Dog Itching No Fleas: Understanding and Managing Your Pet’s Allergies.

This expert guide to allergies in pets was written by veterinarians Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD, and Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS. This article was originally published in 2012 and is regularly updated. It was reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Elliott and was last updated on May 28, 2024

If you have questions or concerns, call your vet, who is best equipped to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

Dog Itching No Fleas: Why does this happen?

Common Causes of Dog Itching

Extreme itch or irritation (pruritus) makes pets scratch until their skin bleeds or they tear their hair out. Common causes include atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and flea allergies.

What Is Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis (atopy) is a common allergic condition affecting the skin of dogs. Potentially anything can trigger an allergic reaction — dust mites in bedding, plant pollens during the spring, food proteins in the pet’s diet, and more.

Some breeds are much more likely to suffer from it, including:

• Boxers
• German Shepherds
• Labrador Retrievers
• West Highland White Terriers
• Pugs

Atopy acts similarly to hay fever in people — except that instead of sneezing and runny eyes, symptoms in dogs include itchiness and inflamed skin. This is a complex condition, and treatment is often a matter of control rather than cure.

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis

Pets with atopy chew themselves, scratch constantly, and rub their faces excessively. Dogs are so itchy that they chew the skin and damage it, leading to patches of hair loss and secondary infections.

Perhaps you have seen white dogs, such as Westies or Bichons, with brown staining on their paws. This is from excessive licking leading to saliva staining. This is a giveaway that the dog has skin irritation, most likely as a result of atopy.

Some dogs have a bizarre reaction where mainly their ears become sore and inflamed. Any dog who regularly has inflamed ears or ear infections should be assessed for atopy.

Causes of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is caused by an overactive immune system. Pets absorb allergens through the skin, leading to inflammation itchiness and an overactive immune system:

• Pets absorb allergens through the skin, so when an allergen comes into contact with the skin, it primes the immune system.
• Antibodies are then released to fight and control the irritant.
• But this releases a cascade of chemicals that result in inflammation — and itchiness.

In the video below, Dr. Wayne Rosenkrantz, DVM, DACVD, discusses more about atopy in dogs:

Diagnosing Dog Itching With No Fleas

Spring and fall are the most allergic seasons for dogs because the majority of canine allergies are inhalant allergies that manifest in itching.

Figuring Out What’s Going On

Diagnosis can be tricky. Skin biopsies, blood tests, and intradermal tests are used to measure antibodies to specific allergens. It is important to rule out other conditions before trying atopy therapies.

Ruling Out Other Conditions

Other possible conditions to rule out include:

• Sarcoptic mange
• Demodectic mange
• Other skin parasites
• Ringworm (a fungal infection)
• Primary seborrhea
• Skin cancer
• Autoimmune disease
• Recurrent bacterial pyoderma

Managing Dog Itching No Fleas

Short-Term Treatments

Mild skin allergies can be treated with antihistamines and corticosteroids. A newer treatment, Cytopoint, is available.

Long-Term Treatments

For persistent itching, hypo-sensitizing with allergy injections can help about 75% of allergic dogs. This requires a bit of investment and commitment.

Flea Allergy in a Dog

Maybe you’re sitting there thinking, “But my dog never had a flea.”

Sure, today this might be true. With the invention of products like Advantage and Frontline, skin problems in dogs have improved tenfold.

Despite the revolutionary improvement in flea prevention, dogs still get fleas and flea allergies.

Often a vet has to find a flea, or at least find the flea feces, to convince the client that, yes, their dog has fleas.

Food Allergies in Dogs

Identifying Food Allergies

Food allergies are a serious cause of chronic itching. If the itching persists year-round, it may be due to food allergies.

How we diagnose the allergies:

• Skin testing is the gold standard for determining what your dog is allergic to. This is generally done by a veterinary dermatologist.
• Blood tests for allergies are also available. These may not be as accurate but can be valuable and do not require a referral to a dermatologist.

Conducting a Food Trial

The only way to determine a food allergy is to put your dog on a hypoallergenic diet for at least 2–3 months.

Best Dry Dog Food for Skin Allergies

Choosing the right dry dog food can help manage skin allergies. Look for hypoallergenic formulas with limited ingredients, such as novel proteins (e.g., fish or venison) and carbohydrates (e.g., sweet potato). Brands that often come recommended include Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Blue Buffalo.

Dog Food for Dogs with Allergies

For dogs with allergies, selecting a diet with novel or hydrolyzed proteins can reduce allergic reactions. Options include foods specifically formulated for sensitive skin and stomachs. Consulting your vet for recommendations on specific brands and formulations is essential to ensure your dog’s dietary needs are met.

