My Dog Is Constantly Biting and Scratching But Has No Fleas: Our Vet Explains What to Do

Whether you’ve been woken up by the constant jingle of your dog’s ID tags rattling together or your pup ignores your call for dinner because they’re too busy nibbling their hind leg, your pet’s constant itching and scratching can be annoying—for you. For your dog, it can become more of a way of life. While most owners’ first assumption is that the scratching is due to fleas, that’s not always the case. Itchy skin in canines can actually be a rather complex issue. We’re here to help you figure out what’s causing your dog’s constant biting and scratching so both of you can rest.

Here’s What to Do

Severe itchiness is typically an issue that should be brought to your veterinarian, but you can do a bit of investigating before making your way to the clinic.

1. Check for Fleas Again

Maybe you’ve already checked your pup for creepy crawlies, or perhaps they’re on a monthly flea preventative. Either way, if the itchiness continues, it might be worth a second look. Severe flea infestations will often be quite visible, with adult fleas popping up when you brush your dog’s hair backward. However, less severe infestations can be trickier to detect.

You may be lucky enough to locate a few adults by running a flea comb through your pup’s coat. Pay particular attention to the base of the tail, as this is a favorite hangout for fleas.

If a flea comb doesn’t expose a problem, try dampening a paper towel, and then rubbing it down your dog’s back to the base of their tail a few times. Check the paper towel for brown spots that turn reddish and spread when they get wet. This could be flea dirt, which means your initial flea assumption is correct. See your vet for proper treatment.

2. Get to Know Their Skin

If your extensive flea checking came up negative, look more closely at your dog’s skin. Are you seeing dandruff, redness, scabs, or thinning hair? These things can indicate allergies, infections, parasites, and other issues. If your dog’s skin is irritated in any way, it’s time to involve your veterinarian.

3. Recall Your Dog’s History

If your dog is having skin issues, try to recall when the itching started. Had they just had a bath? Did the seasons change? Did you switch foods or treats? Is anything else in their environment different, such as a new family member, a house move, or a schedule change? The answers to these questions may help you uncover the source of your dog’s scratching woes. For example, a change in diet can lead to food allergies, which can lead to intense itching, red and scabby skin, and chronic ear infections. These are also questions that a vet is going to ask, so try to think about them beforehand.

4. Try a Soothing Bath

If your skin examination comes up clear, a soothing bath may be just what your pup needs. Sometimes, dry skin or other irritants can lead to constant biting and scratching and can often be helped with a bit of pampering. Try an oatmeal shampoo followed by a conditioner to give your pet’s skin the moisture that it needs to decrease itching and increase softness.

Just remember that baths themselves can be a cause of dry skin, so avoid bathing your dog too frequently and with shampoos that are overly harsh or not meant for pets.

If you are looking for the perfect, pet-friendly shampoo and conditioner combo, we highly recommend the products by Hepper. With a soothing oatmeal shampoo, free of soaps and other harsh chemicals, and a rich coconut-based conditioner, your pet’s skin and coat will be smooth, hydrated, and irritation-free. 

	Hepper Oatmeal Shampoo for Pets	Hepper Pet Conditioner & Moisturizer
pH balanced	pH balanced:	pH balanced:
Fresh aloe vera & cucumber scent	Fresh aloe vera & cucumber scent:	Fresh aloe vera & cucumber scent:
Moisturizes and nourishes skin	Moisturizes and nourishes skin:	Moisturizes and nourishes skin:
Hydrates coat	Hydrates coat:	Hydrates coat:
Cleansing shampoo	Cleansing shampoo:	Cleansing shampoo:
Conditioner	Conditioner:	Conditioner:
	Check Price	Check Price

At PangoVet, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

5. See Your Vet

This should be your first step if you notice any abnormalities, but if your dog’s skin looks normal and they’re still scratching, it’s time to take professional action. Your vet can check your dog for the common causes of itchy skin and pick up on the things that you didn’t see. Sometimes, constant biting and scratching can be the manifestation of stress and anxiety. Some dogs may develop a compulsive behavior of licking or scratching when things in their environment are particularly difficult.

It can also be a sign of boredom. Dogs need exercise and engagement to fill their days, and if they don’t get these, they may resort to biting and scratching. Also, certain health issues aren’t directly related to the skin but can affect the whole body. Hormonal imbalances due to things like Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism may also lead to hair loss and sometimes, itchiness.

Potential Causes of Constant Biting and Scratching in Dogs

Keep in mind that many of these causes need a veterinary diagnosis and treatment, so it’s always best to seek professional help first.

A wide range of issues may make a dog bite or scratch to the point that it takes up most of their free time. Some of these issues are easily remedied, while others require a more in-depth approach.

How Vets Treat Constant Biting and Scratching in Canines

An exam for itchy skin can be rather complicated because your vet will have to look in to many types of causes. They will often start with questions about when the itching started and any changes that may be happening in your dog’s life. They may also ask if your pet is showing any other abnormal behaviors that could indicate that they are stressed or anxious.

They will then thoroughly examine your pup to check for any skin abnormalities, such as redness, scabs, oozing, hair loss, and parasites. This may include taking a skin scraping or other samples to get a better idea of what they’re dealing with. If allergies are suspected, allergy testing may come next.

Once a diagnosis is made, treatment can begin. This may include medications, diet changes, schedule or environmental alterations, or topical treatments. Keep in mind that some of these treatments may be lifelong, depending on the cause.

Conclusion

Constant biting or scratching by your canine companion may be bothersome for you, but it can be an absolute energy drain on them. If your pup is having this issue, try following these steps to see if you can get to the root of the problem. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for further diagnosis and treatment.

Featured Image Credit: Julija Kumpinovica, Shutterstock

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