Why Is My Dog So Itchy? Common Causes, Symptoms & Solutions in South Africa

Scratching, licking, or biting is your dog’s way of showing discomfort. In South Africa, fleas, ticks, pollen, dust, diet, parasites, and seasonal allergies are especially common due to the climate.

Signs Your Dog Is Itchy 

• Constant scratching or rubbing

• Excessive licking (paws, belly)

• Chewing at skin or tail base

• Red, inflamed, flaky skin

• Hair loss or bald patches

• Head shaking or ear scratching

• Hot spots (raw, sore areas)

Common Causes 

1. Fleas & Ticks (Very Common in SA)

• Seasonal spikes: Summer (Oct–Feb) and rainy periods

• Signs: black specks (flea dirt), red bumps, hair loss

• Solutions: Monthly prevention, washing bedding, treating all pets, vacuuming 

READ MORE ON  How Can I Tell If My Dog Has Fleas?

OR JUMP TO Snoutbox flea treatments

2. Allergies (Food & Environmental)

• SA environmental triggers: grass pollen, wattle trees, mould in rainy season

• Food triggers: beef, chicken, dairy, wheat

• Solutions: elimination diet, limited-ingredient foods, hypoallergenic treats

READ MORE ON LIMITED INGREDIENT TREATS HERE Herb&Hound Limited-Ingredient Treats

3. Dry Skin & Over-Bathing

• Hot summers & dry winters can dry your dog’s skin

• Use gentle, dog-specific shampoos

READ MORE ON How Often Should you Bathe your Dog 

OR JUMP TO Snoutbox grooming products

4. Worms & Other Parasites

• Symptoms: scooting, licking, hair loss

• Regular deworming is key for South African dogs

READ MORE on Dog Deworming

OR JUMP TO SnoutBox Deworming Treatments

5. Skin Infections & Hot Spots

• Red, raw, fast-spreading areas

• Often secondary to scratching / flea bites

READ MORE ON Top 10 Signs of Skin Infection 

6. Ear Infections

• Head shaking, odour, red ears

READ MORE ON Dog Ear Infections

A great product recommendation by Snoutbox, Is the TR3 Bundle Including the STEAM BRUSH, as you can use this to gently mist your pup's ears 2/3 times a day and treat that ear infection.

When to See a Vet 

• Persistent itching >1 week

• Raw, infected skin or hair loss

• Signs of pain or discomfort

• Home remedies not helping

• Vet visits are important — South African vets can recommend locally-available flea treatments, medications, and diets

How to Help at Home

• Year-round flea prevention (Snoutbox delivers nationwide)

• High-quality diet & limited-ingredient treats

• Gentle grooming products

• Wash paws after walks (especially during pollen season)

• Keep bedding clean and dry

An itchy dog is telling you something. Early identification of causes — fleas, allergies, dry skin, or infection — helps your dog stay healthy, happy, and itch-free. With Snoutbox delivering across South Africa, you can get all the products your dog needs directly to your door.

Snoutbox flea treatments |  Snoutbox grooming products | SnoutBox Deworming Treatments | Is there a Natural Solution to itchy Skin