{"id":189887,"date":"2025-03-07T10:44:33","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T08:44:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fendaf.ee\/uncategorized-et-en\/iga-sugelus-ei-ole-allergia\/"},"modified":"2026-10-13T23:34:06","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T20:34:06","slug":"not-every-itch-is-an-allergy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fendaf.ee\/en\/health\/not-every-itch-is-an-allergy\/","title":{"rendered":"Not every itch is an allergy: why dogs scratch and what to check"},"content":{"rendered":"

An itchy dog quickly raises the question: is it an allergy? Sometimes it is. But sometimes the cause is fleas, yeast, bacterial inflammation, dry or irritated skin, a painful paw, or several smaller problems at once. In this article I want to go beyond asking ‘how can I stop the itching quickly?’ and ask ‘why is the dog itchy in the first place?’<\/p>\n

Some time ago I discussed a case involving a dog about nine years old. The itching had begun a couple of years earlier, when the dog was roughly seven, and it was receiving Apoquel. According to the owner, there had been no such problems earlier in life. My first question would be: what changed around that time? Was the skin examined and sampled? Were parasites, ears and food investigated? This does not mean the diagnosis was wrong. Allergies can begin later in life. But I would not automatically turn one symptom into the entire diagnosis.<\/p>\n

Integrative veterinarian Dr Katie Woodley often encourages people in her lectures to look for the causes behind symptoms. That resonates with me. The good news is that careful differential diagnosis is not exclusive to integrative medicine. Modern veterinary dermatology guidelines also emphasise it.<\/p>\n

First of all, what is the difference between itching and allergy?<\/h2>\n

Itching, or pruritus, is the sensation that makes a dog scratch, lick, chew, rub or drag itself against furniture. Allergy is one possible cause, not another name for itching. Atopic dermatitis involves the immune system and skin barrier reacting to several factors; flea allergy is related to substances in flea saliva; food allergy may involve an immune response to food ingredients.<\/p>\n

Dr Chris Bessent has expressed the view that a truly allergic dog itches constantly and so severely that it breaks the skin. That boundary may be too strict. Itching in an allergic dog can also be moderate, seasonal or recurrent, without any bloody wounds. Conversely, fleas, mange mites and skin infections can cause severe itching. Intensity alone neither confirms nor rules out an allergy.<\/p>\n

Years ago Ossu had quite severe itching. Sometimes I had to interrupt his scratching, although he never broke his skin. I cannot say retrospectively what diagnosis he would have received or which single cause was responsible. In his case, however, we overcame the worst itching with Winner Plus food, omega-3 salmon oil and regular liver-support ‘cleanses’. It reminds me how little the intensity of itching tells us on its own.<\/p>\n

What should you investigate before diagnosing an allergy?<\/h2>\n

First, I would ask where, when and how the itching began. Did it appear suddenly or develop gradually? Does the dog lick one paw or chew all over its body? Is the problem seasonal? Did the food, detergent, walking environment, medication or daily routine change at the same time? Most importantly, what has actually been investigated rather than merely assumed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Possible cause<\/th>\nWhat it can mean<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Fleas and mites<\/th>\nJust a few flea bites can make a sensitised dog intensely itchy; no fleas may be visible during an examination. Mange mites require separate assessment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Yeast, bacteria and ear infections<\/th>\nRedness, greasy skin, odour, wet lesions, head-shaking or paw-licking do not identify the organism. Skin and ear cytology can help.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Irritation and the skin barrier<\/th>\nExcessive or unsuitable washing, friction, dryness, contact with a substance or a tightly matted coat can irritate skin.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pain or a local problem<\/th>\nIf the dog persistently licks just one paw, the nail, foreign bodies, injury, joints and possibly nerve irritation also need checking.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Allergy or food reaction<\/th>\nAfter considering and assessing other findings, next steps may include confirming effective parasite control, a strict elimination diet or investigation of atopic dermatitis.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The AAHA 2023 allergic skin disease guidelines recommend beginning with the history and skin examination, followed when appropriate by skin cytology, skin scrapings, flea-comb examination, ear cytology and tests for suspected fungal disease. Itch relief belongs in the treatment plan, but parasites and secondary infections must also be addressed.<\/p>\n

