Scratching, rubbing, licking, and chewing—are all signs that something is bothering your pet’s skin. This isn’t just an annoying nuisance; chronic itchiness can lead to skin infections, stress, and even behavioral changes! That is why Itchy Pet Awareness Month is an important opportunity to check in on your animal companions and help them get the relief they deserve!
Both dogs and horses can suffer from a range of skin conditions, many of which are treatable or even preventable with proper care and awareness!
🐶 Understanding The Itch: Why Dogs Scratch?
A little scratching is normal—but when your pup can not stop, it is time to investigate! Dogs can experience itching due to:
🔹 Environmental Allergies
Just like people, dogs can suffer from environmental allergies caused by common airborne allergens such as pollen, grass, mold spores, dust mites, and even indoor irritants like cleaning products or cigarette smoke. These allergies are often seasonal, flaring up during certain times of the year (typically spring and fall), but some dogs may experience symptoms year-round depending on their environment.
Common symptoms include:
Environmental allergies can be frustrating for both dogs and their owners because symptoms often mimic other conditions and may not go away without targeted treatment.
🔹 Food Sensitivities
Just like people, some dogs can develop sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients in their diet. These sensitivities may be due to a true food allergy (an immune response) or a food intolerance (difficulty digesting a particular ingredient). Common culprits include:
• Proteins such as chicken, beef, or lamb
• Grains like wheat, corn, or soy
• Dairy products, especially those containing lactose
Signs of a food sensitivity can vary from dog to dog but often include:
If you suspect your dog may be reacting to something in their food, your veterinarian might recommend a food elimination trial. This involves feeding a simplified or hydrolyzed diet (containing novel or single protein and carbohydrate sources) for 8–12 weeks to determine if symptoms improve. If they do, individual ingredients can be gradually reintroduced to pinpoint the trigger.
🔹 Fleas, Mites, and Ticks
Even if you never spot a flea, just one bite can trigger a severe reaction in dogs with flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). This common condition causes intense itching and skin inflammation due to the proteins in flea saliva. Dogs may bite, scratch, or chew at their skin—especially around the tail base, hind legs, and belly—leading to hair loss, redness, and open sores.
Other parasites, like mites (responsible for conditions like sarcoptic mange or demodex) can burrow into the skin, causing intense itching, crusting, and hair loss. Ticks, while more visible, can transmit diseases and lead to local irritation or secondary infections at the bite site.
Preventive care is key—regular use of veterinary-recommended flea, tick, and mite control products can protect your dog year-round and prevent painful infestations.
🔹 Dry or Irritated Skin
Sometimes, the cause of your dog’s itching is as simple as dry skin. This can be brought on by:
When a dog’s skin becomes too dry, it can crack, flake, and become itchy or tight. You may notice dandruff-like flakes, dull coat, or even signs of discomfort when your dog is touched or brushed.
Solutions may include using moisturizing or oatmeal-based shampoos, reducing bathing frequency, or incorporating omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil or supplements) into the diet to help restore skin hydration and resilience.
🔹 Infections
When a dog’s skin is broken—either from scratching, chewing, or external trauma—it becomes vulnerable to bacterial or yeast infections. Warm, moist areas (like skin folds, ears, or between the toes) are especially prone to overgrowth of natural flora, turning minor irritation into a full-blown problem.
Watch for these signs of infection:
Treatment often involves topical creams or medicated shampoos, and in more serious cases, oral antibiotics or antifungals prescribed by a veterinarian.
🐴 Why Horses Scratch And Rub: Common Equine Skin Issues
If your horse is rubbing its mane off on the fence, swishing its tail nonstop, or seems generally agitated, it might be dealing with one of these skin challenges:
🔸 Sweet Itch (Insect Hypersensitivity)
One of the most common and frustrating seasonal skin conditions in horses, sweet itch—also known as summer itch or Queensland itch—is an allergic reaction to the saliva of tiny biting insects, particularly Culicoides midges. These midges are most active during late spring through early fall, especially in warm, humid environments or near standing water.
