Itchy Dog? Here’s How to Fix It – For Good!

Itchy Skin: A Sign of an Underlying Issue

If your dog is constantly scratching, licking, or chewing at their paws, ears, or body, it’s more than just an annoyance—it’s a sign that something’s not right. Itchy skin isn’t the problem itself; it’s a symptom of an underlying issue.

Many dog owners turn to quick fixes like Apoquel, steroids, or antihistamines, which can offer temporary relief. Apoquel, in particular, is commonly prescribed for itchy dogs, as it blocks the itch signals. But while this might seem like a miracle cure, it doesn’t actually fix the problem—it just suppresses the symptoms. The moment the medication stops, the itching often comes back, sometimes worse than before.

The key to stopping the itch isn’t just treating the skin—it’s looking at what’s happening inside your dog’s body. In most cases, chronic itching is linked to:

• Food sensitivities – Processed diets often contain allergens and inflammatory ingredients.
• Yeast overgrowth – A diet too high in starch and carbohydrates can lead to itchy, smelly skin.
• Parasites – Fleas and mites can cause irritation, but they’re often a secondary problem.

If you feel like you’re going round in circles with Apoquel, steroids, and endless vet visits, it’s time to take a different approach. Instead of just masking the symptoms, let’s fix the root cause. The biggest culprit? Food. ?

Food: The Biggest Trigger for Itching

If your dog is constantly scratching, chewing at their paws, or suffering from recurring ear infections, their diet could be the root cause. While skin creams, shampoos, and medications can offer temporary relief, if the problem is coming from the inside, you need to fix it from the inside.

Why Processed Dog Food Fuels Skin Problems

Most commercial dog foods—especially kibble—contain ingredients that dogs were never designed to eat. While these foods might be labelled “complete and balanced,” they often create chronic inflammation, poor digestion, and immune system stress, all of which can lead to itchy skin.

Here’s why:

• Low-quality proteins – Many kibbles use meat meals, by-products, or hydrolysed proteins that have been highly processed and stripped of their natural nutrients.
• Inflammatory grains – Wheat, maize, and rice can trigger food sensitivities and digestive stress, leading to itching, hotspots, and ear infections.
• Artificial preservatives & additives – Many dog foods are loaded with synthetic vitamins, colourings, and preservatives, which can overload the immune system and cause allergic reactions.
• High starch content – Kibble needs starch to hold its shape, but too much carbohydrate (especially from grains and legumes) can feed yeast and bad gut bacteria, leading to smelly, itchy skin.

If your dog is struggling with skin problems, the first step is to remove the ingredients that could be causing inflammation.

Common Food Triggers for Itchy Dogs

Some foods are more likely to cause reactions than others. These are the most common offender

•  Chicken & Beef
• These proteins are found in most commercial dog foods, making them a common trigger for food intolerances.
• Intolerances don’t always show as vomiting or diarrhoea—itchy skin, ear infections, and paw licking are also signs.
• Many dogs do better on novel proteins like duck, venison, or fish.
• Dairy
• Some dogs struggle to digest dairy, leading to chronic inflammation, yeast issues, and itchy ears.
• Watch out for hidden dairy in treats, chews, and supplements.
• Grains & Starches
• Wheat, corn, and rice can cause gut inflammation, which often shows up as skin issues.
• Even grain-free kibbles use starchy ingredients like potatoes, lentils, and peas, which can still feed yeast and disrupt gut balance.
• Processed Treats & Biscuits
• Many dog treats contain hidden sugars, artificial flavourings, and colourings that contribute to skin irritation.
• Even “healthy” dental sticks and grain-free treats can have high starch content, feeding yeast and bad bacteria.

If your dog is constantly itching, removing these triggers is the first step to getting their skin back to health.

How to Fix It: Feed for Skin & Gut Health

Instead of relying on highly processed foods, switch to a fresh, natural diet that supports gut and skin health. This means feeding your dog what they’re biologically designed to eat—high-quality animal proteins, healthy fats, and natural micronutrients.

Here’s what a skin-supporting diet should include:

✅ High-Quality Single-Protein Diets

• Choose fresh, raw, freeze-dried, or gently cooked foods with single, novel proteins like duck, venison, rabbit, or fish.
• Avoid mixed-protein diets, as they can make it harder to identify triggers.

