As we head into Spring, dogs can be prone to infections from the sweat and moisture on their skin. This can be a breeding ground for bacteria, causing itchy and sensitive skin.
There's also pollen and grass allergies to contend with, and that's on top of all year round allergens including household dust mites, household chemicals and air fresheners.
Excessive licking and scratching can quickly lead to ever increasing vet's bills.
"Itchy skin is a very common problem in dogs and can be caused by many different conditions, some minor and some more serious. Most dogs scratch every now and then, but excessive scratching indicates something is wrong. The treatment required depends entirely on what is causing it. It might be something you can manage at home, but it's important to talk to your vet and find the cause before trying any treatment."
— PDSA (pdsa.org.uk)
Luckily, there's a wide range of solutions available, from skin & coat supplements to soothing shampoos and sprays. These products can help nourish your dog's skin and bring sweet relief from the itch.
We take a look at some of the best ways you can offer some relief and lessen the urge to itch for your four-legged friend. Let's Ditch that Itch!
This is a long one, so skip, scroll and jump straight to the section that suits your dog best.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Buying Advice for Itch Relief Products
Before reaching for a product, it helps to have a sense of what might be behind the scratching, as the cause will often point you towards the right solution.
Just like humans, dogs can react to pollen, grass, mould spores and dust mites. These are among the most common culprits, and symptoms tend to flare up at certain times of year or in certain environments. Dogs with environmental allergies often scratch their paws, face and belly most.
Dry skin on its own can cause persistent low-level itching without any underlying allergy, and is often easily managed with the right shampoo or a skin supplement.
Some dogs react to ingredients in their food, commonly beef, chicken, dairy, wheat or soy. Unlike seasonal allergies, food-related itching tends to be year-round with no obvious pattern. If you suspect this is the cause, speak to your vet about an elimination diet.
Even a single flea bite can trigger intense itching in dogs with flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). If your dog is scratching around their tail, lower back or belly, fleas are worth ruling out first, even if you can't see them. Regular preventative treatment is key.
Some dogs react to things they come into direct contact with, garden chemicals, certain fabrics, cleaning products or even some grooming products. If the itching is concentrated in one area, think about what that part of their body regularly touches.
Bacterial or yeast infections can develop on the skin, often as a result of your dog scratching and breaking the skin in the first place. Signs include redness, an unpleasant smell, or greasy-looking patches. These usually need veterinary treatment rather than home remedies.
If you're looking to combat fleas then why not take a look at our review of Itch. A no-fuss way to keep up with your dog’s flea and worm treatments, their subscription service is tailored to your dog and takes the hassle out of remembering treatments, saving you time and stress. |
Not sure what's causing your dog's itch? Your vet is always the best first port of call, especially if the scratching is intense, persistent, or your dog's skin looks sore or broken.
While tackling itchy skin can feel overwhelming, the good news is there are plenty of effective options available. The key is choosing the right type of product for your dog's situation — and often, combining a short-term and long-term approach works best.
Before diving into products, it's worth keeping one important rule in mind: if your dog's scratching is intense, their skin looks sore or broken, or other symptoms develop, always see your vet first.
The products featured here are designed to support dogs with mild to moderate itching, they're not a substitute for a proper diagnosis.
With that said, here's a breakdown of your main options and what to look for in each.
If you're looking for a longer-term solution, supplements work from the inside out to nourish your dog's skin and reduce the urge to scratch. They won't provide instant relief, but with consistent use most owners see a noticeable improvement within three to four weeks.
What to look for:
The most effective skin supplements tend to contain one or more of the following:
Omega-3 fatty acids - found in salmon and fish oils, these have well-documented anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin and improve coat condition. Look for products that specify the source and concentration of omegas, rather than vague "fish oil" labelling.
Omega-6 fatty acids - work alongside Omega-3s to support the skin's natural barrier. A good supplement will offer a balanced ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6, rather than a high dose of one alone.
