The Itch You Can’t Scratch… But Your Dog Definitely Will

If you’ve ever caught your dog in a full-blown scratch attack, pawing, licking, biting, rolling like a maniac on the rug, then you already know the struggle is real.

That itch? It’s driving them nuts.
And it’s driving you nuts trying to figure out what’s causing it.

Let’s talk skin irritation: what causes it, how to spot it, and what you can do (naturally!) to help your pup get back to belly rubs and nap time, itch-free.

What Causes That Constant Itching?

There are loads of possible triggers behind the itch:

• Food sensitivities – Common culprits: grains, fillers, preservatives, chicken (in some dogs).
• Environmental allergies – Grass, dust, pollen, mould… you name it.
• Parasites – Fleas, mites, or even reactions to bites.
• Dry skin – Often due to weather, dehydration, or lack of healthy fats.
• Over-washing or using harsh shampoos – Yep, even being too clean can cause problems.
• Low-quality treats or food – Filled with artificial junk your dog’s body doesn’t want.

Itchy skin is often a symptom, not the root problem. That’s why quick-fix creams or sprays only work temporarily, you've got to dig deeper.

Signs Your Dog’s Skin Needs Help

Here’s what to watch for:

• Constant scratching, licking or chewing
• Red or inflamed patches
• Dandruff or flaky skin
• Hair loss or thinning coat
• Smelly skin or ears (that “yeasty” smell? You know the one)
• Rubbing face on the floor or furniture like a furry little weirdo

If that sounds like your pup, don’t panic. There are natural ways to help!

Feed the Skin from the Inside Out

One of the most effective (and overlooked) ways to help your dog's skin?
Fix their nutrition.

A skin-supportive diet includes:

✅ Omega 3, 6 & 9 fatty acids
✅ Single-ingredient treats (no allergens, no additives)
✅ Fur-on chews for natural fibre and gut health
✅ Lean, novel proteins (like kangaroo or fish)
✅ No grains, fillers, or preservatives

Why? Because inflammation often starts in the gut. A clean, natural diet can help reduce skin reactions, support their immune system, and improve coat health too.

Treats That Support Healthy Skin

At Whiskey & Woof, we don’t just make treats that taste good — we make treats that do good.

Try these skin-loving treats:

• Sardines – Packed with Omega 3s for anti-inflammatory support
• Mackerel Jerky – Great for dry skin and shiny coats
• Furry Roo Ears – Natural fibre = healthier gut = better skin
• Duck or Kangaroo Jerky – Lean, novel proteins for sensitive pups
• Meal Toppers (Omega Boosters) – Add to meals for an easy upgrade

Bonus Tip: Ditch the Junk

A lot of commercial treats are loaded with things that make skin worse:

🚫 Wheat, corn, and soy
🚫 Artificial colours and flavours
🚫 Preservatives and "meat by-products"

Read the label. If you can’t pronounce it, your dog shouldn’t be eating it.

Final Woof

That scratchy, flaky, itchy skin your pup is dealing with? It doesn’t have to be their “normal.”
With the right diet and clean, functional treats, you can help soothe the itch from the inside out, naturally.

Less scratching. More tail wagging.
And maybe, just maybe, your dog will stop using your couch as their personal back scratcher. 😅

Treat clean. Support skin. Keep the itch away.
– Whiskey & Woof
(Whiskey approves this message. Archie is still scratching his butt on the grass.)