✅ Low-Starch, Yeast-Friendly Diets

• The less starch in the diet, the less food there is to feed yeast and bad bacteria.
• Look for diets with minimal or no grains, legumes, or potatoes.

✅ Omega-3-Rich Foods for Skin Health

• Omega-3s are essential for reducing inflammation and improving skin barrier health.
• Great sources include fresh oily fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseed oil, and green-lipped mussel.

✅ Natural, Air-Dried Treats Instead of Processed Biscuits

• Swap out grain-based treats for 100% natural, air-dried meats like venison, duck, or fish skins.
• Avoid treats with artificial additives, hidden sugars, or starch fillers.

Yeast: A Hidden Cause of Constant Scratching

If your dog is chewing at their paws, shaking their head, scratching their ears, or has a musty smell—yeast overgrowth could be the culprit. Many itchy dogs aren’t suffering from allergies at all, but rather an overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia), a fungus that thrives when the immune system is out of balance.

The worst part? Most conventional treatments—antibiotics, steroids, and Apoquel—can actually make yeast worse.

What Is Yeast Overgrowth & Why Does It Happen?

Yeast is a normal part of your dog’s microbiome, living on their skin and inside their gut. A healthy immune system keeps yeast under control. But when the immune system is weakened or overworked, yeast starts to overgrow, leading to chronic itching, greasy skin, and infections.

What causes yeast to spiral out of control?

• A high-carb diet – Yeast feeds on starches, sugars, and grains.
• Antibiotics & steroids – These kill off beneficial bacteria, allowing yeast to take over.
• A weak immune system – Often linked to processed food, stress, and overmedication.

Signs That Your Dog’s Itching Is Caused by Yeast

Yeast infections look different from allergies or flea irritation. Here are the key signs:

• Constant paw licking & chewing – Yeast overgrowth often starts in the paws.
• Recurring ear infections – Brown, smelly wax and head shaking.
• Greasy, musty-smelling skin – A strong "corn chips" or "cheesy" odour.
• Darkened, thickened skin – Often seen on the belly, armpits, or ears.
• Itching that keeps coming back – Especially if antibiotics or steroids were previously used.

How Kibble Feeds Yeast

Most dry dog food is loaded with starches and carbohydrates, even grain-free varieties. Yeast thrives on sugar, and every time your dog eats starchy food, they’re essentially feeding the yeast in their body.

Here’s why processed food makes yeast worse:

❌ Grains (wheat, corn, rice) – Major fuel sources for yeast.
❌ Legumes & potatoes – Common in grain-free kibble but still high in starch.
❌ Artificial preservatives – Can stress the immune system, making it harder to fight yeast.

This is why many dogs with chronic ear infections, smelly skin, or paw chewing only get relief when they switch to a fresh, low-starch diet.

How to Starve Yeast & Restore Skin Health

The key to stopping yeast isn’t medication—it’s fixing the diet and supporting the gut. Here’s how:

✅ Step 1: Remove Carbs & Feed a Low-Starch Diet

• Ditch kibble, grains, potatoes, and legumes to cut off yeast’s food supply.
• Opt for a high-protein, fresh, or raw diet with no unnecessary fillers.

✅ Step 2: Add Natural Yeast-Fighting Foods

• Raw coconut oil – Contains caprylic acid, a natural yeast killer.
• Apple cider vinegar (diluted) – Helps rebalance skin pH and fight yeast topically.
• Oregano oil & Pau D’Arco – Natural antifungals that help break down yeast overgrowth.

✅ Step 3: Support the Gut with Probiotics

• A healthy gut microbiome keeps yeast in check, so adding probiotics and fermented foods (like raw goat’s milk or kefir) can help restore balance.

Parasites: Could Fleas or Mites Be the Cause?

When a dog is itching like mad, parasites—especially fleas and mites—are often the first suspects. While parasites can cause intense scratching, they’re usually a secondary issue rather than the main cause of long-term skin problems.

