Why Is My Dog So Itchy in August?

Brought to you by Case Veterinary Hospital – caring for Savannah’s pets since 1909.

If you’ve noticed your dog scratching, biting, or licking nonstop lately, you aren’t alone. Late summer in Savannah brings high heat, thick humidity, and a spike in skin irritation for local pets. Understanding what triggers late-summer itchiness is the first step to getting your pup some relief.

Common Causes of Late-Summer Itching

• Environmental Allergies: August is peak season for weed pollens, ragweed, and mold spores. These airborne allergens sink into a dog’s coat and absorb through the skin, triggering intense itching.
• Fleas and Parasites: Parasites thrive in the warm Lowcountry climate. Even if you don’t see pests, a single flea bite can trigger a severe allergic reaction (flea allergy dermatitis) that leaves your dog itching for days.

Signs Your Dog is Struggling

Skin allergies don’t just cause general scratching. Watch out for these targeted symptoms:

• Paw Licking and Chewing: Dogs often react to environmental allergens by compulsively licking or chewing their paws, turning the fur reddish-brown and causing painful raw spots.
• Recurring Ear Infections: The ear canal is an extension of the skin. Trapped moisture from summer humidity combined with underlying allergies often leads to red, smelly, or painful ear infections.

When Itching Requires an Examination

Mild, occasional scratching is normal, but persistent itching can quickly lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections. Contact Case Veterinary Hospital if you notice:

• Open sores, red hot spots, scabbed skin, or hair loss.
• Frequent head shaking, ear odor, or discharge.
• Intensely red, inflamed paws or raw skin from constant biting.
• Scratching that interrupts your dog’s sleep or daily activities.

Our team can identify the root cause of your dog’s discomfort and create a personalized treatment plan—from allergy relief treatments to fast-acting itch medications—to keep them comfortable.

Case Veterinary Hospital – Trusted pet care since 1909. 111 Eisenhower Dr, Savannah, GA 31406 | (912) 352-3081 | casevet.com

Open: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

For an after-hours emergency, contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital right away.