5 Reasons Your Dog Is Itching And How Televet Call Can Help

If your dog won’t stop scratching, licking, rubbing, or chewing their skin, your instincts are probably right and something is going on. A little itch here and there is normal, especially after a walk or playtime. However, when the scratching becomes constant, it usually means your dog is dealing with an underlying issue like

• allergies,
• fleas,
• dry skin,
• infection, or even
• stress.

Now here’s the good news: you don’t always need to rush to a physical clinic right away. In many cases, you can get clear answers and quick first-aid guidance through a 10-minute MyGoToVet Televet call; right from your home. Even better, your dog stays calm, you save time, and you get professional advice before the problem gets worse.

In this blog, we’ll break down the five most common reasons dogs itch, what signs to watch for, and how MyGoToVet can help you figure out the next step fast.

Why Take Dog Itching Seriously

Itching isn’t just a “small annoyance.” In fact, it can quickly turn into a bigger issue. Once a dog scratches repeatedly, the skin can break. Then, bacteria and yeast find an easy way in, which leads to infections and even stronger itching.

So, it becomes a cycle—scratch → damage → infection → more scratching.

That’s why early intervention matters. Plus, a quick televet consultation helps you avoid unnecessary spending on trial-and-error products that may not work.

5 Reasons Your Dog Is Itching and How a 10-Minute Televet Call Can Help

1) Allergies

Allergies are one of the most common causes of dog itching, especially in Nigeria where dust, pollen, heat, and humidity can trigger skin reactions.

Dogs can react to:

• Food proteins like chicken, beef, dairy, or eggs

• Environmental allergens like pollen, mold, or dust mites

• Household irritants like detergents, cleaning sprays, perfumes, or even air fresheners

Additionally, some dogs develop allergies as they grow older—even if they were fine as puppies.

Signs to Watch For

• Red or inflamed skin

• Constant paw licking

• Frequent ear infections

• Itching that worsens during certain seasons

• Face rubbing, especially around the eyes and muzzle

How a 10-Minute MyGoToVet Call Helps

During a MyGoToVet televet call, a veterinarian can:

• Review your dog’s symptoms, diet, and daily routine

• Help identify the likely allergen based on patterns

• Recommend safe antihistamines (if appropriate)

• Suggest diet changes, supplements, or medicated shampoos

• Explain whether your dog needs allergy testing

Real-life example:
A pet parent in Lekki noticed their dog scratched nonstop every time harmattan started. After a MyGoToVet call, the vet suspected environmental allergy, recommended a gentle anti-itch routine, and suggested wiping the paws after walks. Within a week, the itching reduced drastically.

2) Fleas and Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and mites are major causes of intense itching, and they often strike suddenly. Unfortunately, you might not notice them at first—especially if the fur is thick. Plus, even one flea bite can trigger a big allergic reaction in some dogs (this is called flea allergy dermatitis).

Signs to Watch For

• Scratching around the tail, belly, neck, or thighs

• Tiny black specks (flea dirt) on the skin or fur

• Hair loss and scabs

• Your dog biting their back legs constantly

• Restlessness, especially at night

How a 10-Minute MyGoToVet Call Helps

Through a quick MyGoToVet video call, a vet can:

• Visually inspect the skin pattern and location of itching

• Help determine if fleas or mites are likely

• Recommend effective flea treatments available in Nigeria

• Guide you on treating the home environment too

• Help you avoid counterfeit or unsafe products

Real-life example:
A dog owner in Ibadan said, “I can’t see fleas, so it can’t be fleas.” During the video call, the vet asked them to part the fur near the tail. Flea dirt was clearly visible, and once proper treatment started, the dog stopped scratching within days.

