All dogs scratch themselves from time to time, and according to Vet Info, an informational website, occasional scratching usually doesn't suggest your pet has a serious problem. However, if your dog scratches itself constantly, chews on itself, shakes its head a lot or has red, irritated skin, eyes or ears, it may have an underlying condition that's making it itch. How you treat an itchy dog depends on what's causing the problem (See Reference 1).
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Dry Skin
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The most common, and least serious problem that will make a dog itch is simple dry skin. If the only symptoms your dog has are occasional itching and mild dandruff, bathe it in cool---not hot or warm---water, with a very mild dog shampoo, such as an oatmeal-based product, that will restore moisture to the skin. Dry your pup off thoroughly with dry towels. If you use a blow dryer on the dog, keep it set on low and don't dry the dog's hair absolutely bone dry.
You can help prevent dry skin by feeding your dog food that's high in omega-3 fatty acids, or by adding fatty acid supplements to its regular food. Ask your vet to recommend some products that will make your dog feel less itchy.
Psychological Issues
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If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, it may try to get some relief by scratching itself. Proper training can soothe your pet's anxieties and cut back on the itching and scratching.
Hot Spots
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Dogs with thick hair often develop hot spots, which are skin infections caused by bacteria or yeast. Hot spots are itchy, painful sores that your dog will scratch and chew at to get some relief. Vet Info recommends that you trim the hair away from around hot spots, keep them as dry as possible, and treat them with hydrocortisone or antibiotic ointments to cure the infections. If the infections spread, take your dog to the vet for treatment.
Mange
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Tiny, biting mites cause mange, which makes the dog's hair fall out and causes dry, itchy, scabby areas around the animal's joints, eyes and ears. If your dog has such symptoms, take it to the vet immediately. She will test for mites by taking a scraping off your dog's skin and examining it under a microscope. Prescription medications usually will control mange quickly and effectively.
Allergies
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Like people, dogs can have allergies to foods, pollen or other irritants that make their skin itch. Your vet can diagnose the source of the problem. Solutions may include changing your pet's diet, giving it medications to control the itching, giving it allergy shots and controlling flea infestations, which can cause some allergies and can aggravate others.
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