Don’t Ignore Winter Itch: Your Dog’s Allergies May Be Flaring Up

Think itchy dogs are just a spring thing? All that pollen and grass may be gone, but winter brings its own hidden triggers.

At Lilydale Vet Centre, we’re seeing more dogs with itchy ears, red paws, and constant scratching. These aren’t just quirks—they’re signs something’s not right.

Living with an allergic pet can feel relentless, but understanding the itch helps us know how to help.

So What’s Causing the Itch in Winter?

It’s not just spring blooms you need to watch for. Winter brings its own set of irritants — many of them right inside your home.

• Indoor allergens like dust mites and mould spores thrive during winter.
• Dry air and indoor heaters can crack your dog’s skin barrier. That dryness leads to itching, and those tiny cracks let more allergens in, making the problem worse.
• Fleas don’t disappear in colder months. They just move indoors.

We often hear “maybe they’re just bored”, but frequent paw-licking is more likely an allergy than a behavioural quirk. Has this crossed your mind?

Watch Out for These Sneaky Signs

Allergy symptoms aren’t always loud and obvious. Sometimes they slip in quietly.

• Frequent paw licking or chewing at the nails
• Scratching at the ears or noticing a strong ear odour
• Licking around the rear or scooting across the floor

If you’re seeing any of these, it’s time to take action. Bacteria & fungi love broken skin. What starts as an itch can quickly turn into an infection.

Why Early Help Makes a Big Difference

Here’s what we know: The earlier we act, the easier it is to manage. Mild cases can often be soothed quickly with the right care:

• A warm (not hot) bath to rinse off irritants

• Soap-free, hydrating shampoos and conditioners to help repair skin
• Consistent flea control, even in winter
• Nutritional support with natural anti-inflammatories like omega oils and egg

And don’t forget your environment. Reducing indoor dust and moisture with HEPA filters or a dehumidifier to limit allergens.

Can a Better Diet Help? Absolutely.

A skin-supportive diet can often go further than medication, especially when it comes to long-term relief and resilience.

• Choose foods rich in omega-3s—think fish oil or flaxseed.
• Add antioxidants from fruits and vegetables.
• Support gut health with soluble fibre like pumpkin or sweet potato.
• Opt for lean proteins such as turkey or vet-prescribed hypoallergenic diets.

And skip the marketing hype—“skin health” labels aren’t always accurate. The best plan? Tailored advice from your vet.

Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse

If your dog is itchy, licking, or uncomfortable, winter might be playing a bigger role than you thought. Waiting won’t fix it. But small, early steps can.

Soothing baths. Clean ears. A better diet. A quick check-in with our team.

At Lilydale Vet Centre, we’re here to help your pet get back to feeling good again — no matter the season.

If something doesn’t seem right, trust your gut.

Talk to our vet. Let’s figure it out together.