If you’ve tried flea treatments, medicated shampoos, or even vet-prescribed parasite control, but the itching keeps coming back, it’s likely that something deeper—like diet or yeast—is at play.

Fleas & Mites: The Usual Suspects

- Fleas – Tiny, fast-moving insects that cause intense, all-over itching, hair loss, and red bumps. Some dogs develop flea allergy dermatitis, where even a single flea bite triggers an extreme reaction.

- Mites (Mange & Ear Mites) – Microscopic parasites that burrow into the skin or ears.

• Sarcoptic mange (fox mange) – Causes severe itching, hair loss, and crusty skin, especially around the ears, legs, and belly. Highly contagious and often picked up from wildlife like foxes.
• Demodex mange – Leads to patchy fur loss but usually less itching. More common in puppies and dogs with weaker immune systems.
• Ear mites – Cause intense head shaking, dark wax, and ear scratching.

How to Tell if Parasites Are the Problem

✔ Itching that started suddenly rather than gradually.
✔ Visible signs – Flea dirt (black specks in fur), bald patches, or scabs.
✔ Itching focused on specific areas – Fleas tend to affect the lower back and tail, mites often target the face, ears, and legs.
✔ Other pets in the home are also scratching.

If your dog is on regular flea and mite treatments but still itching, parasites might not be the real issue—it’s time to look at food, yeast, or gut health.

Why a Healthy Dog Is Less Attractive to Parasites

Here’s something many people don’t realise: Fleas and mites are more likely to target unhealthy dogs. If your dog’s immune system is weak, they’re more prone to infestations.

A strong, healthy dog naturally repels parasites. How?

• A diet rich in fresh, whole foods makes a dog’s skin more resilient.
• A balanced gut microbiome helps the body fight off parasites naturally.
• Low inflammation means less allergic response to bites.

Dogs on processed, high-carb diets often struggle more with fleas and mites than those on fresh, natural diets.

Natural Flea & Mite Prevention

Instead of relying on chemical flea treatments that can disrupt gut health, consider these natural options:

• Apple Cider Vinegar Spray – A diluted solution can help repel fleas and soothe itchy skin.
• Neem Oil or Coconut Oil – Natural flea and mite repellents.
• Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – A food-grade powder that kills fleas without toxins when applied to bedding and carpets.
• Regular Grooming & Bathing – Brushing with a flea comb and washing in a gentle, natural shampoo can help prevent infestations.

What’s Next? Pop In-Store for a Tailored Plan

If your dog is constantly itching, chewing their paws, shaking their head, or suffering from recurring ear infections, you’re probably feeling frustrated—especially if you’ve already tried medications, flea treatments, and endless special shampoos.

The good news? There is a way to stop the itching for good.

Instead of treating the symptoms, the key is identifying the root cause—whether it’s food sensitivities, yeast overgrowth, or an underlying imbalance. And that’s where we can help.

Why Visit Us In-Store?

Every dog is different, and finding the right approach means looking at your dog’s individual needs. That’s why we encourage you to pop into our store, where we can:

• Take a Look at Your Dog’s Skin & Coat – We’ll assess any visible signs of irritation, yeast, or dietary issues.
• Go Through Their Diet – We’ll help you identify possible food triggers and recommend healthier, skin-supporting alternatives.
• Suggest Natural Remedies – From low-starch diets to gut-boosting supplements, we’ll guide you to products that support healing from the inside out.
• Help You Break the Cycle of Medication & Itching – If you’re stuck in a loop of Apoquel, steroids, or repeated vet visits, we’ll show you a more natural, long-term solution.

Real Solutions for Itchy Dogs

✔️ Ditch the processed foods and feed fresh, whole nutrition
✔️ Reduce inflammation by eliminating common allergens
✔️ Support gut health to stop yeast from taking over
✔️ Use natural flea prevention instead of endless chemicals

We’ve helped so many dog owners switch to better food, improve their dog’s skin, and finally put an end to the itching.

Let’s Get Your Dog Comfortable Again!

Pop into K9 Active and let’s chat! We’ll help you create a simple, effective plan tailored to your dog. No more guesswork, no more wasted money on things that don’t work—just real food and real solutions.

Visit us in-store today and let’s get your dog itch-free—naturally!