Understanding Skin and Ear Issues in Dogs: A Guide from Audubon Family Veterinary Center

Is your dog constantly scratching, licking, or shaking their head? You’re not alone. At Audubon Family Veterinary Center, skin and ear problems are among the most common reasons for visits. While identifying the root cause can take time and patience, most skin issues are manageable once we understand what’s driving the itch.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the common causes of canine skin irritation, how we diagnose them, and the steps we take together to help your dog find lasting relief.

Why Skin Issues Can Be Complex

Dogs can develop itchy skin or ear inflammation for many reasons, and sometimes several factors overlap. Some causes are non-allergic, such as metabolic or infectious diseases, while others are allergic, involving environmental, flea, or food sensitivities. It’s normal for the process to take a few visits or trial periods to pinpoint the cause, so don’t be discouraged — every case provides new clues to get your dog more comfortable.

Non-Allergic Causes of Skin and Ear Problems

Non-allergic skin diseases may arise from conditions such as hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, infections including mites or ringworm, and autoimmune or immune-mediated disorders. If we suspect infection, we may recommend skin cytology, cultures, or skin scrapes. Ringworm testing is performed via fungal culture, which often returns results within 10–14 days. Because some parasites can be difficult to detect, treatment trials may occasionally be recommended as part of the diagnostic process.

Allergic Skin Disease in Dogs

Most itchy dogs suffer from allergic skin disease, which can be triggered by fleas, food, or environmental allergens — and sometimes a combination of all three.

Flea Allergies

Fleas are incredibly common in our area, even for dogs that spend most of their time indoors. A single flea bite can cause severe itching, particularly in allergic pets. We recommend keeping your dog on a year-round flea preventative such as Bravecto to kill fleas quickly and prevent eggs from developing. It’s important to note that no product completely prevents fleas from biting — but effective preventatives drastically reduce the risk of infestation. All pets in the household should be treated, and if there’s evidence of fleas in the home, a household treatment such as Knockout can help prevent re-infestation. Fleas can also worsen food or environmental allergies, so addressing them first helps clarify what’s really causing the itch.

Environmental Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)

Environmental allergies — also known as atopic dermatitis — are extremely common in dogs. These occur when a dog’s immune system reacts to substances in the environment such as pollen, dust, or mold. We often begin by supporting the skin barrier and addressing inflammation through oral supplements such as Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin E, and topical products like medicated shampoos or mousses containing phytosphingosine, ophytrium, or ceramides.

Prescription therapies like Apoquel and Cytopoint may also be used if your dog’s itching isn’t controlled with supplements, antihistamines, or topical care. Apoquel is an oral medication that provides relief for roughly 70% of dogs, while Cytopoint is an injectable treatment administered every 4–8 weeks.

Food Allergies

While true food allergies are relatively rare, they can mimic environmental allergies. The only reliable way to diagnose a food allergy is through a strict diet trial lasting 8–12 weeks using a prescription diet as the only food source. No other treats or foods can be given during this trial.

When to Consider Further Testing

Some dogs may need additional diagnostic testing such as skin biopsies or bacterial and fungal cultures for a more definitive diagnosis. In complex or chronic cases, we may recommend referral to a Veterinary Dermatologist for specialized care, including intradermal skin allergy testing or long-term allergy management.

Working Together Toward Relief

Managing itchy skin or ear problems can take time, but with a consistent plan and teamwork, most dogs can live comfortably and symptom-free. At Audubon Family Veterinary Center, our goal is to help your dog feel better as quickly as possible while finding long-term solutions tailored to their specific needs.

If your dog is scratching, shaking their head, or developing skin or ear irritation, schedule an appointment with our team. Early diagnosis and a personalized plan can make all the difference. Let’s work together to ensure your furry friend’s comfort and well-being!