Location offers an especially useful clue. Repeated licking of one paw does not automatically mean food allergy; a nail injury, foreign body, pain, skin problem or altered nerve sensation may be involved. Likewise, itching involving all four paws and the ears does not necessarily implicate food alone. The pattern helps guide questions, but is not a diagnosis.<\/p>\n

If the itching returns, does that mean the medication has failed?<\/h2>\n

If a dog itches so much that it cannot sleep or starts damaging its skin, it should not be left suffering while we search for the ‘real cause’. Relieving symptoms and investigating underlying causes can happen together. What matters to me is whether there is also a plan for what to check next.<\/p>\n

Apoquel (oclacitinib) is an immunomodulatory drug that acts on JAK signalling pathways. It is used to control itching associated with allergic dermatitis and to manage atopic dermatitis. It is not a corticosteroid, so steroid side effects cannot simply be ascribed to it. But it is not risk-free: its official product information includes warnings concerning serious infections, demodicosis and neoplastic conditions. Benefits and risks, existing diseases and other treatments should be discussed with the veterinarian.<\/p>\n

Corticosteroids, ciclosporin, lokivetmab (Cytopoint) and, for some dogs, allergen-specific immunotherapy all have a place. Updated ICADA guidance from 2026 distinguishes prompt control of acute flare-ups from prevention of long-term recurrence. Not every dog needs every treatment, but some integrative veterinarians are quite explicit that drugs only suppress symptoms. I agree with the underlying principle. Of course a dog should not scratch itself raw or suffer pain; the integrative point is to relieve symptoms with medication when necessary while continuing to investigate the root cause.<\/p>\n

I have also heard clients describe treatments that worked at first but seemed to become less effective over time. That experience matters, but it does not automatically prove ‘drug dependence’ or mean the dose must be raised every time. A yeast or bacterial infection, new environmental irritation or another illness may have developed. If previously effective treatment stops helping, the diagnosis and skin samples are worth reviewing.<\/p>\n

What role do food and nutrients play?<\/h2>\n

Food quality and suitability have always mattered to me. One client who had fed Winner Plus for years said they temporarily switched to another food on a veterinarian’s recommendation. When they later returned to Winner Plus, the dog’s coat became softer and shinier in the owner’s observation. That is a valuable individual experience, but it cannot predict how every dog will respond.<\/p>\n

At different times I have added raw meat, vegetables, kefir, omega fatty acids, nettle tea, chlorella, milk thistle and apple cider vinegar to Ossu’s food. I know his reactions and needs differ from Faddu’s. I also cannot honestly claim any one supplement stopped his itching, because several things changed. Some supplements, apple cider vinegar among them, may irritate another dog’s skin or digestive system.<\/p>\n

When food-related itching is suspected, buying a bag labelled ‘hypoallergenic’ or merely swapping chicken for lamb is not enough. Food allergy or adverse food reaction is investigated with a carefully selected elimination diet, often lasting 8\u201312 weeks for skin symptoms, followed when there is improvement by a controlled reintroduction of the original food. Treats, chews and flavoured medications count too. Options include a suitably controlled novel-protein or hydrolysed-protein complete food, or sometimes a homemade diet formulated by a veterinary nutrition specialist.<\/p>\n

I have previously shared some integrative veterinarians’ criticism of therapeutic diets. It is reasonable to ask about ingredients and suitability, and manufacturers’ claims deserve scrutiny. Historically, some therapeutic diets were designed for short-term use. That does not mean all veterinary diets inevitably create deficiencies when fed long term. For me, it means paying closer attention to the specific product’s composition and description.<\/p>\n

If the food is complete and balanced for the appropriate life stage, it may be suitable for longer use. If it is only for short-term feeding or is complementary rather than complete, that should be stated on its label. The dog’s actual condition and the particular food’s suitability should guide decisions.<\/p>\n

Sometimes a nutrient deficiency really is involved, such as insufficient essential fatty acids or zinc, but dull fur or itching alone cannot establish this. Still, a dull coat is a clue worth noticing. Omega-3 and some omega-6 fatty acids can support the skin barrier and help manage inflammation, although their role is generally supplementary and the appropriate quantity depends on the diet, dog and medical conditions. Added oils also mean added calories.<\/p>\n