Probiotics - a healthy gut plays a bigger role in skin health than many owners realise. Probiotics help regulate the immune response and manage yeast production, which can reduce inflammation and itching.
Vitamin E - a natural antioxidant that supports skin repair and moisture retention.
Avoid supplements with unnecessary fillers, artificial flavours or long ingredient lists of unrecognisable additives, especially important if your dog has food sensitivities.
If your dog is a fussy eater, look for supplements available in multiple formats (powder, liquid, chews) so you can find one they'll actually eat.
Bathing your dog weekly can make a real difference if environmental allergens are the cause, as it removes pollen, dust and other irritants from the coat before they're absorbed through the skin. However, using the wrong shampoo, or bathing too frequently, can strip the skin's natural oils and actually make itching worse.
What to look for:
Hypoallergenic formula - free from common irritants like sulphates, artificial fragrances, alcohol and enzymes. If your dog has sensitive skin, these aren't optional extras — they're essential.
Soothing active ingredients - oatmeal and aloe vera are the gold standard for itchy skin. Both are gentle, well-researched and effective at calming inflammation. Chamomile and calendula are also worth looking out for.
Moisturising properties - a good anti-itch shampoo should hydrate as well as cleanse, helping to restore the skin barrier rather than deplete it. Look for ingredients like glycerin or natural plant oils.
pH balanced - dogs have a different skin pH to humans (more neutral, around 6.5–7.5). Using a shampoo that's correctly pH balanced for dogs helps protect the skin's natural defence against bacteria and yeast.
One tip worth remembering: always leave the shampoo on for a few minutes before rinsing so the active ingredients have time to work. And rinse thoroughly, shampoo residue is itself a common cause of skin irritation.
For dogs with a particular 'hot spot' they won't leave alone, a topical spray or gel can provide fast, targeted relief. These are a short-term solution rather than a cure, but they're brilliant for breaking the scratch-lick cycle while a longer-term plan takes effect.
What to look for:
Natural active ingredients - tea tree oil, aloe vera, chamomile and witch hazel are all commonly used and generally well tolerated. Be cautious of products with high concentrations of tea tree oil, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large amounts, so check whether the product is safe if your dog is likely to lick the area.
Suitable for broken skin - If your dog has already scratched to the point of soreness, check the label carefully or opt for a product specifically formulated for use on irritated or broken skin.
No sting formula - sounds obvious, but worth checking. A product that stings on application will make the experience stressful and your dog less cooperative next time.
Compatibility with flea treatments - if your dog is on a topical flea or tick treatment, check that the spray won't interfere with it.
If your dog is fixated on one area and won't leave it alone, sometimes the kindest thing you can do is physically prevent further damage while the skin heals. The traditional plastic cone has come a long way, and there are now far more comfortable alternatives available.
What to look for:
Comfort and fit - your dog will be wearing this for potentially days at a time, so a poor fit is a real problem. Make sure to measure carefully and choose a style suited to your dog's shape and coat length.
Full coverage vs targeted protection - inflatable collars work well for body scratching but won't stop a dog chewing their paws. A surgical suit offers more complete coverage for dogs that scratch all over.
Breathable fabric - particularly important for surgical suits, which can cause overheating if made from non-breathable materials.
For a full guide to cone alternatives, take a look at our article — The Best Alternatives to the Dog Cone of Shame.
Still unsure which type of product is right for your dog? Read on - we've tested and reviewed the best options in each category below.
Short on time? This table gives you the full picture in seconds. We've rated and compared every product we tested so you can cut straight to the right solution for your dog, and get back to the important business of belly rubs.
