Can supplements help with my dog's itchy skin?

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The short answer!

Some supplements may help support skin comfort as part of a wider care plan. Omega-3 fatty acids show the strongest evidence, while probiotics and antioxidants have emerging support for managing chronic itching.

Supplements work best as part of layered management - alongside trigger reduction, hygiene routines, and veterinary guidance - rather than as standalone fixes.

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)

Fish or algal oils provide EPA and DHA, which help regulate inflammatory responses in your dog's skin. In placebo-controlled trials, dogs with atopic dermatitis given omega-3 supplements showed lower itch scores, better coat quality, and reduced need for prescription medication (1). Results vary between dogs, but the evidence base is strong enough that most vets now include omega-3s in long-term skin management.

Benefits build gradually over weeks as skin turnover occurs. Owner-rated improvements often capture quality-of-life changes - less scratching, calmer skin, better sleep - which is sometimes more important than 'clinical' scores measured by researchers.

Probiotics

Certain strains may help manage immune markers and support skin barrier health in dogs with allergic conditions. Evidence is more mixed than for omega-3s, with benefits appearing strain-specific rather than universal across all probiotic products.

Antioxidants (vitamins C and E, selenium)

May help manage oxidative stress during flare-ups. One study found antioxidant supplementation was associated with improved immune responses, though this doesn't directly prove itch reduction.

What won't work

Supplements can't replace identifying and reducing triggers (pollen, dust mites, food proteins). They also can't treat active infections.

References

  1. Schäfer L, Thom N. A placebo-controlled, double-blind study evaluating the effect of orally administered polyunsaturated fatty acids on the oclacitinib dose for atopic dogs. Vet Dermatol. 2024;35(4):408-417. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38465482/

This content is for general information only and does not replace veterinary advice. Supplements and nutritional products are not licensed veterinary medicines. Always speak to your vet before making changes to your dog’s diet, supplements, or care routine.

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owners also ask

Why is my dog‘s skin itchier at certain times of year?

Seasonal itching typically relates to environmental allergens like pollen, grass, or mould spores that peak during spring and summer. Some dogs also react to dust mites, which get worse in warm, humid conditions.

How can I tell if my dog‘s itchy skin is allergies or something else?

Allergies typically cause symmetrical itching - both paws, both ears - with redness but no visible parasites. Other causes like fleas, mites, or infections often show asymmetrical patterns, visible bugs, or crusty/weeping lesions.

How long does it take for supplements to help my dog's itchy skin?

Expect gradual improvement over 4-8 weeks rather than overnight changes. New skin cell turnover can take ages, and supplements need to build up in tissues before anti-inflammatory effects become noticeable. Probiotic effects tend to show after 3-4 weeks.