Itching is a common issue many dogs owners face, and while our brains tend to go to the worst place, often the simplest answer may be the right one. While German Shepherds are known for their fierce demeanor, and dexterity they can actually be sensitive and delicate to care for. Â The three leading causes for a German Shepherd to itch are over-bathing, bugs or environment. In this article we will identify the three most common reasons why German Shepherds can be a little itchy.
Over Bathing & Harsh Shampoo’s
While regular baths are essential for maintaining your dog’s coat and hygiene, too many baths or using the wrong products can lead to irritated, dry, and itchy skin. Here’s a look at why this happens and how you can prevent it.
The Impact of Over-Bathing on Your Dog’s Skin
Dogs’ skin is much more sensitive than ours, and their skin relies on natural oils to maintain health and hydration. These oils are produced by glands in the skin and serve to protect and moisturize the coat. When you bathe your dog too frequently, you risk washing away these oils, leading to dry, flaky skin.
- Loss of Natural Oils: Every time you bathe your dog; you remove some of the protective oils from their skin. While these oils help maintain moisture, they also serve as a barrier against irritants, bacteria, and fungi. When stripped, the skin becomes more vulnerable to allergens and infections, resulting in itching and discomfort.
- Dry Skin and Sensitivity: Over-bathing can lead to dry skin. Dry skin is more prone to irritation from environmental factors like pollen, dust mites, or even the dog’s own scratching. This can set off a cycle of itching and further irritation.
- Disrupted pH Balance: Dogs’ skin has a natural pH balance that is different from humans. Most dog skin is slightly acidic (around 6.2 to 7.4), which helps maintain a healthy barrier. Over-bathing can disrupt this pH, leaving the skin more prone to infections, allergic reactions, and discomfort.
The Role of Harsh Shampoos in Causing Itchy Skin
Not all shampoos are suitable for dogs. Many commercial dog shampoos contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, or strong detergents that can cause irritation when used too often. Some medicated shampoos manufactured specifically for pets can fall into this category as well.
- Chemical Stripping: Some shampoos, especially those with sulfates or parabens and Chlorohexidine can strip the skin of its natural oils. These ingredients are often included for their cleaning power, but they can leave the skin dry and irritated. This can cause your dog to scratch and itch due to the lack of moisture and protection.
- Fragrance Sensitivity: While we might enjoy a freshly scented dog shampoo, strong fragrances can irritate your dog’s skin. Dogs have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell, and synthetic fragrances are often made with chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions. These reactions can lead to itchy skin, redness, and rashes.
- Inappropriate Products for Coat Type: Not all dogs have the same skin or coat type. Some dogs have sensitive skin that requires special care, while others have oilier coats. Using a shampoo that isn’t suited to your dog’s specific skin needs (for example, using a shampoo meant for oily coats on a dog with dry skin) can lead to irritation and itching.
How Over-Bathing and Harsh Shampoos Leave Your Dog Exposed
The constant cycle of over-bathing or using harsh shampoos can lead to various issues that cause your dog to itch. Here are the common problems:
- Dry, Flaky Skin: Frequent washing removes the moisture that your dog’s skin needs to stay healthy. Dry skin often flakes and cracks, leading to itching as your dog tries to relieve the discomfort.
- Increased Sensitivity to Allergens: When the skin’s natural barrier is compromised, dogs become more sensitive to environmental allergens like pollen or dust. Even if your dog wasn’t prone to allergies before, over-bathing and harsh shampoos can make their skin more reactive.
- Bacterial and Fungal Infections: When the skin is dry and cracked, it’s more prone to infections. Scratching itchy skin can lead to open sores, which are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria or yeast. This can result in a vicious cycle of itching, infection, and more itching.
How Often To Bath Your German Shepherd to Avoid Doing Damage To The Skin
To avoid your dog from getting itchy due to over-bathing or using harsh shampoos, here are some tips you can follow:
- Limit Bath Frequency: Most dogs don’t need to be bathed as frequently as humans do. Depending on your dog’s breed, activity level, and coat type, bathing every 3 to 6 weeks is often sufficient. Bathing less frequently can help preserve the skin’s natural oils and keep it healthy.
- Choose Gentle, Dog-Specific Shampoos: Look for shampoos specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive skin. Opt for hypoallergenic or natural products containing soothing ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, or coconut oil. These are gentler on your dog’s skin and help prevent irritation.
- Thorough Rinsing: Always rinse your dog thoroughly during and after their bath. Any leftover shampoo residue can cause itching and irritation, so make sure to remove all the product from their coat.
- Use Moisturizing Shampoos or Conditioners: If your dog suffers from dry skin, choose a moisturizing shampoo or conditioner designed for dry, sensitive skin. These products can help replenish lost moisture and prevent irritation.
- Hydration: Just like with humans, keeping your dog hydrated is important for healthy skin. Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet can improve skin health and help prevent dryness and itching.