Home Remedies and Additional Tips

Better Skin Health

• Simple steps such as regular grooming improve the blood supply to the skin and condition it. Brushing also keeps the coat clean and healthy so it doesn’t harbor bacteria and yeasts that drain the skin’s immune system.
• Also, a good-quality diet promotes healthy skin from the inside out.

Food Supplements

• Omega-3 oils have many beneficial effects, one of which is being a natural anti-inflammatory.
• A typical dose is 66 mg/kg each day. So, for example, a 10 kg (22 pound) Westie needs 660 mg of omega-3 oils per day.

Regular Bathing

• Use gentle, moisturizing shampoos like oatmeal or aloe vera to wash off allergens.

For much more on bathing, see these companion articles: 

• “Shampoo as Therapy for Your Dog’s Bad Skin”
• “Why Hypoallergenic Shampoos Don’t Guarantee an Itch-Free Dog”

Avoiding Allergens

• Keep dogs away from triggering allergens like freshly mown grass

Consider Contributing Factors

• Consider food allergy and environmental allergies; use effective parasite control.

Immunotherapy Vaccines

The vet can develop a bespoke vaccine that reduces your dog’s sensitivity to allergens. There are pros and cons.

Pros:

• A non-drug treatment.
• In 3–4 out of 10 dogs, it makes a big difference.
• Can make the difference between taking meds or not.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Not all dogs respond.
• It takes months to start working, so start in the autumn to benefit the following summer.

Spray Steroid

• Instead of giving steroid tablets or injections, ask your vet about a steroid spray. This safe, side-effect-free option gives relief where it’s needed without entering the bloodstream.

Medication

Sometimes, though, medications are the best option. These include:

• Steroids: Inexpensive and effective — yet prone to side effects
• Atopica: Effective but expensive — fewer side effects than steroids
• Apoquel: The golden bullet — effective and safe (but, sadly, expensive)

Why Early Treatment Is Crucial

Complications of Not Treating Allergies

Untreated atopy increases the risk of secondary infections, which complicates the condition and treatment.

Act Early on Itchiness

Early treatment can help control the itch with lower drug doses and reduce the risk of complications.

How we can treat atopy:

• Short-term or mild skin allergies can be treated with antihistamines (not very effective) and/or corticosteroids, just as with people who need help with allergies that flare up.
• A judicious use of a drug such as prednisone (a corticosteroid) is highly effective and generally safe as long as it is used for a short time.
• A newer treatment, Cytopoint, is available. This injection is given every 4–8 weeks and “disarms” the allergen-causing substance so that it doesn’t trigger the itch.

Unfortunately, allergies in dogs often get worse with age.

The young dog who needed to take a steroid for only 2 weeks out of the year may begin to itch for several months out of the year, and then steroids are not a great option anymore.

If your dog needs more than occasional steroids or antihistamines to control itching, hypo-sensitizing with allergy injections can help about 75% of allergic dogs. You need to be willing to invest a bit in the diagnosis and treatment, and you need to be willing to give the injections.

It can take many months for the dog to improve.

Common Mistakes

Many people wait while their pet itches, losing valuable treatment time. If your pet is licking or scratching excessively for even a couple of days, seek relief immediately. Over-the-counter products often fail to treat serious itching effectively, wasting time and money. Always consult a vet for persistent itching.

Dog Itching No Fleas: A Conclusion

Dealing with a dog that itches without having fleas can be challenging, but understanding the underlying causes such as atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and environmental factors is crucial. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatments, including dietary changes, medications, and home remedies, can significantly improve your dog’s comfort and well-being. Always consult your veterinarian to create an effective management plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs. Taking proactive steps can help ensure your dog leads a happy, itch-free life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• Favrot, Claude et al. “A Prospective Study on the Clinical Features of Chronic Canine Atopic Dermatitis and Its Diagnosis.” Veterinary Dermatology 21, no. 1 (February 2010): 23–31. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20187911/.
• Schnabl, Bernd, MD, et al. “Results of Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy in 117 Dogs With Atopic Dermatitis.” Veterinary Record 158, no. 3 (Jan. 21, 2006): 812–815. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16428661/.
• Clinical Nutrition Service. “What Every Pet Owner Should Know About Food Allergies.” Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, Tufts University. Jan. 27, 2017. http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2017/01/food-allergies/.
• Ward, Ernest, DVM. “Allergy — General in Dogs.” VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/allergy-general-in-dogs.
• Ward, Ernest, DVM. “Allergy — General in Cats.” VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/allergy-general-in-cats.
• Noli, Chiara, DVM, DipECVD, et al. Veterinary Allergy. John Wiley & Sons. 2013.