Itchiness Isn’t Just for Spring: Your Dog Might Be in Trouble—Even in Winter

You’d expect to see your dog itching and sneezing in spring, but winter? That’s when many pet parents let their guard down. The truth? Allergies don’t stick to seasons, and winter can be just as brutal.

At VetLand Hospital and Emergency, we’re seeing a rise in itchy dogs lately. Ear infections, paw licking, skin flare-ups— living with an allergic pet can sometimes seem relentless. 
Understanding why they’re itchy helps us all to understand how we can help.
Let’s break it down. 

Why Winter Itch Happens

While springtime pollen steals the spotlight, winter comes with its own allergy culprits—many of them right inside your home.

• Indoor allergens like dust mites and mould spores thrive in winter.
  
  
• Dry skin from heaters and cold air cracks the very important surface barrier of the skin. This dryness is very itchy, and cracks allow more allergens to penetrate the deeper layers of your pet’s skin.
  
  
• Fleas? Still a problem! They don’t take winter off—especially when your pup is curled up indoors, it’s a flea haven!

It is very common that dogs licking at their feet can be dismissed as ’boredom’. However, licking and chewing as a behavioural problem is quite rare. Have you considered whether allergies could be at play?

What to Watch For

Allergic reactions don’t always look dramatic. They sneak in and slowly crescendo into relentless itchiness.

• Paw licking or nail biting
• Scratching around the ears or the smelliness of the ears
• Licking around the bottom or scooting their bottom across the carpet

These symptoms can escalate fast. Once your dog starts licking or scratching, bacteria & fungi are quick to take advantage, and things go from bad to worse quickly.

Why Early Action Matters

Here’s what we know: the sooner we catch it, the easier it is to manage.

Mild flare‑ups can often be soothed with:

• A warm, tepid bath to rinse off irritants

• Non-soap-based, hydrating shampoos and conditioners to repair damaged skin
• Regular flea control
• Nutritional support harnessing nature's anti-inflammatories: omega oils and even egg

Finally, reduce dust and moisture inside using HEPA filters or dehumidifiers to help prevent indoor allergens.

Can Diet Help? Absolutely.

A strong skin-supportive diet can do more than most medications, especially long-term.

• Look for omega-3-rich foods (like fish oil or flaxseed)
• Add in antioxidants from fruits or veggies
• Use soluble fibres (pumpkin, sweet potato) to support gut health
• Choose lean proteins like turkey or vet-prescribed hypoallergenic diets

If you have an itchy poet and you’re not managing their diet, we’re missing a huge window to support them and reduce their reliance on medications.

Don’t fall for every label that promises “skin health.” What works best is personalised advice from your vet. 

Bottom Line: Itch Isn’t Just a Spring Thing

If your dog is licking, scratching, or shaking their head, it’s time to pay attention. Seasonal allergies come in all forms, and ignoring the early signs just prolongs the problem.

A small change now—a warm bath, a diet tweak, a vet check—can save months of discomfort.

Let’s stop the cycle early.

And if you’re not sure what’s normal or what’s too much? That’s what we’re here for.