Why is my dog scratching – what does it mean and how can I help?

It is completely natural for a dog to scratch themselves from time to time. The problem begins when the behaviour suddenly becomes more frequent or intense, the dog starts biting or licking their skin, rubbing against furniture, waking up because of itching, or developing redness, scabs, hair loss or wounds. In this situation, it is worth treating scratching not simply as a behaviour, but as a sign that something is causing discomfort.

Possible causes include allergies, parasites, skin infections and many other dermatological problems. Your companion may be reacting to fleas or mites, a secondary bacterial or yeast infection, environmental or food allergens, or an irritating substance coming into contact with the skin [1][2][3]. Several problems can also occur at the same time, which is why it is not always possible to identify the cause simply by looking at the skin.

Itching in dogs is not a disease in itself, but a symptom. A dog may respond to it by scratching, licking, biting or rubbing their skin, so effective help requires identifying the underlying cause. [1] Importantly, if your dog is scratching but you cannot see any fleas, this does not necessarily mean that a flea-related problem can be ruled out completely. In a dog allergic to flea saliva, even limited exposure can cause intense itching, while the parasites themselves may be difficult to find [2].

What will you learn from this article? In this guide, you will learn:

• why dogs scratch,
• when scratching is normal and when it becomes excessive,
• what itching in dogs actually means,
• why a dog may scratch even when you cannot see fleas,
• why a dog may keep scratching and biting,
• what role parasites, infections and allergies can play,
• why a puppy may scratch,
• why a dog may scratch around their face,
• why a dog may lick and bite their paws,
• when itching may be associated with stress,
• what you can do when your dog keeps scratching,
• what you should not try to do yourself,
• when veterinary advice is needed,
• how a veterinary surgeon may investigate the cause of itching.

My dog is scratching

Watching my dog’s behaviour brings me a lot of joy. I love spending a quiet moment observing my dog playing or seeing what funny sleeping position they have chosen this time. That is also why I tend to notice unusual changes in behaviour very quickly. This is exactly what happened when I realised that my dog had started scratching considerably more often than before.

Scratching can mean many different things. Unfortunately, your dog cannot tell you directly what is causing the behaviour, but you can observe where they scratch, when the problem appears and which additional symptoms accompany it. It took me a little while to understand what was going on, which is why I would like to make the process slightly easier for you and explain the potential causes of scratching in an accessible way. These observations may later also help during a conversation with your veterinary surgeon.

Why is your dog scratching?

There are several possible reasons for persistent scratching in dogs. Before I explain each of them, however, I would like to reassure you a little — it is completely normal for a dog to need to scratch occasionally. A temporary itch can occur even in a healthy dog, and one isolated episode does not automatically indicate illness.

First consider how often this behaviour occurs in your companion. If your dog scratches themselves every now and then, this is usually not a reason for concern. If, however, you notice that they have begun doing it considerably more often, more nervously, or licking and biting the skin at the same time, it is worth taking a closer look. Because you know your dog’s everyday behaviour, you are often the first person to notice that something has changed.

When is scratching normal and when is it excessive?

There is no single number of scratches per day beyond which we can say that a dog has a problem. What matters most is a change from their usual behaviour and whether the itching begins to interfere with sleep, rest, walks or other everyday activities. One dog may scratch themselves a few times and immediately return to what they were doing, while another repeatedly returns to exactly the same area every few minutes.

Persistent scratching, scratching that is clearly more frequent than before, or scratching accompanied by intensive licking, biting the skin, rubbing, pulling out fur or creating wounds should be treated as concerning. [1] Pay particular attention to redness, hair loss, scabs, spots, weeping lesions, an unusual smell from the skin, persistent ear scratching or head shaking. Scratching itself can further damage the skin, and the resulting lesions can make secondary infections easier to develop [1][6].

Itching in dogs – what does it actually mean?

The veterinary term for itching is pruritus. It is an unpleasant sensation within the skin that creates the urge to scratch [1]. A dog does not necessarily respond only by scratching with a hind leg — itching can also appear as licking, nibbling, rubbing the face, chewing out fur or rubbing the body against a surface.