Product | Type | Best for | Timeline | Dog size | Price | SB rating |
Supplement | Long-term allergy relief, gut & skin health | Long-term | All sizes | ££ | ★★★★★ | |
Supplement | Fussy eaters, skin, joints & digestion | Long-term | Small–medium | £££ | ★★★★ | |
Supplement | Budget skin & coat support, omega boost | Long-term | All sizes | £ | ★★★★★ | |
Shampoo | Allergies, hydration, sensitive coats | Long-term | All sizes | ££ | ★★★★ | |
Shampoo | Frequent bathing, very sensitive skin | Long-term | All sizes | £ | ★★★★ | |
Topical | Flare-ups, flea & pollen reactions | Short-term | All sizes | £ | ★★★★★ | |
Topical | Hot spots, face & paws, broken skin | Short-term | All sizes | ££ | ★★★★★ | |
Protection | Persistent scratching, healing skin | Short-term | All sizes | ££ | ★★★★★ |
First to feature in our review is a powder supplement - Super Tummy Daily from Buddy & Lola
If you haven't come across Buddy & Lola, they're a homegrown company specialising in a premium range of health and wellbeing products for dogs. We're big fans, and we're not the only ones as you can now buy their best-selling range in Pets at Home.
We've tested many of their products and love their simplicity. Packed full of 100% natural yet powerful ingredients, they offer a range of powders, liquids and tasty treats so you can pick the option which you think will be most palatable for your dog.
Buddy & Lola's best-selling Super Tummy Daily is essentially a probiotic which works from the inside out to:
Support your dog's immune system for overall health
Reduce skin itchiness for relief and comfort
Promote healthy ears and paws by supporting normal yeast production
Our Cockapoo Freddie, is not generally a scratcher but once he starts scratching his ears, the situation spirals and they quickly become red and sore leading to a costly vet visit.
Initially we tested Super Tummy Daily to help firm stools (which we're happy to report worked exceptionally well), but were pleased to see a reduction in his scratching too.
Allergy season is always an issue but by adding the powder to his food daily, we saw a real improvement at around the three week mark.
A measuring scoop is included which we found really handy because you need to add such tiny quantities to your dog's food plus if you take out a subscription.
The only downside we could find is that whilst we found it really easy to mix the powder in with raw dog food, our other testers commented that they struggled with a dry kibble diet.
So you could either add a little water to the powder to help it stick to the kibble or take a look at Buddy & Lola's Super Tummy Daily Chews.
While the powder formula might be more cost-effective for larger breeds (since they require multiple chews daily), these chews are a breeze to add to your pup's routine because they're so delicious.
Plus we should mention that Buddy & Lola offer a Salmon Oil - Jammin' Salmon which you can buy as part of a money-saving bundle.
⭐ Our Verdict : A brilliant all-rounder that tackles itching from the inside out. Natural ingredients, flexible formats and real results on real dogs. Our top pick for long-term skin support. |
Buying Options
Fancy trying Buddy & Lola ?
Enter discount code SMARTBARK15 for 15% OFF
(first time purchases only)
The next supplement we feature is from UK company Dot Dot Pet.
If you haven't come across Dot Dot Pet, they're an award-winning company focused on developing dog health treats and eco-friendly pet accessories.
Their Plasma Treat range - offers a convenient way to support your dog's well-being. Let's face it highly palatable treats can make giving supplements a positive experience rather than a struggle.
These delicious beef flavoured treats and gummies are crafted to be gentle on tummies and specially formulated to:
Boost Skin and Coat Health
Support Joint Health & Mobility
Aid Digestion & Immunity
Featuring a vet-endorsed formula with ingredients like collagen and plasma they can help maintain skin's elasticity and hydration, which can reduce dryness, itchiness, and flakiness.
Good news! Our four-legged taste testers couldn't get enough of these delicious gummies and treats. They gobbled them right up, making giving a daily supplement a breeze.
It's worth mentioning that the resealable bags hold a months supply for a 15kg dog.
Be aware though that they can be a bit pricier than liquids or powders particularly for large dogs who may need a couple each day. But it's worth mentioning that Dot Dot Pet offer a convenient Subscribe and Save option to help manage monthly costs.
⭐ Our Verdict : Supplementing your dog's diet has never been easier. These treats are genuinely delicious, genuinely effective and a doddle to work into any daily routine. A great option if your dog turns their nose up at powders or liquids. |
Buying Options
You might also like .... Dot Dot Pet offer a range of conditioning shampoos which we feature in our Bathtime Bliss article.
