Is Your Dog Constantly Scratching? Here's What Could Be Behind It

Common causes: Why does my dog keep scratching?

Itching is not a disease in itself but a symptom. It is your dog's skin telling you that something is wrong. Common causes of scratching include:

• Parasites such as fleas or skin mites
• Bacterial imbalance on the skin
• Yeast (e.g. Malassezia)
• Hot spots, i.e. moist, inflamed areas of skin
• Inflamed skin folds, typical in breeds such as French Bulldogs or Pugs
• A weakened skin barrier and a disturbed skin microbiome

These factors can occur on their own or in combination and cause your dog to scratch constantly.

The skin microbiome: What is it?

Countless microorganisms live on your dog's skin. Together they form what is known as the skin microbiome. A healthy skin microbiome:

• protects against pathogens
• stabilises the skin barrier
• reduces skin irritation

If this balance is disturbed, the skin becomes more sensitive and often reacts with itching, redness or inflammation.

At-home itch test: When does it make sense?

Not every dog enjoys a trip to the vet, and not every bout of scratching is an emergency. An at-home skin test can help you assess the situation better.

What the test gives you:

• easy to use in familiar surroundings, without stress for your dog
• first indications of whether germs or parasites on the skin surface are involved
• a basis for your conversation with your vet

Important: A skin test does not replace a veterinary diagnosis, but it can help you spot changes early and provide first indications.

Constant scratching: When should you see a vet?

Even if it is tempting to act on your own first: persistent itching should always be checked by a vet. Please see your vet promptly if:

• the itching persists or gets worse
• open or inflamed areas appear
• your dog scratches or bites itself sore
• hair loss becomes visible

Only a veterinary diagnosis can reliably determine the exact cause.

Would you like to know why your cat keeps scratching? Then find out more about skin tests for your cat here.

The test shows something: What now?

If the skin test shows an abnormality, your dog's skin is often already irritated, weakened or out of its natural balance. The next step: take the result to your vet. They will decide whether your dog needs treatment, for example against parasites, bacteria or yeast. Alongside this, the skin above all needs targeted, gentle support during this phase.

Supporting the skin in a targeted way: What matters?

Besides finding the cause, supportive care plays an important role. Microbiome-friendly care can be helpful here. Look for products that:

• strengthen the natural skin barrier
• support the skin microbiome
• soothe irritated skin
• support the skin's natural regeneration

Such care does not replace treatment, but it can accompany the skin on its way back to balance.

Calmer skin in two steps

1. Understand the cause: through careful observation, a skin test and, if necessary, a check-up with your vet
   e.g. with the Pezz life skin & itch test
2. Support the skin in a targeted way: with microbiome-friendly care
   e.g. with natural care from Doderm (Doderm Skin RepairGel Dog)

This turns pure symptom treatment into a structured approach.

Conclusion: Dog constantly scratching – reacting early is key

If your dog keeps scratching, there is almost always a cause behind it. It can range from parasites to skin barrier disorders to microbiome imbalances.

The earlier you react, the sooner your dog can feel comfortable in its skin again.

A little extra:
With the code DERMA10 you get 10% off the skin & itch test in the Pezz life shop.
With the code PEZZ10 you get 10% off microbiome-friendly skin care in the Doderm shop.