While bathing your dog is essential for keeping them clean, over-bathing and using harsh shampoos can lead to dry, itchy, and irritated skin. By limiting bath frequency, choosing the right products, and paying attention to your dog’s specific needs, you can help prevent itching and keep their skin healthy. If itching persists despite these changes, don’t hesitate to consult your vet to rule out any other health issues. With the right care, your dog can stay comfortable, clean, and itch-free.
Flea Bites & Saliva
Although most dogs are on some sort of F/T medication it is still possible for a dog to itch due to fleas & tocks without actually having fleas & ticks!
Biting is still possible, While F/T medication will prevent infestations and nesting on your dog it will not stop the initial biting of the insect which can cause irritation. Flea medications, whether they are oral medications, spot-on treatments, or collars, are designed to kill fleas before they can reproduce. The medications typically target adult fleas, larvae, or eggs, breaking the flea life cycle. While the medication prevents fleas from establishing a full infestation, a flea could still bite your dog. However, in most cases, the medication will kill the flea quickly, before it has a chance to reproduce or cause a significant issue. In dogs with flea allergies, even a single bite can trigger itching, but medication should help reduce the severity of the reaction.
Why would a biting flea create so much trouble? When a flea bites, it injects saliva into the dog’s skin. For some dogs, this saliva triggers an immune response, causing intense itching and discomfort. The allergy can cause the dog to scratch, lick, or chew at the affected areas, leading to inflamed skin, hot spots, and even secondary infections. The irritation can occur even if you don’t see fleas because just one bite can cause a reaction.
Environmental Factors That Can Cause Itching Skin
Dogs can often be affected by environmental factors that can lead to itching and skin irritation. Many of these triggers are allergens or irritants found in the environment such as seasonal factors (i.e. pollen, dust mites & mold), Wet Environments, Poisonous plants. Here’s are some common environmental issues that cause itching in German Shepherds:
Seasonal Allergies
Also known as environmental allergies, are a common issue for dogs, especially during certain times of the year. These allergies are triggered by airborne allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites that are more prevalent in certain seasons, typically spring, summer, and fall.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies in Dogs?
Seasonal allergies in dogs occur when their immune system overreacts to harmless substances, treating them like harmful invaders. Just like people, dogs can develop sensitivities to pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, which are prevalent in the spring and fall. Other seasonal allergens include:
- Tree Pollen: Often peaking in spring, trees like oak, birch, and cedar release large amounts of pollen, causing flare-ups in sensitive dogs.
- Grass Pollen: Grass, including Bermuda, Timothy, and Ryegrass, releases pollen in late spring and summer, affecting many dogs.
- Weed Pollen: Ragweed and other weeds pollinate in late summer and fall, contributing to allergic reactions.
- Mold Spores: Mold can thrive in damp, fallen leaves or areas of high humidity, often during the rainy months.
- Dust Mites: Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments, which are common indoors during seasonal temperature shifts.
Swimming and Wet Environments
Dogs can experience skin irritations from different types of water, whether it’s from swimming in natural bodies of water, exposure to chlorinated pools, or even tap water with high mineral content. Here’s a breakdown of common dog skin irritations caused by various types of water:
1. Chlorine (Pools) Chlorine, commonly used to disinfect pools, can strip your dog’s skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Symptoms include flaky skin, redness, and excessive itching.
2. Saltwater (Oceans & Saltwater Pools) Saltwater can dry out your dog’s skin and coat, causing irritation. When salt remains on their fur, it can result in redness, flakiness, and itching.
3. Freshwater (Lakes & Rivers) Freshwater can harbor bacteria, fungi, or parasites that irritate the skin. Common reactions include rashes, itching, or infections, particularly if your dog has sensitive skin or a pre-existing condition.
4. Hard Water (Tap Water) Hard water, rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, can leave a residue on your dog’s skin and coat. This often leads to dryness, itching, and flaky skin.
5. Polluted or Stagnant Water. Water from polluted or stagnant sources can contain harmful bacteria, algae, or chemicals that may cause rashes, inflammation, and infections. Dogs that swim in these waters are at risk of both external and internal irritations.
6. Irrigation, Irrigation water may come from various sources such as rivers, lakes, wells or municipal system which can pose potential risks to dogs. Either through ingestion (drinking from puddles) or by rolling in wet grass after the sprinkler has been running. Depending on the region irrigation water can contain pesticides, fertilizers, heavy metals, bacteria and pathogens. Irrigation water, especially from natural sources, may contain harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, or parasites such as giardia. These pathogens can cause infections in animals, leading to gastrointestinal issues, vomiting, diarrhea, or even more severe conditions.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe Swimming
To prevent skin issues, always rinse your dog off after swimming in any body of water. Use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo to restore moisture, and ensure they’re completely dry afterward. If you notice persistent itching or redness, consult a veterinarian to rule out infections or allergies.
Poisonous Seasonal Plants Can Cause Skin Irritation.
Certain plants, especially those prevalent in specific seasons, can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even poisoning in dogs. Many of these plants may cause itching when dogs come into contact with them, either by brushing against their leaves, ingesting parts of the plant, or licking the affected skin. In addition to seasonal allergens like pollen, poisonous plants can exacerbate itching and lead to other uncomfortable symptoms. Here are some common season plants and reactions to watch out for:
Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron species)
- Seasonal Timing: These plants are especially common in the spring and summer months and thrive in wooded or overgrown areas.