Adding salmon oil to your dog's day is an easy way to help deal with skin and coat irritation offering a gradual, longer term solution.
Renowned for their range of premium ingredient-led products, we recommend Zesty Paws Skin & Coat Salmon Oil Formula because it's full of nutrients, without adding unnecessary fillers and chemicals. This is really important if your dog is sensitive to different foods.
Better yet, it's a budget-friendly solution for promoting a healthy coat and skin.
Zesty Paws Skin & Coat Salmon Oil is a special blend of top-notch marine and plant oils that’s designed to help soothe your dog’s skin and keep it healthy.
What makes it stand out from standard salmon oils is their unique Omega Matrix, mixing Salmon, Flaxseed, Sunflower, and Krill Oils to deliver a full spectrum of Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids.
It’s brilliant for supporting healthy skin, easing dryness and itching, and leaving your dog’s coat soft, shiny, and totally stroke-worthy.
We love how simple it is to use. Just spoon the right amount onto your pup’s meal (anywhere from ½ to 3½ teaspoons depending on their size), and you’re good to go. So dog-lovers with picky pups, this could be a great option for you !
It’s a fuss-free, great value way to keep your furry friend looking and feeling fantastic!
Alternatively, you could check out the Zesty Paws range of chews.
We think that chews are a super easy way to boost your dog’s diet. They’re just like giving a tasty treat, so there’s no need to hide tablets in chunks of cheese anymore! We feature Zesty Paws chews in our popular guide – Best Probiotics for Dogs
We should mention Zesty Paws has over 235,000 5⭐️ ratings from happy pet parents.
⭐ Our Verdict : No fuss, no fillers, no nonsense. Just a high quality oil that does exactly what it promises. If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to improve your dog's skin and coat, this is where we'd start. |
Buying Options
Use discount code SMARTBARK15 for 15% OFF
one-time purchases (not subscriptions)
Your choice of shampoo is crucial, as bathing your dog too frequently can remove the natural oils from their skin and coat. We'd recommend looking for a shampoo that is natural, hypoallergenic and moisturising.
Leading brand, Cooper & Gracie, have designed a dog shampoo & conditioner to provide relief for itchiness associated with allergies.
It's formulated with oatmeal and aloe, both these ingredients are renowned for their powerful, yet sensitive anti-itch properties.
This hydrating formula is free from nasties like alcohol, perfumes and enzymes so it's hypo-allergenic and perfectly balanced for your dog's coat.
The natural ingredients work to moisturise your dog's coat whilst offering ongoing relief from itchy skin. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties also ensure your dog stays fresher for longer.
We love that you simply lather into your dogs coat to remove dirt and grease, rinse and you're left with a soft shiny coat and a long lasting subtle fragrance of vanilla, frankincense, lavender and coconut.
Some amazing reviews from some very happy dog parents and it's worth noting that Cooper & Gracie offer a 90-day hassle-free returns if you’re not 100% satisfied.
⭐ Our Verdict : A genuinely luxurious shampoo that cleans, soothes and moisturises all at once. Smells gorgeous, works hard and comes with a 90-day returns guarantee. Bathtime just got a whole lot better. |
Buying Options
Another great option is Vet's Best Hypoallergenic Aloe Vera shampoo. It is formulated to rebalance your dog's skin moisture levels gently.
We recommend Vet's Best because they've been creating products to comfort and protect your dog for over 20 years.
They have an unquestionable expertise when it comes to dog shampoos!
Their vet formulated shampoo has been crafted to be pH balanced, gentle and soap free so can be used as often as you need to remove allergens from your dog's coat.
Vet's Best shampoo is an ideal weapon to use if your dog loves nothing more than a dip in the river whilst out on a dog walk.
If you're interested, their shampoo can be used alongside some of their other treatments aimed at sensitive skin such as the Moisture Mist or their Best Ear Relief Wash & Dry.