Can the gut, stress and environment be linked to the skin?<\/h2>\n

I like the integrative question ‘what else is affecting this dog?’ There are biological links between the gut, immune system and skin, and stress can change how itching is perceived and reinforce the scratch-itch cycle. Some dogs have digestive problems, recurring ear infections and itching at the same time. Their coexistence, however, does not prove that every symptom began with a ‘leaky gut’. The microbiome or increased intestinal permeability is not a diagnosis that automatically explains every itchy dog. Still, the integrative idea that what we see on the surface may be only the tip of the iceberg and that a deeper problem may lie in the gut appeals to me.<\/p>\n

The environment can irritate skin without a classic allergy: contact with cleaning products, damp skin folds, rubbing harness straps or shampoo that was not fully rinsed away. Sometimes an allergy flares up and a secondary overgrowth of yeast or bacteria adds to the discomfort. Skin is the visible surface, but the whole cause may not begin there.<\/p>\n

In the original article I also discussed improperly stored fish and histamine. In certain fish species, poor storage allows bacteria to convert histidine into histamine; this food poisoning can resemble an allergic reaction. That does not mean itching after every fish meal is histamine poisoning, but storage conditions and the timing of symptoms are worth examining.<\/p>\n

What can owners safely try themselves?<\/h2>\n

One of the simplest steps is regularly checking the skin and coat. Look at the ears, between the toes, the underside, armpits and places where moisture collects. Notice whether the skin is dry and flaky, red and hot, greasy, or damp and painful. Sometimes you can spot a problem before the dog makes it worse by scratching.<\/p>\n

I have regularly brushed Faddu and Ossu, and in my experience brushing reduced itching. I particularly remember brushing Oscar for four consecutive days, after which his scratching almost stopped. I am not claiming that it cured an allergy: I am not even sure Oscar had an allergy. But grooming, removing loose hair and dirt, and preventing mats can make a dog feel more comfortable.<\/p>\n

Bathing is similar. A harsh or unsuitable shampoo and insufficient rinsing can irritate skin, but ‘only bathe a dog when it is really filthy’ is too simple a rule. For atopic skin, a suitable gentle shampoo can help remove allergens and moisturise. Yeast or bacterial infections may require medicated washes instead. The right product, frequency, rinsing and the skin’s response all matter.<\/p>\n

Calendula, chamomile and nettle: what do I think?<\/h2>\n

On integrative veterinarian Katie Woodley’s advice, I have tried both chamomile and nettle tea. With my own dogs, nettle seemed to ease itching even more than chamomile. That is my experience, not a treatment result that applies to every dog. Woodley’s instructions are specific enough that I think they are worth sharing rather than merely saying ‘try some herbal tea’.<\/p>\n

Dr Katie Woodley describes preparing a weaker infusion with 15 grams of dried herb per litre of water, or a stronger infusion with 28\u201330 grams per litre. She advises steeping leaves for 30\u201360 minutes, chamomile flowers for about 30 minutes and crushed seeds for 15 minutes. She also describes adding herbal tea to a dog’s food 2\u20133 times daily; in her experience skin changes may take 10\u201314 days to become noticeable. For seasonal itching she suggests starting before the usual season begins. These are an integrative veterinarian’s preparation instructions and experience, not a weight-based dose proven in clinical trials for every dog. Infusion strength, the actual quantity given and suitability are different questions. I recommend beginning with a smaller amount and increasing towards the suggested quantity only if the dog tolerates it well.<\/p>\n

Calendula and chamomile are also used topically in integrative skin care, for example to clean the skin gently with a cooled, mild infusion. Natural does not automatically mean non-irritating or allergy-free. Chamomile in particular may trigger a reaction in animals sensitive to plants in the daisy family. If skin is broken, weeping, purulent, severely painful or inflamed over a rapidly expanding area, I would not replace veterinary treatment with herbal tea. Infusions should not be poured into the eyes or deep ear canal.<\/p>\n

Nettle is valued in traditional and integrative herbal practice as a nutrient-rich plant and a possible influence on inflammatory mediators. Practical use and clinically proven effectiveness are different: isolated mechanistic studies cannot establish that nettle tea reliably blocks histamine in dogs or treats anaemia. Yet I do not think integrative veterinarians’ practical experience or our own observations should be discarded simply because high-quality canine studies are scarce.<\/p>\n

