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Dog Skin Care: Causes and Relief for Itchy Skin

Itchy skin can have many causes, so identifying the problem early is key. 
Early diagnosis can bring relief, uncover underlying issues before they worsen and even prevent contagious skin diseases.

Find answers to common questions and explore resources to keep your dog looking and feeling great.


Puppy | Adult Dog | Senior Dog

Recognize the Signs
Scratching, biting, chewing, rubbing, scooting, frequent licking, recurrent ear problems, hair loss, body odor and skin changes, such as sores or darkened color, are all signs that your pet could be itchy. Talk to your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual on your pet’s skin or behavior.

 

 

Caring for Your Puppy’s Skin and Coat

 
 

Caring for Your Adult and Senior Dog’s Skin and Coat

Treatment of Itchy Skin in Dogs

Your VCA veterinarian will provide itch relief for your pet throughout the diagnostic approach. Here’s what you can expect.

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Stop the itch

Prescribe anti-itch therapy.
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Rule out parasites

Check for parasites with a flea comb, skin scrapes or a fecal test. Start a parasite preventive.
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Treat skin infections

Look for visible signs of infection as well as run diagnostics like a skin cytology or skin culture.
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Conduct a food trial

Prescribe a hypoallergenic diet for an 8-week trial period.
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Confirm atopic dermatitis

Tailor an approach to treating your pet’s airborne allergies that may include a combination of products.

Apoquel® Chewable for Dogs Stops the Itch Right at the Source

Why Apoquel Chewable (oclacitinib chewable tablet)?

- Tasty pork livered-flavored chewable that’s easy to give.
- Effectively controls allergic itch within 24 hours.
- Can be used for long-term maintenance or short-term therapy.

Ingredients for Relief

Royal Canin’s prescription diets avoid dietary allergens and support healthy skin to help food-allergic dogs ditch the itch at the source.

The Solution Is in the Bag

Whether your dogs has food allergies, environmental triggers or both—Hill’s Prescription Diet has a solution to help soothe your dog’s skin and reduce itching.

  

 

Unlimited Exams Starting at Just $19.99/Month**

A CareClub® membership includes unlimited wellness, allergy appointments, rechecks, urgent and even emergency exams—as well as the yearly preventive services your cat needs to support their best health. 

  

Enroll Today

 

 

 

Helpful Skin Care How-Tos
Board certified veterinary nutritionist Dr. Lori Prantil offers advice on timings and proportions when introducing a new food to your pet.
Board certified veterinary nutritionist Dr. Lori Prantil advises looking for the Statement of Nutritional Adequacy, which indicates that a diet meets all nutritional requirements of the animal
AskVCA Why Is My Pet Itchy
AskVCA Could My Pet Have A Food Allergy?
AskVCA Could My Pet Have An Allergy?
AskVCA How Do I Choose A Shampoo For My Pet?
How do I introduce my pet to a new food
How do I read pet nutrition labels?
What should I feed my adult pet?
AskVCA Why Is My Pet's Fur Coming Off In Clumps?
AskVCA Why Is The Skin Under My Pet’s Fur Red?
AskVCA Does My Pet Have An Ear Infection?
AskVCA: Can an insect bite cause a skin reaction in my pet?
AskVCA Does My Pet Need Parasite Prevention All Year Long?

 

 

Apoquel Chewable Important Safety Information
Do not use Apoquel or Apoquel Chewable in dogs less than 12 months of age or those with serious infections. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable may increase the chances of developing serious infections, and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment in dogs with a history of recurrence of these conditions. New neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) were observed in clinical studies and post-approval. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable have not been tested in dogs receiving some medications including some commonly used to treat skin conditions such as corticosteroids and cyclosporines. Do not use in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs. Most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable have been used safely with many common medications including parasiticides, antibiotics and vaccines. 
See Full Prescribing Information

*Save 35% on your first order (up to $20) when you subscribe to select pet food. Offer valid for first subscription of any eligible product. Limit one discount per pet. Offer expires on December 31, 2025.
**Covered services vary by plan. Unlimited exams exclude specialty and telemedicine exams, subject to promotional offers.
CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance.
CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.