Typical signs of sweet itch include:
Sweet itch can severely impact a horse’s comfort and quality of life, and in severe cases, cause open wounds and secondary infections. Since there's no cure, prevention and management are key. These may include:
Some horses may benefit from immunotherapy or nutritional support (like omega-3 fatty acids) to help reduce hypersensitivity over time.
🔸 Parasites
External parasites like mites, lice, and ticks can wreak havoc on a horse’s skin, coat, and overall health. Among the most problematic are mange-causing mites, which burrow into the skin and cause intense itching, scabbing, crusting, and hair loss—especially on the lower legs, face, or neck. Lice tend to thrive in colder months and are often seen in the mane, tail, and along the back, causing itching and patchy hair loss.
Common symptoms of parasitic skin conditions include:
Because these parasites are highly contagious and can quickly spread between horses (and even to tack or grooming tools), regular parasite control is vital.
Best practices for prevention and treatment:
🔸 Fungal Infections
Fungal skin conditions are fairly common in horses, especially in warm, humid environments or when a horse’s skin remains damp for extended periods (after rain, sweating under tack, or blanketing). Fungi thrive in moist, poorly ventilated conditions, and infections can spread quickly if not identified and treated early.
Two of the most common fungal issues in horses include:
• Rain Rot (Dermatophilosis) – Often mistaken for a fungal infection (it’s actually caused by a bacteria-like organism), rain rot develops when moisture weakens the skin’s defenses. It causes painful, scabby lesions typically along the back, rump, and shoulders, where water tends to collect and sit. These lesions may peel off with tufts of hair attached.
• Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) – A true fungal infection that causes circular, crusty patches of hair loss. It is highly contagious and can spread to other horses, tack, and even humans.
Prevention and treatment tips:
🔸 Contact Irritants
Sometimes, the cause of skin irritation isn’t internal, it’s something the horse touches. Contact dermatitis can occur when a horse’s skin reacts negatively to an external substance. Common culprits include:
Reactions may show up as redness, swelling, itching, bumps, or hair loss in areas where the irritant encountered the skin. In some cases, the skin may become thickened or scaly from prolonged exposure.
🔸 Sheath or Udder Issues
Sometimes what looks like tail-rubbing from itchiness is actually due to discomfort in the sheath or udder area—an often-overlooked cause of irritation. Accumulated dirt, sweat, dead skin cells, and smegma can lead to irritation, swelling, or even infection if not addressed.
Signs of sheath or udder discomfort include:
Routine cleaning is an important part of equine hygiene, especially for geldings and mares prone to buildup in these areas. Use gentle, vet-recommended products and be cautious not to over-clean, which can also cause irritation. If there's any swelling, odor, or your horse resists cleaning, consult a veterinarian.
🧼 Grooming And Prevention Tips For Itch Relief
Whether your animal companion barks or nickers, keeping their skin healthy starts with consistent care. Here’s what you can do to help prevent and manage itching:
✅ Routine Grooming
Brushing helps remove loose hair, dirt, and dander while improving circulation. Use brushes appropriate for your pet’s coat type and check their skin regularly for abnormalities.
✅ Bathing
✅ Flea, Tick & Fly Control
Stay current on flea and tick preventatives for dogs. For horses, use fly masks, fly sheets, and repellents—and manage your environment to reduce insects.
✅ Nutrition
Diet plays a huge role in skin health. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) can reduce inflammation and improve coat quality in both dogs and horses.
✅ Hydration
Make sure clean, fresh water is always available— dehydration can worsen dry skin conditions!
👩 When To Call The Vet
If your dog or horse is showing signs of:
…it’s time to consult your veterinarian! Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming chronic or painful!
Your vet may recommend:
Let’s Beat The Itch Together!
Chronic itching can take a toll on your pet’s well-being, but with attention, care, and expert help, most skin issues can be managed or resolved. During Itchy Pet Awareness Month, take a few minutes to do a nose-to-tail check on your horse or dog—and set them up for a more comfortable, happier summer!
After all, life’s better when you’re not itchy! 😊
Kamie Roth
Author