This is particularly important because a guardian may not tell their veterinary surgeon, “my dog is scratching”, but instead say, “my dog keeps biting their paws”, “they are chewing out their fur” or “they rub their face against the sofa”. All of these behaviours may be different ways of responding to skin discomfort. Itching is a symptom, so simply suppressing it is not enough — you need to establish why it has appeared. [1]

The most common causes of scratching in dogs

In veterinary practice, some of the most important groups of causes of itching are parasites, infections and allergies [1]. This does not mean that every one of these conditions looks the same. The location and appearance of lesions, seasonality, the dog’s age and additional symptoms can all provide useful clues when trying to identify the problem.

Several problems can occur simultaneously. For example, a dog with an allergy may develop a secondary infection as a result of scratching and damage to the skin barrier, and the infection may then intensify the itching further [3][6]. This is one reason why treating the symptom alone without finding the underlying cause does not always produce a lasting result.

Parasites on your dog’s body can cause scratching

Scratching may be caused by parasites living on the dog’s skin. I mean, among other things, the fleas that almost every dog guardian has probably heard about, but they are not the only possibility — your companion may also suffer from skin conditions caused by mites, including mange. These problems can be accompanied by redness, intense itching, scabs and localised hair loss [5].

A dog may then persistently scratch or bite a particular area of their body in an attempt to gain even temporary relief. When parasites are suspected, appropriate treatment needs to be selected because it is difficult to determine reliably at home which parasite is responsible for the changes. If you notice intense itching, hair loss, scabs or other unusual skin changes, consult your veterinary surgeon.

My dog is scratching but has no fleas – what could be causing it?

This is one of the questions guardians ask most frequently, and it is also one of the most important points to understand. Not seeing fleas does not automatically mean that a flea-related problem has been ruled out. In a dog allergic to allergens found in flea saliva, even relatively limited exposure can cause noticeable itching, while intensive licking and biting of the coat may make the parasite itself difficult to find [2].

During diagnosis, factors such as the history of parasite prevention, contact with other animals, visits to places where fleas may be present, the location of the lesions and the response to properly managed flea control may all be considered [2]. If parasites can genuinely be ruled out, other important causes include bacterial and yeast infections as well as allergic skin disease [1]. Do not begin by randomly changing your dog’s food and trying several products at once, because this can make it more difficult later to assess what actually influenced the condition of the skin.

How can you tell if your dog has mange?

Mange can cause extremely intense itching. Typical changes associated with sarcoptic mange can include redness, scabs, abrasions and hair loss, with lesions commonly beginning in areas including the abdomen, chest, ears, elbows and hocks [5]. A dog may scratch, bite or rub themselves very frequently, and over time this behaviour can result in localised bald patches and wounds.

Mange cannot be diagnosed reliably at home simply by looking at the skin. Even skin scrapings do not always make mites easy to find, which is why the diagnosis belongs to a veterinary surgeon [5]. If the itching is particularly severe or another dog who has been in contact with your companion develops similar symptoms, make sure to mention this during the appointment.

Skin infection – a common cause that is easy to overlook

Bacterial infections and an excessive growth of yeast can cause intense itching themselves or appear secondarily as a result of another skin condition [1][6]. If your dog is scratching and their skin also has an unpleasant smell, appears greasy or red, or develops scaling, spots or scabs, mention this to your veterinary surgeon. Details like these can help guide further investigation.

Problems can occur particularly in warmer, more humid areas of the body, including the paws, skin folds, armpits and neck [6]. Scratching and licking can make the situation worse because the dog damages the skin’s natural protective barrier. As a result, the area becomes more vulnerable to further irritation and secondary infection.

Allergy as a cause of scratching in dogs

Your dog may also scratch because of an allergy. It is worth organising this subject carefully, however, because “allergy” is not one single disease and itching alone does not tell us which type is involved. Dogs may experience, among other things, atopic dermatitis associated with environmental allergens, flea allergy, reactions to food and much less common contact reactions [2][3][4].

You can read more about this subject in our separate guide Dog allergy – how to deal with it?. In this article, let us focus primarily on how allergy can be associated with itching and why it should not be diagnosed on the basis of a single symptom alone.

– food allergy in dogs

One possible symptom of food allergy is itchy skin, which may affect a particular area or a larger part of the body [4]. A dog can react to different dietary ingredients, but this does not mean that scratching after eating food containing a particular protein is enough to diagnose an allergy. A simple timing relationship between a meal and scratching is not sufficient to establish the cause.

