Itchy Skin in Dogs: Could Gut Health Be Part of the Problem?

If your dog is constantly scratching, licking their paws, nibbling their skin or suffering from red, irritated patches, it can be frustrating trying to work out what is causing it.

There are many possible reasons for itchy skin in dogs, including fleas and parasites, environmental allergies, food sensitivities, infections and underlying health conditions. But there is another area receiving increasing attention: the relationship between the gut, immune system and skin.

The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome. Supporting a diverse, balanced microbiome can form part of a wider approach to your dog's digestive health, immune function and general wellbeing.

Our own Biome Broth Study, which followed dogs consuming bone broth over four weeks, found significant changes within their gut microbiome. This has encouraged us to look more closely at the relationship between what we feed our dogs and their wider health.

So, if your dog struggles with itchy skin, here are some simple ways you can support them from the inside as well as the outside.

1. Support the Gut with Bone Broth

Bone broth is a simple way to add extra nutrition and hydration to your dog's diet.

Naturally rich in collagen, protein and amino acids, bone broth can be poured over food, served as a nourishing drink or frozen into treats.

For dogs with sensitive digestion, keeping the diet simple can also make it easier to identify foods that may not agree with them.

Why add bone broth?

• Supports hydration – particularly useful for dogs that don't drink much water.

• Provides naturally occurring collagen and amino acids – useful nutrients as part of a balanced diet.

• Easy to add to meals – making it a simple addition to raw, fresh or dry food.

• Highly palatable – useful for encouraging fussy dogs to eat or drink.

Choose a bone broth specifically suitable for dogs and avoid human stocks and broths containing ingredients such as onion, garlic or excessive salt.

2. Introduce Fermented Foods

Fermented foods can provide microorganisms and compounds produced during fermentation.

Water kefir is a dairy-free fermented drink that can be introduced gradually alongside your dog's normal diet.

When introducing any new fermented food, start with a small amount. Sudden dietary changes can cause digestive upset, particularly in sensitive dogs.

Why consider fermented foods?

They can add variety to the diet and provide a natural source of live cultures when the product contains them.

A healthy digestive system is about more than adding a single probiotic. Diet, fibre, hydration, food variety and overall nutrition can all influence the gut microbiome.

3. Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly interesting when it comes to skin health because they play a role in the body's normal inflammatory processes and help support healthy skin and coat.

Dog-friendly sources can include oily fish and suitable fish oils.

If you're using an omega-3 supplement, follow the manufacturer's feeding instructions or speak to your vet about an appropriate amount for your dog's size and diet. More isn't necessarily better.

4. Keep Your Dog Well Hydrated

Hydration is easily overlooked when thinking about skin health.

Make sure your dog always has access to fresh drinking water, particularly during warm weather or after exercise.

If your dog isn't an enthusiastic drinker, you can make hydration more interesting by adding water to meals or offering diluted dog-friendly bone broth.

You can also freeze prepared bone broth into ice cubes for a simple summer treat.

5. Look at the Whole Diet

If your dog has recurring skin problems, take a closer look at everything they are eating.

That includes their main meals, treats, chews, table scraps and supplements.

Rather than immediately removing numerous foods, keeping a food and symptom diary can be useful. Record what your dog eats alongside changes in scratching, paw licking, stools, ears and skin.

This can help you spot patterns and gives your vet much more useful information if further investigation is needed.

If a food allergy is suspected, your vet may recommend a properly controlled elimination diet rather than randomly excluding ingredients.

6. Don't Forget External Triggers

Not every itchy dog has a dietary problem.

Grass, pollen, dust mites, fleas, shampoos and other environmental factors can all contribute to itching.

Check that parasite prevention is appropriate for your dog and avoid repeatedly washing irritated skin with harsh shampoos.

After walks, some dogs may also benefit from having their paws gently rinsed and dried, particularly during high-pollen seasons.

The Gut and Skin Are Connected

Scientists increasingly recognise communication between the gut microbiome, immune system and other parts of the body. Sometimes this relationship is described as the gut-skin axis.

That doesn't mean every skin condition begins in the gut, and bone broth isn't a treatment for allergies or skin disease.

However, supporting good nutrition, hydration and digestive health can be a sensible part of looking after your dog's overall wellbeing.

Our Biome Broth Study explored what happened to the gut microbiome when dogs consumed bone broth daily for four weeks, with some fascinating results.

When Should You Speak to Your Vet?

Occasional scratching is normal, but persistent or severe itching shouldn't simply be treated as a dietary issue.

Speak to your vet if your dog has:

• persistent or worsening itching

• broken, bleeding or infected skin

• bald patches or significant hair loss

• recurring ear infections

• persistent paw licking or chewing

• swelling or hives

• digestive problems alongside skin symptoms

• sudden or severe itching

These symptoms can be associated with allergies, parasites, bacterial or yeast infections and other conditions that may require treatment.

Supporting Healthy Skin Starts with the Whole Dog

Healthy skin isn't just about what you put on your dog. Their diet, digestion, hydration, environment and overall health all matter too.

Simple additions such as bone broth, fermented foods, appropriate sources of omega-3 and plenty of fresh water can form part of a nutritious, varied diet.

And if your dog is struggling with recurring skin problems, don't just look at the itch. Look at the whole dog — including what's happening in their bowl and their gut.