Is your dog constantly scratching? Do they chew on their paws, rub their snout on the rug, and you feel like nothing truly relieves them? Chronic itching is the number one problem dog parents bring to me at Pattedeau Bio. And I understand how exhausting it is, for both your dog and you.
The good news: in the vast majority of cases, chronic itching has an identifiable and treatable cause. But you have to look in the right place. And often, it's not where you'd expect.
Why is my dog scratching so much?
Before looking for a solution, you need to understand the cause. Itching in dogs can have several origins, and they often combine:
- Food sensitivities: certain ingredients in food trigger an inflammatory reaction that manifests on the skin
- Environmental allergies: pollen, mold, dust mites, grasses
- Parasites: fleas, mites, scabies
- Skin infections: bacterial, fungal, or yeast
- An unbalanced gut microbiome: often underestimated, but central in chronic cases
- Leaky gut syndrome: which amplifies inflammatory reactions
💡 Did you know? 70% of a dog's immune system is in their gut. An unbalanced microbiome weakens natural defenses and amplifies allergic and inflammatory reactions, including skin itching.
A complete veterinary check-up is always the first step. It helps rule out parasites, active infections, and urgent medical causes. But if the itching persists despite treatments, it's often a sign that the true cause is not yet being addressed.
The link between diet and itching: what science says
A study conducted by the DogRisk research group at the University of Helsinki followed over 3,000 dogs from the beginning of their lives. The striking result: dogs fed a raw, unprocessed meat-based diet developed significantly fewer skin problems and allergies in adulthood than those fed primarily ultra-processed kibble.
And it wasn't even necessary to change everything at once. As soon as about a quarter of the plate consisted of raw food, the risk already decreased.
Reference: Hemida, M., et al. (2023). Early life programming by diet can play a role in risk reduction of otitis in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Yeasts: the hidden cause of chronic itching
In my practice, when a dog scratches chronically despite treatments, I immediately think of yeasts. The yeast Malassezia pachydermatis is naturally part of a dog's skin flora. The problem is when it proliferates excessively.
And what feeds it? Sugar and carbohydrates. Commercial kibble, even the best, contains between 30 and 50% carbohydrates. This is the preferred fuel for yeasts. A dog eating kibble offers these yeasts a daily feast.
Classic signs of yeast overgrowth:
- Intense itching, especially on the paws, belly, armpits, and ears
- Compulsive paw licking (often to the point of staining them brownish-red)
- Characteristic yeast, bread, or popcorn smell on the skin
- Greasy, thickened, or darkened skin in folds
- Recurrent ear infections in parallel
💡 If your dog compulsively licks their paws in addition to scratching, yeast is almost certainly involved. It's a sign that the problem comes from within, not just the skin.
Signs that your dog's itching is diet-related
- Itching returns after each treatment
- It worsens in summer or after periods of stress
- Your dog also has recurrent ear infections
- They have digestive problems (loose stools, gas, vomiting)
- Symptoms started or worsened after a food change
- They have been eating kibble for a long time
Where to start: diet first
The first thing to look at is what your dog eats. A diet low in carbohydrates and rich in quality protein deprives yeasts of their fuel. If your dog eats kibble, check the ingredient list: if corn, wheat, rice, potatoes, or legumes are among the first 5 ingredients, that's a problem.
For dogs with chronic itching, I often recommend a fresh raw diet and, if the problem persists, an elimination diet under supervision. It's a rigorous process, but the results can be spectacular.
Natural supplements to break the itching cycle
In parallel with an improved diet, three supplements can make a real difference:
1. Probiotics: rebalancing the microbiome
If 70% of the immune system is in the gut, rebalancing the microbiome is the number one priority. Probiotics help restore healthy gut flora, which strengthens immunity and reduces the proliferation of yeasts and bacteria responsible for itching.
Pattedeau Bio's Bioflora is a complete probiotic specifically formulated for dogs and cats. It's the first supplement I recommend for animals that scratch chronically.