For me, an integrative approach means that with mild itching we need not wait until Apoquel seems the only option. I would start by reviewing food quality and suitability, fatty acids, regular grooming, washing products, parasites and the environment. I have also used nettle tea and liver support with my dogs. Integrative practice sometimes uses milk thistle in a so-called liver cleansing course, coconut oil to support dry skin and apple cider vinegar in selected situations, for example to help soothe itching. I would not automatically dismiss these options, but neither would I turn them into a universal prescription. Vinegar can sting damaged skin, coconut oil may not suit every dog, and itching alone does not show that the liver needs ‘cleansing’. I would change one thing at a time, observe the response and never delay veterinary care if the dog cannot sleep because of itching or the skin is inflamed.<\/p>\n

If your dog has another illness or takes medication, ask your veterinarian about potential interactions before using herbs and herbal products.<\/p>\n

We also have a separate article, ‘Itchy skin: 10 natural remedies’<\/a>, covering local skin care and natural supportive options. Here I deliberately focus more on telling possible causes apart, because even a good remedy can target the wrong problem when the cause is misunderstood.<\/p>\n

FendaF’s practical checklist: before calling it an allergy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Record when the itching began, where the dog scratches or licks, whether ears are affected, any seasonal pattern, all foods and treats, and what has changed recently. Photograph the skin before bathing or applying cream. If the problem recurs, ask the vet whether skin and ear cytology, parasite checks and, where appropriate, a dietary trial have been carried out. Do not change five things at once or you will not know what helped.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

When should an itchy dog see a veterinarian urgently?<\/h2>\n

Seek veterinary care promptly if a rapidly expanding wet and painful lesion, pus, a bad smell or severe sensitivity to touch appears. The same applies when itching prevents sleep, an ear is extremely painful, substantial hair loss or general lethargy develops, or the itching repeatedly returns despite previous treatment. Facial swelling accompanied by breathing difficulties, collapse or rapid deterioration is an emergency.<\/p>\n

Do not change or abruptly stop existing medication on your own. Instead, ask what supports the diagnosis, whether there is a secondary infection and what the plan is for preventing the next flare-up. If several visits have not brought the itching under control, a veterinary dermatologist may help avoid one guess after another. I would not be satisfied with a quick label of ‘atopic dermatitis’ if appropriate investigation had not been carried out.<\/p>\n

In conclusion<\/h2>\n

The key sentence is the same one with which I began: not every itch is an allergy. But the other side matters too: not every allergy is extreme, and relief obtained from medication does not automatically mean the problem is being managed incorrectly. Even when medication is used, we should still try to establish the underlying cause and why it developed.<\/p>\n

When I think back to Ossu’s itching, a FendaF customer’s experience of coat quality or how several days of consistent brushing changed his comfort, I see the same lesson: really look at the dog, rather than only at the diagnostic label. Sometimes the answer is simple. Sometimes it calls for skin samples, a diet trial, treatment and patience. Either way, I would begin with the question: ‘But why?’<\/p>\n

Sources<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • AAHA (2023). Management of Allergic Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats Guidelines.<\/li>\n
  • AAHA (2023). Diagnosing Allergic Skin Disease in the Canine Patient, Figure 1.<\/li>\n
  • Mueller et al. (2026). Treatment of Canine Atopic Dermatitis: Updated ICADA Guidelines. Veterinary Dermatology.<\/li>\n
  • Merck Veterinary Manual. Nutrition in Disease Management in Small Animals: food allergy and elimination trials.<\/li>\n
  • Merck Veterinary Manual. Dog and Cat Foods: nutritional adequacy and therapeutic diets.<\/li>\n
  • FDA. Apoquel (oclacitinib): safety-related label updates.<\/li>\n
  • Katie Woodley. Integrative approach to herbal teas (video discussed in the original FendaF article).<\/li>\n
  • FendaF. When yeast overgrows.<\/li>\n
  • FendaF. Healthy gut: what does your dog actually need?<\/li>\n
  • FendaF. Itchy skin: 10 natural remedies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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