Food allergy is not diagnosed on the basis of one episode of scratching or a standard blood test. The most reliable approach is a correctly managed elimination diet followed by a controlled food challenge under veterinary supervision. [4] Consistency during such a diet is extremely important because treats, flavoured supplements and other additional protein sources can interfere with the result.

– environmental allergy and atopic dermatitis

Plant pollen, house dust mites and mould are more commonly considered in the context of environmental allergy and atopic dermatitis than as a simple “contact allergy” [3]. Atopic dermatitis in dogs is a complex, chronic condition involving factors including immune predisposition, skin barrier function, allergens and the skin microbiome [3].

Symptoms may be seasonal or present throughout the year. They commonly affect areas including the paws, face, ears, armpits, abdomen and groin, although their distribution can vary. Secondary bacterial and yeast infections can further intensify itching, which means that managing a chronic allergic problem may require several different elements to be controlled at the same time.

– irritation or contact reaction

A dog’s skin can also react to a substance with which it comes into direct contact. This might include certain cosmetics, detergents or other products used in their surroundings. Pay attention to whether your dog began scratching after you introduced a new shampoo, cleaning product or another substance.

This does not mean that every reaction following contact with a particular material is an allergy. It may simply be irritation of the skin. Diagnosis should take into account the history of the symptoms, where the changes appear and veterinary assessment.

My dog keeps scratching and biting

Very often, our dogs display other behaviours alongside scratching. If a dog bites or nibbles their skin, this may simply be another way of responding to itching [1]. Possible causes include allergies, fleas or mites, as well as skin infections that lead to irritation and intensify discomfort [6].

Your four-legged companion may bite the areas that itch most intensely. It is therefore worth paying attention not only to the behaviour itself, but also to where it occurs, the condition of the skin and whether there is hair loss, scabbing or redness. A dog who keeps scratching and biting should not be assessed solely on the basis of the behaviour — the skin needs to be examined and the primary cause of the itching identified.

Why does my dog lick or bite their paws?

The paws are one of the common areas on which a dog may focus licking and biting. Possible causes include irritation, infection, an allergic problem, a foreign body or another local condition. If the behaviour is concentrated mainly on one paw, take a particularly careful look between the toes, at the pads and around the claws.

If your companion spends a great deal of time licking or biting their paws, we also have a separate guide entitled “Why does my dog lick their paws?”. I was unable to confirm a reliable one-to-one .com equivalent for this article, so I have deliberately left the title unlinked rather than inventing a URL. Do not automatically assume that persistent licking is simply a habit. If you notice redness, swelling, an unpleasant smell, changes between the toes or wounds, they should be examined by a veterinary surgeon.

Why is my puppy scratching?

A young dog’s skin and entire body are still developing. This does not mean, however, that scratching in puppies should be explained by completely different mechanisms from those seen in adult dogs. Important causes in puppies include external parasites such as fleas and mites, but skin infections, irritation and allergic disease may also be considered [1][5].

A puppy may also scratch after contact with a cosmetic or another irritating substance, while very frequent bathing and unsuitable products can further disturb the skin barrier. Occasional scratching in a young dog does not necessarily mean that something is wrong. If, however, your puppy keeps scratching and biting, develops bald patches, scabs or redness, or their behaviour changes, do not postpone a veterinary consultation.

My dog is scratching their face

Scratching around the face can have several different causes. The problem may involve the skin itself, but it can also relate to the ears, eyes or mouth, which is why the exact location of the behaviour matters. Face scratching can occur with skin irritation or an allergic problem, but it may also be associated with conditions affecting the ear canal.

A dog may try to scratch around the face because of an ear problem, particularly if they are also shaking their head or repeatedly focusing on one side of the head. A dental problem, painful tooth or foreign body in the mouth is another possibility, and a dog may then rub their face with a paw or against the floor. If the behaviour appears suddenly and is intense, particularly when accompanied by swelling, an eye problem, drooling, reluctance to eat or pain, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Where is your dog scratching? Location can provide a clue

The location of itching does not provide a diagnosis on its own, but it can be very useful information for a veterinary surgeon [7]. Different causes may be more likely when lesions occur around the base of the tail, when a dog persistently licks their paws or when the problem is concentrated around the ears or face.

