DOG HEALTH · SKIN & COAT
Why Does My Dog Keep Scratching and Licking?
A practical guide to common triggers, the role of daily nutrition and when it is time to speak with your vet.
Buddy publishes practical dog-health education and makes the daily canine supplement discussed in this guide.
The short answer
Dogs scratch and lick for many reasons. Seasonal or environmental irritants, dry skin, diet, grooming products, parasites and underlying health issues can all play a part, and more than one factor may be involved. Look at the pattern: when the behaviour started, how often it happens and whether anything else has changed.
Persistent, severe or sudden symptoms should be discussed with a veterinarian, especially when the skin is broken or your dog seems unwell. Daily nutrition can provide nutrients that support normal skin barrier function and coat condition over time. It cannot identify the cause of scratching or licking, and a supplement cannot diagnose or treat the underlying problem.
A useful 60-second check
Before you change anything, notice the pattern
Scratching is a behaviour, not a diagnosis. A few specific observations can make a conversation with your veterinarian much more useful.
- 01
Where does it happen?
Paws, face, ears, belly, back or all over?
- 02
When is it worse?
At night, after walks, after meals or following grooming?
- 03
What changed?
Season, food, treats, shampoo, bedding, parasite prevention or routine?
Does any of this look familiar?
- Licking or chewing paws
- Scratching during the night
- Rubbing the face on carpet or furniture
- Dry-looking or flaky skin
- Increased shedding
- A dull or rough coat
- Redness beneath the fur
One sign alone does not identify the cause. Patterns, frequency and changes over time are more useful.
What may be contributing
Seasonal and environmental irritants
Pollen, grasses, dust and changes in humidity may coincide with changes in scratching or paw licking. Note where and when the behaviour occurs.
Dry skin and grooming factors
Frequent bathing, unsuitable grooming products, dry air or an altered grooming routine can affect how the skin and coat look and feel.
Diet and nutritional gaps
Skin and coat use dietary fats, protein building blocks and micronutrients. A veterinarian can help assess the complete diet when you are concerned.
Health issues requiring veterinary attention
Parasites, infections, pain and other health issues can cause similar behaviours. Appearance alone cannot distinguish between them.
Where daily nutrition fits
Normal skin and coat health depends on a complete diet that supplies fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants and other nutrients. These nutrients help maintain cell membranes, normal skin renewal and coat structure.
Nutritional support is gradual, and daily consistency matters. Supplements are intended to support normal health; they do not act as medicines and should sit alongside appropriate food, grooming, parasite prevention and veterinary care.
What useful daily support should provide
- Relevant nutrientsFatty acids, amino acids and antioxidants with a clear role in normal health.
- A measured servingA consistent amount that is simple to add to the dog’s existing routine.
- Realistic expectationsGradual nutritional support, without medicine or treatment claims.
This is the reason Buddy was designed as one measured, tear-and-pour daily sachet.
Meet Buddy
A simpler way to provide daily support
Buddy combines 23 active ingredients in one pre-portioned daily sachet. Tear it open and pour it over the food your dog already eats.
- Vet developed
- 23 active ingredients
- 14 calories per sachet
- No fillers
Tear. Pour. Done.One sachet over normal food, once daily.
Inside the formula
Three ingredients to look for
Each supports a normal function relevant to skin and coat health rather than treating a skin condition.
-
01
250 mg per servingOmega-3 Algae
What it is: Algal oil provides DHA, a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid concentrated in the brain and retina.
Why Buddy includes it: DHA supports normal skin hydration and resilience, helping maintain a healthy-looking coat.
Also supportsView canine DHA research- Hip & joint
- Immunity
- Mental sharpness
- Vision
- Healthy ageing
-
02
50 mg per servingQuercetin
What it is: A plant flavonoid with antioxidant activity.
Why Buddy includes it: Quercetin provides antioxidant support and helps maintain normal immune responses involved in healthy skin.
Also supportsView canine quercetin research- Digestion
- Hip & joint
- Immunity
-
03
20 mg per servingCoenzyme Q10
What it is: A compound involved in mitochondrial energy production that also functions as an antioxidant.
Why Buddy includes it: Coenzyme Q10 supports antioxidant defence and normal cellular energy, including in cells involved in skin maintenance.
Also supportsView canine CoQ10 research- Heart health
- Energy
- Healthy ageing
Research links describe studies of individual ingredients or multi-ingredient formulas. They do not show that Buddy diagnoses, treats or prevents skin conditions.
Veterinary perspective