Recommended Articles:

20 Best Reptiles To Keep As A Pet In Nigeria

Dog Medications And Supplements Every Pet Owner Must Have

Cat & Dog Microchip In Nigeria| Benefits, Cost & Side Effects

3) Dry Skin or Nutritional Deficiencies

Sometimes your dog’s itching has nothing to do with parasites or allergies. Instead, their skin might simply be dry. This often happens because of:

• Frequent bathing (especially with harsh soaps)

• Harmattan dryness

• Poor-quality diet

• Lack of essential fatty acids like omega-3

• Dehydration or low water intake

Also, some dogs have naturally sensitive skin and need extra support.

Signs to Watch For

• Flaky skin (“dandruff” on the coat)

• Dull fur

• Mild but consistent scratching

• Slight redness without open sores

How a 10-Minute MyGoToVet Call Helps

A MyGoToVet veterinarian can:

• Review your dog’s diet and feeding routine

• Suggest omega-3 supplements or skin-supporting nutrition

• Recommend gentle shampoos and moisturizing routines

• Help you create a bathing schedule that protects skin oils

Real-life example:
A family in Enugu bathed their dog twice a week because the dog “smelled like outside.” After the televet call, they reduced bathing, switched shampoos, and added omega oils. Within two weeks, the coat became shinier and the itching reduced.

4) Skin Infections

When dogs scratch too much, the skin becomes damaged. Then bacteria and yeast grow quickly, especially in humid environments. Consequently, infections can show up fast, and itching becomes more severe.

Yeast infections are particularly common in:

• Skin folds

• Ears

• Between toes

• Under armpits

• Around the groin

Signs to Watch For

• Strong or unusual smell (musty/yeasty)

• Red, moist patches

• Thickened or darkened skin

• Constant licking of paws

• Pus, scabs, or oozing

How a 10-Minute MyGoToVet Call Helps

During the consultation, the vet can:

• Recognize infection patterns early

• Recommend safe topical treatments

• Suggest medicated shampoos or sprays

• Advise if antibiotics or antifungals are necessary

• Tell you clearly if your dog needs an in-person visit

Real-life example:
A dog in Port Harcourt had a “hot spot” under the neck. The owner thought it was just itching. During the video call, the vet noticed redness and moisture and recommended immediate treatment. Because they acted quickly, it healed before it spread.

5) Stress, Anxiety, or Behavioural Itching

Yes, dogs can itch because of stress. While it sounds surprising, anxiety can cause repetitive licking or scratching, similar to how humans bite nails when worried.

Common triggers include:

• Being left alone too often

• A new pet or baby in the home

• Loud noise (storms, fireworks, generators)

• Boredom and lack of exercise

• Changes in routine

Signs to Watch For

• Excessive licking without obvious skin damage

• Scratching mostly when alone

• Chewing paws or tail during quiet moments

• Other anxiety behaviours like pacing or whining

How a 10-Minute MyGoToVet Call Helps

A MyGoToVet vet can:

• Rule out medical causes first

• Help identify stress triggers

• Suggest calming routines and enrichment

• Recommend safe behavioural strategies

• Decide if anxiety support products are needed

Real-life example:
A dog began licking paws every afternoon. During the consultation, the vet asked about schedule changes. The owner revealed they returned to office work and the dog stayed alone longer. Once they added enrichment toys and adjusted routine, the licking reduced significantly.

Why a 10-Minute MyGoToVet Call Works Well

Sometimes, dog itching feels confusing because multiple issues can look the same. For example, allergies and fleas both cause scratching, and infections can start as simple irritation. That’s why early vet input helps you avoid guessing.

With MyGoToVet, you get:
✅ Licensed veterinarians you can trust
✅ Fast 10-minute consultations
✅ Less stress for pets than clinic visits
✅ Convenient guidance from your home
✅ Help deciding if a physical visit is truly needed

Even better, you can get a plan immediately instead of experimenting with random products.

Common Mistakes Dog Owners Make And How to Avoid Them

Many pet parents mean well, but a few habits worsen itching quickly.

1. Ignoring early signs: Small itching can turn into big infection if it continues.
   
   
2. Using human medication: Creams like hydrocortisone or painkillers can harm dogs if misused.
   
   
3. Over-bathing: Too much bathing removes natural oils and increases dryness.
   
   
4. Delaying vet advice: Waiting “to see if it goes away” often allows the problem to spread.
   
   
5. Treating only the dog, not the environment: If fleas are involved, the home must be treated too, or the cycle continues.