2. Liposomal turmeric: deep inflammation reduction
Chronic inflammation is at the heart of recurrent itching. Turmeric, in its liposomal form, is one of the most powerful and well-studied natural anti-inflammatories. It acts deeply to reduce the inflammation that fuels itching, redness, and skin infections.
Pattedeau Bio's Curcuplex is formulated with liposomal turmeric for 29 times greater absorption than ordinary turmeric. Approved by Health Canada, it is suitable for dogs of all ages. 4.85/5 based on 115 reviews.
3. Omega-3s: strengthening the skin barrier
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, and DPA) play an essential role in skin health. A dog well-supplied with omega-3s has a stronger skin barrier, less permeable to yeasts, bacteria, and environmental allergens. Omega-3s also reduce systemic inflammation that amplifies allergic reactions.
Pattedeau Bio's seal oil is one of the most concentrated and assimilable sources of omega-3s available for pets, with a unique profile including DPA, absent from classic fish oils.
🐾 Pattedeau Bio's Immunity-Itching Set brings together these three supplements (Bioflora, Curcuplex, and seal oil) in a natural and complete approach to break the cycle of chronic itching.
4.88/5 based on 556 reviews.
Discover the Immunity-Itching Set →
How long before seeing results?
This is the question all dog parents ask me. The honest answer: it depends on the cause and duration of the problem. In general:
- 2 to 4 weeks: reduction in itching and improvement in general condition
- 4 to 8 weeks: noticeable improvement in skin and coat
- 3 to 6 months: deep rebalancing of the microbiome and immunity
Consistency is key. And improving the diet at the same time as supplements significantly accelerates results.
FAQ: my dog is constantly scratching
My vet treated my dog, but the itching keeps coming back. Why?
Classic veterinary treatments (antihistamines, cortisone, antibiotics, Apoquel, Cytopoint) address the symptom. They provide relief, but do not resolve the underlying cause. If the itching returns, it's often a sign that you need to look at diet, the microbiome, and the environment.
How do I know if my dog is allergic to their food?
An elimination diet is the most reliable method. It involves eliminating all suspected ingredients for 8 to 12 weeks and observing the results. It's important to do this with a professional to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
How can I improve my dog's diet if I don't know where to start?
That's exactly why I created the training Optimize Your Dog's Health. It guides you step by step to understand the basics of canine nutrition and helps you reduce sugar in their diet.
Can I get personalized support for my dog?
Yes! If you want a tailored approach for your specific dog, I offer canine nutrition consultation services. We analyze your dog's situation together, and I guide you towards the best solutions for their particular case.
Can probiotics really help with itching?
Yes, and it's something I observe regularly in my practice. By rebalancing the gut microbiome, probiotics strengthen a dog's overall immunity, which reduces their susceptibility to infections, yeasts, and allergic reactions.
Is Curcuplex suitable for cats?
No, Curcuplex is not approved for cats. Bioflora and seal oil, however, are suitable for cats.
Can these supplements be given to a dog on medication?
Always check with your veterinarian if your dog has a health condition or is taking medication. Natural supplements can be used as support, but some interactions are possible.
My dog scratches mostly in the summer. Is that normal?
Yes, environmental allergies (pollen, grasses, molds) often worsen in the summer. But if the itching is present year-round with summer peaks, diet and yeasts are often also involved. The two factors frequently combine.
How long should the supplements be given?
For dogs with chronic itching, I recommend continuous supplementation, at least for 3 to 6 months, to allow for deep rebalancing. Many dog parents then choose to continue as a preventive measure.
In summary
A dog that scratches all the time is not a lost cause. In the vast majority of cases, there is an identifiable cause, and often, it starts in the bowl. By addressing diet, the microbiome, and inflammation, we can truly break this cycle. Veterinary treatments treat the symptom. Diet and natural supplements tackle the source.
⭐ The Immunity-Itching Set: 4.88/5 based on 556 reviews. Dog parents notice a significant reduction in itching and an improvement in coat after a few weeks of regular use.
Discover the Immunity-Itching Set → | View Curcuplex → | View Bioflora → | View seal oil →
Karine Simard, agronomist, M. Sc.
Expert consultant in canine prevention and nutrition
Pattedeau Bio
