Itchy Skin in Dogs Dubai: Causes, Treatment & Prevention Guide

What to do if your dog is itchy

Appropriate measures depend on how severe the symptoms are.

Mild itching – means your dog is only occasionally itchy. This can often be managed at home with guidance from your veterinarian:

• Skin supplements and dietary modifications
• Parasite control programmes
• Topical treatments and medicated shampoos
• Environmental modifications for Dubai conditions

Moderate or severe itching – means your dog constantly scratches, interrupting normal activities like eating or playing:

• Requires immediate veterinary attention
• Prescription medications are often necessary
• May need specialised diagnostic tests
• Professional treatment plans are essential

Contact your local Dubai veterinarian immediately if your dog shows signs of severe itching, as the warm, humid conditions can accelerate skin damage and secondary infections.

The most common causes of itching in dogs

Many different factors can cause your dog to itch, with some being particularly prevalent in Dubai’s environment.

Allergies

Allergies remain the most common cause of itching in dogs and can be categorised into several types:

• Flea allergy dermatitis: skin reactions caused by flea bites (fleas are active year-round in Dubai)
• Food allergies: reactions to proteins like chicken or beef
• Environmental allergies (atopy): reactions to dust mites, pollen, moulds (particularly relevant in Dubai due to construction dust), and indoor allergens from air conditioning systems
• Acute allergic reactions: sudden appearance of bumps or hives; the trigger is often unknown
• Contact allergies: reactions to materials like plastic bowls or certain fabrics

Parasites

Dubai’s warm climate supports year-round parasite activity:

• Fleas: active throughout the year due to constant warmth
• Mites: including Demodex and Sarcoptes (mange), ear mites and harvest mites
• Year-round regular parasite prevention is essential in Dubai’s climate

Skin infections

Often secondary to allergies or parasites, these can develop rapidly in humid conditions:

• Bacterial, yeast or fungal infections
• Hot spots: localised infections appearing as moist, red patches (more common in Dubai’s summer humidity)
• Ear disease: frequently related to allergies and moisture retention
• Ringworm: fungal infections that thrive in warm, humid environments

Other causes

• Anal gland disease: infections or blockages
• Pain: localised discomfort causing dogs to chew or lick specific areas, appearing as if itchy
• Environmental stress from temperature changes between the air-conditioned indoors and the hot outdoors

When to worry about your itchy dog

Contact your nearest vet immediately if your dog:

• Develops breathing difficulties alongside sudden allergic reactions

Seek prompt veterinary help if your dog:

• Scratches constantly throughout the day
• Develops severe or widespread skin sores
• Appears unwell alongside the itching

At Modern Vet, our team is available 24 hours a day to deliver expert veterinary care whenever your pet needs it.

How to prevent itchy skin

Preventing skin problems in Dubai requires consistent care and environmental awareness:

• Use regular parasite control: For fleas, mites, ticks and worms (essential year-round in Dubai)
• Clean bedding, collars and bowls regularly to reduce the build-up of allergens
• Maintain indoor air quality with regular cleaning of air conditioning filters and reducing dust accumulation
• Brush your dog daily to weekly (depending on coat type) and check their skin to identify problems early
  ● Feed high-quality, complete nutrition and look for foods containing omega oils to promote skin health
  ● Consider adding skin supplements with omega oils for dogs prone to skin conditions
  ● Use dust mite sprays in homes where air conditioning creates ideal conditions for dust mites
  ● Follow your vet’s advice for bathing your dog: over-bathing can strip natural oils, whilst under-bathing in Dubai’s dusty environment can also cause problems

How to know if your dog is itchy

Dogs may show itching through various behaviours, including scratching, chewing, biting, rubbing, and licking.

Visible signs you may notice:

• Hair loss or bald patches
• Pink, red or darkened skin
• Scabs, rashes, hives or blisters
• Saliva staining on paws (appearing red or brown)
• Dandruff and skin flakes
• Lumps and swellings

Body parts commonly affected:

• Ears: redness, discharge, odour, head shaking
• Eyes: weeping, redness, squinting
• Paws and feet: swelling, redness, excessive licking
• Tail and bottom: scooting, irritation around anal area

Additional signs like vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, or lethargy alongside itching require immediate veterinary attention.

How to treat an itchy dog at home

Always seek veterinary advice before starting home treatments. Your vet can guide you towards appropriate options for your dog.

General supportive care:

• Use protective collars or medical suits to prevent self-trauma
• Apply veterinary-recommended medicated shampoos, wipes or gels
• Maintain up-to-date parasite control programmes
• Feed high-quality diets designed for skin health

For suspected allergies:

• Diet trials: use novel or hydrolysed protein ‘stripped’ of allergens for 6-8 weeks
• Environmental management: avoid walks when pollen count is high, reduce dust exposure, and maintain clean living spaces
• Use omega oil supplements to support skin barrier function

Avoid unproven remedies, such as olive oil or apple cider vinegar, without veterinary guidance, as these may worsen certain conditions.

How vets treat itchy dogs

Your vet will carry out a thorough history and full examination of your dog before deciding on treatment.

Prescription medications:

• Anti-itch medications
• Allergen-specific immunotherapy tailored to Dubai’s common allergens
• Targeted parasite treatments
• Antibiotics in various forms
• Antifungal medications

Depending on findings or response to initial treatment, your vet may advise further tests:

• Skin scrapes, hair plucks and biopsies
• Allergy testing: intradermal skin tests or blood tests
• Food elimination trials
• Bacterial and fungal cultures
• Blood and urine analysis: checking for underlying health conditions

Are some dogs more at risk of becoming itchy?

Environmental allergies (atopy) commonly affect:

• Certain breeds: English and French Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Spaniels, Poodles, West Highland White Terriers and Shar Peis
• Young adults

Food allergies are more likely in:

• Dogs under one year old
• Certain breeds: West Highland White Terriers, Cocker Spaniels and Irish Terriers

Dogs prone to ear disease:

• Certain breeds: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Retrievers, Poodles, Pugs, French Bulldogs
• Dogs who love swimming: higher risk of infection

Other risk factors include:

• Dogs with weakened immune systems: elderly, very young or chronically ill dogs
• Long-haired breeds and dogs with a dense undercoat: prone to hot spots in humid conditions
• Small breeds: more susceptible to anal gland problems

Other causes of itching in dogs

Additional factors that may cause apparent itching include the following:

• Wounds
• Arthritis
• Stress
• Autoimmune conditions like Pemphigus Foliaceus
• Chronic inflammatory diseases
• Nerve problems: Chiari-like malformation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels; spinal nerve damage causing tissue sensitivity

Dubai’s environmental stressors, including temperature fluctuations and urban pollution, may contribute to stress-related skin problems in sensitive dogs.

Worried about your dog’s itchy skin and scratching? Book a checkup or emergency appointment today at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Our experienced veterinary team offers expert diagnostics, immediate relief, and ongoing care to manage skin conditions and keep your dog comfortable. From allergy testing to treatment for infections and parasites, Modern Vet Hospital is your trusted veterinary clinic in Dubai for compassionate, thorough care tailored to your pet’s needs.