Quick Checklist: When Dog Itching Needs Urgent Attention

Book a vet consult immediately if you notice:

• Swollen face or eyes

• Bleeding, open wounds, or pus

• Hair loss in patches

• Strong smell from skin or ears

• Your dog seems weak or stops eating

• Severe itching at night that disrupts sleep

Finally, Your Dog’s Itching Has a Cause And Relief Can Start Today

Your dog is not itching “for nothing.” Whether the cause is allergies, parasites, dry skin, infection, or stress, the earlier you get guidance, the easier it is to stop the itch cycle. 

Instead of waiting until it becomes a serious skin problem, start with a quick professional consult. MyGoToVet makes it simple, affordable, and stress-free.

Is your dog itching right now?
Book a 10-minute MyGoToVet televet consultation today and get fast, reliable veterinary advice from the comfort of your home.

24/7 Support:

Email: support@mygotovet.com

Call/WhatsApp: Click Here 

Join our Whatsapp Community

Connect on:

X

Facebook

Instagram

Linkedin

Youtube

Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Itching

1) Why is my dog itching so much but has no fleas?

Dogs can itch even without visible fleas because allergies, dry skin, mites, or early infections can cause the same symptoms. In fact, some dogs react to a single flea bite and itch badly even when fleas aren’t easily seen. Environmental allergies like dust, pollen, or mold are also common in Nigeria, especially during harmattan or rainy seasons. Additionally, poor diet or frequent bathing can dry the skin and trigger scratching. Because the causes overlap, the fastest way to confirm the reason is a vet review. A 10-minute MyGoToVet televet call can help identify the most likely cause and recommend safe treatment steps right away.

2) What home remedy can I use for dog itching in Nigeria?

Home care depends on the cause, so it’s important not to guess. However, gentle steps like reducing bathing frequency, switching to a mild dog shampoo, and wiping paws after walks can help mild irritation. Omega-3 supplements can improve dry skin over time. Still, avoid applying human creams or giving human drugs because they can worsen the issue or cause poisoning. If the itching is intense or your dog has sores, home remedies alone won’t solve it. In that case, book a MyGoToVet call so a vet can guide you properly and prevent infections from developing.

3) How do I know if my dog has a skin infection or just allergies?

Allergies usually cause redness, paw licking, ear infections, and seasonal flare-ups, while infections often cause odor, moist patches, thickened skin, and sometimes oozing or scabs. Also, infections tend to worsen quickly once the skin barrier breaks. Yeast infections often smell “musty” and appear in folds or between toes. Because allergies can lead to infections, the two may exist together. A vet can help you differentiate them quickly by assessing the location, smell, and appearance of the skin. A MyGoToVet televet call is a great first step to catch infections early.

4) How fast can a televet consultation help my itchy dog?

A televet call can help within minutes because the vet can narrow down likely causes based on symptoms, your dog’s history, and a video examination of the skin. In many cases, the vet can recommend immediate steps such as parasite treatment, diet changes, medicated shampoos, or topical care. Additionally, the vet can tell you whether the issue needs urgent clinic care. So instead of waiting for days or experimenting with random products, you get a clear direction quickly. With MyGoToVet, that first step happens in a simple 10-minute consultation, saving you time and reducing your dog’s discomfort sooner.

5) When should I take my dog to a physical vet clinic for itching?

You should visit a clinic if your dog has open sores, bleeding, swelling, pus, severe hair loss, fever, or if the itching makes them restless and unable to sleep. Also, if your dog has a strong odor from the skin, thickened dark patches, or repeated ear infections, a physical exam may be necessary for lab testing or stronger medications. Nevertheless, you can still start with a MyGoToVet televet call. The vet will help you decide if an in-person visit is needed immediately or if safe home treatment can begin first.