Pay attention to when the problem occurs as well. Does your dog scratch seasonally, after a walk, after bathing or throughout the entire year? Did the problem begin after changing a cosmetic, parasite-prevention product or food? It is also worth noting whether another animal in the household has developed similar symptoms, as this information can significantly help the diagnostic process [7].

Can a dog scratch because of stress?

Our dogs can display behaviours associated with stress, anxiety or frustration. Some dogs may also develop repetitive behaviours directed towards their own body, including persistent licking or biting of a particular area [8]. It should not, however, be assumed that scratching is “caused by nerves” simply because there are no immediately obvious skin changes.

With persistent scratching, biting or licking, medical causes should be ruled out first. Only when there is no sufficient dermatological, painful or neurological explanation should the behavioural component be assessed more broadly [8]. Changes in the environment, chronic stress or insufficient appropriate activity can influence behaviour, but they should not be the first explanation for intense itching.

What can you do when your dog keeps scratching?

Persistent itching is certainly not pleasant for your dog, so it is natural that you want to help as quickly as possible. The first step, however, should be careful observation rather than trying several random products at the same time. Examine the skin, coat, paws and ear area and pay attention to the places your companion scratches particularly intensely.

Make a note of when the problem began and whether it appears to be seasonal. Think about whether you have recently changed cosmetics, household cleaning products, parasite prevention or your dog’s diet, and consider when they last received flea and tick prevention. You can also take photographs of any skin changes or record a short video of the behaviour — this can be useful if the dog is not displaying the problem during the veterinary appointment itself.

If the itching is intense, persists or causes skin changes, the first step should be a veterinary consultation rather than trying several treatments yourself.

How does a veterinary surgeon investigate the cause of itching?

Diagnosing dermatological problems can often feel like putting together a puzzle because many skin conditions can look similar [7]. The detailed history of the problem is therefore extremely important: when the dog began scratching, how old they were when the first symptoms appeared, whether the problem is seasonal, where the first lesions occurred and which treatments have already been used. The veterinary surgeon may also ask about parasite prevention, diet, bathing frequency, contact with other animals and additional symptoms.

Depending on the clinical picture, investigations may include examination of the skin, cytology, skin scrapings, examination of the coat or other tests [5][6][7]. Ruling out parasites and infections is often an important part of the process, followed where necessary by further investigation of allergies or other conditions [1]. This helps direct treatment towards the actual cause rather than simply providing temporary relief from scratching.

What helps with itchy skin in dogs?

The most important answer is: it depends on the cause. If fleas are responsible, appropriate parasite control is required; bacterial or yeast infections need a different approach, while environmental allergy, food allergy or atopic dermatitis require different management again [1][3][4]. There is no single home remedy that safely solves every case of itching.

Bathing can form part of the management of some dermatological conditions, but both the product used and the frequency should be appropriate for the specific problem. If the skin is already significantly irritated, a random cosmetic may make the discomfort worse, so do not use human shampoos or medicated products on your dog unless you know they are appropriate. The same applies to supplements — some ingredients may support the skin in certain circumstances, but they should be selected according to the individual dog’s needs.

If your veterinary surgeon suspects a food allergy, they may recommend a properly managed elimination diet. Do not switch between different foods every few days because an elimination trial requires time and strict adherence, including avoiding additional treats or flavoured supplements that could interfere with the result [4]. As part of everyday care, it is also worth keeping your dog’s coat in good condition and checking it regularly, as grooming can help you notice redness, hair loss or other changes sooner.

You can find more practical advice about everyday coat care in our guide “Caring for your dog’s coat throughout the different seasons”.

What not to do when your dog is scratching

If you notice a change in your companion’s behaviour, focus first of all on careful observation. Very frequent, intense scratching is not something that should be ignored, but it is equally important not to introduce several different methods on your own at the same time. Chaotic changes can mask symptoms and make it more difficult to identify the actual cause later.

Do not give human antihistamines, steroids, ointments or other anti-itch preparations without veterinary advice. Do not try to “scratch” itchy areas for your dog either, as this may increase irritation or damage the skin. Avoid changing the food, shampoo, supplements and parasite prevention simultaneously, and do not assume that the absence of visible fleas proves that fleas cannot be involved [2].