- Symptoms in Dogs: These plants contain an oil called urushiol, which can cause an allergic reaction in both humans and dogs. When a dog comes into contact with the plant’s oils, it can cause severe itching, redness, and blistering. Symptoms can include:
- Swollen or red areas on the skin
- Blistering or rash-like eruptions
- Hair loss in affected areas
- Why It Happens: Dogs can get urushiol on their skin or fur by simply walking through areas where these plants are growing. If the dog licks its paws or coat after contact, the oil may spread, leading to more widespread itching or rash.
Nettles (Urtica dioica)
- Seasonal Timing: Nettles are common in spring and summer, especially in areas with moist, disturbed soil. They often grow in areas like meadows, along roadsides, or in gardens.
- Symptoms in Dogs: Nettles are known for their stinging hairs that release chemicals when touched. These chemicals can cause skin irritation in dogs, often leading to:
- Redness or rash on the skin
- Swelling and inflammation around the contact area
- Possible sores or blisters if scratched repeatedly
- Why It Happens: When a dog brushes against nettles, the plant’s tiny stinging hairs penetrate the skin and release histamine and other compounds that irritate the skin, leading to the itching and inflammation.
Ragweed (Ambrosia species)
- Seasonal Timing: Ragweed blooms primarily in late summer to early fall, releasing pollen that is a significant allergen for both humans and pets.
- Symptoms in Dogs: While ragweed pollen is more commonly associated with airborne allergies, dogs may also develop contact dermatitis from coming into contact with the plant. This can lead to:
- Itching, especially around the paws and face
- Hair loss in areas of repeated scratching or biting
- Why It Happens: Ragweed pollen contains proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction in dogs. If a dog brushes up against the plant or licks its paws after contact, the oils and proteins on the plant may cause an immediate reaction.
Buttercups (Ranunculus species)
- Seasonal Timing: Buttercups bloom in spring, often found in fields, gardens, and meadows.
- Symptoms in Dogs: While buttercups are primarily toxic when ingested, contact with the plant can also lead to skin irritation in some dogs, causing:
- Swelling and blistering, especially if the plant juices come into contact with the skin
- Possible mouth irritation if the dog chews or licks the plant
- Why It Happens: Buttercups contain saponins and protoanemonin, which can cause both dermatitis and internal reactions. While the primary risk is ingestion, dogs may also experience local skin irritation from contact with these chemicals.
Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
- Seasonal Timing: Chrysanthemums are typically in bloom during fall, especially in gardens and floral displays.
- Symptoms in Dogs: While chrysanthemums are often associated with causing digestive issues if ingested, they can also cause skin irritation. Symptoms include:
- Licking or biting at affected areas
- Why It Happens: The chemicals in chrysanthemums, such as pyrethrins, can irritate a dog’s skin. If your dog comes into contact with the plant, especially in the form of chewing or licking, the resulting irritation can lead to itching and discomfort.
Lilies (Lilium species)
- Seasonal Timing: Lilies bloom in spring and summer, and while they are beautiful flowers, they can be toxic to pets.
- Symptoms in Dogs: Ingesting lilies is particularly dangerous for cats, but dogs can also experience skin reactions from contact. The symptoms include:
- Swelling, especially in the mouth or throat if chewed
- Why It Happens: Lilies contain compounds that, when touched, can irritate a dog’s skin. Dogs are more likely to develop skin rashes from licking or biting parts of the plant.
Tulips and Daffodils (Narcissus and Tulipa species)
- Seasonal Timing: These bulbs bloom in spring, often found in gardens and landscaped areas.
- Symptoms in Dogs: Tulips and daffodils contain toxins that can cause skin irritation in addition to digestive distress. Contact with the plants can cause:
- Digestive upset if ingested (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Why It Happens: The toxic compounds in these flowers, including alkaloids and glycosides, can cause a skin reaction when touched. Dogs may scratch or lick affected areas, intensifying irritation.
Seasonal plants, while beautiful, can be harmful to dogs, especially when it comes to itching and skin irritation. By understanding which plants are toxic or irritating, you can better protect your dog from uncomfortable reactions. Regular care, supervision, and veterinary advice are key to ensuring your dog stays safe and comfortable, particularly during peak allergy and plant-blooming seasons.
When to See the Vet?
If your dog’s itching continues despite reducing bath frequency or switching to gentler products, it may be time to consult with a veterinarian. Chronic itching can be a sign of other underlying issues, such as allergies, infections, or skin conditions that require professional treatment.
Other itchy indicators to look for? There are various reasons that German Shepherds can have itchy skin such as mites, yeast, bacterial infections, allergies etc. Our advice is fix what you can see and touch and consult an expert the things you can’t. Meaning, If you think your dog is having food allergies don’t change their diet before getting and intolerance test (ordered online) or performing allergy test (performed by your vet).
Resources:
