oil (e.g., salmon, sardines) and algae oil omega-3s have powerful anti-inflammatory effects that soothe itchy skin.
Avoid high histamine foods: Tinned fish, kefir, tripe, fermented veggies, tomatoes, spinach and even venison are high in histamines that cause increase itching
Probiotics: A healthy gut microbiome strengthens the immune system. Consider adding a dog-specific probiotic supplement.
Single-protein diets: For dogs with food sensitivities, limited-ingredient or novel protein diets (e.g., a hydrolysed food) can reduce itching triggered by food reactions.

If your dog’s itching is persistent, working with a qualified canine nutritionist can help you identify food intolerances and build a diet that supports healing.

Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Relief

Itching doesn’t have to be your dog’s daily reality. By making these 5 simple changes today — switching to pet-safe cleaners, washing bedding weekly, wiping down after walks, reducing dust mites, and supporting your dog’s immune system with a balanced diet — you can tackle the root causes of your dog’s skin irritation.

Every dog is unique, so it may take some trial and error to discover what works best for your pet. But these steps form a powerful foundation for reducing allergens, calming the skin, and promoting lasting relief.

Ready to help your itchy dog feel better? Start with these changes today and consider consulting with a canine nutritionist to develop a tailored plan that supports your dog’s skin health from the inside out.

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If you need personalised advice regarding your dog’s diet or health, feel free to reach out to The Canine Dietitian at www.thecaninedietitian.co.uk. Or click here for a FREE diet assessment. We’re here to help ensure your dog gets the best nutrition possible!

Sally Barker