⭐ Our Verdict : No frills, no nasties and no compromises. A vet-formulated shampoo you can use as often as you need without worrying about stripping your dog's skin. Reliable, gentle and great value. |
Buying Options
If you're looking for an immediate yet short-term solution to the problem then an itch relief spray or cream that you can apply topically is the answer.
Another product from Vet's Best is their Hot Spot Spray for Dogs.
Aimed at providing instant itch relief, the natural formula soothes seasonal skin irritation from flea and pollen allergy as well as dermatitis.
But don't worry, this Hot Spot spray won't affect topical flea and tick control products, and is safe to use on dogs and even puppies 12 weeks or older.
It provide fast relief for itchy, dry and irritated dog skin on contact.
Formulated from a unique blend of natural ingredients, including tea tree oil, aloe vera and chamomile.
⭐ Our Verdict : Fast, fuss-free relief when your dog really needs it. Keep a bottle to hand for flare-ups and you'll wonder how you managed without it. Not a long-term fix, but an excellent one to have in the cupboard. |
Buying Options
With 10 years of experience in human skincare before turning their attention to pets, Anicura have created a range of products specifically aimed at pets with allergy-prone skin.
We particularly recommend their Everyday Dog Essentials Bundle which brings together three of their best-selling products in one great value pack. Everything you need to soothe, protect and maintain your dog's skin and ears.
Dog Gel 100ml : We love the Anicura Dog Gel as it offers an alternative to a spray. It's really easy to apply and importantly it doesn't sting or smell. Perfect for targeted relief on smaller or trickier areas like the face. Anicura suggest initially applying the gel 3-4 times a day. It's worth noting that their gel can even be applied if your dog has broken skin.
Dog Spray 100ml : For larger areas or dogs with thicker coats, the spray delivers immediate relief from itching and redness whilst supporting long-term skin health to reduce future flare-ups. A great everyday option to keep on hand.
Anicura recommend using the Spray and Gel together if required. Start by applying the Spray, wait until it’s been absorbed by the skin , then follow up by applying the Gel on any red hot, sensitive or sore areas.
Dog Ear Cleaner 100ml : A gentle, natural ear cleaner that keeps on top of wax build-up and irritation without any harsh chemicals. Ideal for dogs prone to ear problems, something we know all too well at Smart Bark HQ.
In testing, we found that applying ear cleaner effectively is a two man job. One to offer treats and one to concentrate on the application. We find a gentle massage after application helps to dislodge any wax and then a gentle wipe with cotton wool works like magic.
⭐ Our Verdict : A great combination of products to deal with a range of itchy issues. |
Buying Options
Lastly, if your dog is scratching the same spot continually consider a dog cone or surgical suit.
By placing a barrier between your dog’s nails or mouth and the affected area, the irritated area should begin to heal.
From inflatable collars to surgical suits, the traditional Elizabethan dog collar has come along way.
We take an in-depth look at a whole range of comfy alternatives to the old-fashioned collar in our article - The Best Alternatives to the Dog Cone of Shame.
⭐ Our Verdict : Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective. If your dog won't leave a spot alone, a well-fitted cone or surgical suit can break the cycle and give the skin the chance it needs to heal. Modern alternatives are far more comfortable than you might think. |
This article is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a vet, because there are so many reasons why dogs chew or scratch.
If you're concerned be sure to check with your vet so they can help figure out the cause of the behaviour and determine the best treatment plan.
Thanks for stopping by and reading our article on Best Itch Relief for Dogs: Supplements, Shampoos & Sprays (UK)
Claire is the founder of Smart Bark and a lifelong dog lover.
With a 10 year background in retail buying for one of the UK’s major retailers, she brings a keen eye for quality and value to every dog product review.
Claire personally tests every item featured on Smart Bark with her own family dog and her team of dog testers—so you get honest, expert advice (not recycled marketing blurb) from someone who truly understands what works in real life (and what doesn’t).
No gimmicks. Just trusted recommendations backed by experience.