A clean and comfortable resting place also matters

For a dog experiencing skin problems, being able to keep their surroundings clean on a regular basis can be particularly practical. This does not treat the cause of itching, but it makes everyday hygiene and observation easier and allows you to clean surfaces that regularly come into contact with your dog’s skin and coat. When choosing a dog bed, it is therefore worth considering factors such as material quality and whether the product can be cared for according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

One example is the CLASSIC graphite dog bed. Its covers and inserts can be cared for in accordance with the product instructions, making it easier for the guardian to keep the dog’s resting place clean. For the dog, a properly selected, soft bed creates a comfortable resting space made from high-quality materials. This does not, of course, mean that a particular dog bed can treat an allergy or guarantee that a skin reaction will never occur.

A dog blanket can be a similarly practical addition because it is easy to move and clean regularly. The NAP brown dog blanket can be cared for according to the manufacturer’s instructions, helping the guardian maintain everyday hygiene around the resting area while giving the dog a soft and comfortable surface for relaxation. If you suspect that your dog reacts to a particular material or detergent, however, an individual assessment of that dog always remains the priority.

Nearly 15 years of designing dog accessories has taught us one important thing

At Bowl&Bone Republic, we have been designing PREMIUM dog accessories for nearly 15 years. Our knowledge therefore does not come solely from observing our own dogs — over the years, we have received hundreds of opinions, stories and practical suggestions from guardians, while feedback from thousands of satisfied customers has allowed us to observe the wide variety of dogs’ needs relating to rest, walks, materials and everyday comfort. This perspective gives us a wealth of practical observations about day-to-day life with dogs.

At the same time, when health problems are involved, design experience cannot replace veterinary expertise. This is why we compare information concerning itching, allergies, parasites and infections with current medical sources. One point our many years of experience allows us to emphasise particularly strongly is the importance of observation — a guardian knows their dog’s everyday behaviour best and is often the first person to notice that the dog suddenly scratches more frequently, no longer wants to lie in their usual place or begins persistently licking a particular part of their body. Information like this can be extremely valuable during a later conversation with the veterinary surgeon.

When should you take a scratching dog to the vet?

If your dog scratches themselves occasionally, from time to time, it does not necessarily mean that anything is wrong. If, however, they begin doing it much more frequently or nervously, or the behaviour leads to visible skin changes, the situation deserves closer attention. Additional symptoms such as pain, weakness or rapidly developing lesions are particularly important.

Contact your veterinary surgeon particularly if the scratching is intense, persists or causes damage to the skin. Warning signs include bleeding or weeping wounds, pus, marked redness and swelling, rapidly developing hair loss, scabs, spots, an unusual smell from the skin, persistent head shaking, pain and itching so severe that the dog cannot rest or sleep. If your dog scratches their skin until it bleeds, do not simply wait for the problem to disappear, because self-inflicted damage can increase inflammation and the risk of secondary infection [1][6].

Excessive scratching is an important signal

If your companion scratches themselves occasionally, from time to time, there may be nothing wrong. When the behaviour becomes significantly more frequent and nervous, however, it is a signal worth paying attention to. Some of the most important causes of persistent itching include parasites, infections and allergies, and several problems may occur at the same time [1].

It is better not to begin by guessing whether the food, grass or stress is responsible. The safest approach is to observe your dog, collect useful information and, if the problem persists, identify the cause together with your veterinary surgeon. The more accurately you can describe when the symptoms began, where the dog scratches, whether there is a seasonal pattern and which additional changes are present, the more useful information you can provide during the consultation.

If you notice that your dog particularly frequently licks or bites their paws, see also our guide “Why does my dog lick their paws?”. If allergy is the main concern, we cover the subject in greater detail in Dog allergy – how to deal with it?. And if you have personal experience of managing chronic itching in your dog, feel free to share it in the comments.

– the Bowl&Bone Republic team

FAQ – frequently asked questions about the article –
Why is my dog scratching?

Why is my dog scratching?

Occasional scratching is normal. If it becomes persistent, common causes include parasites, bacterial or yeast infections and allergic problems [1]. The cause needs to be considered in the context of the entire clinical picture.

Why does my dog keep scratching?

Constant scratching suggests ongoing itching. If your dog scratches considerably more frequently than before, bites their skin, licks their paws, loses fur or develops skin changes, it is worth consulting a veterinary surgeon.

Why is my dog scratching if they do not have fleas?

Not seeing fleas does not rule out flea allergy dermatitis or previous exposure to fleas [2]. If parasites are genuinely excluded, other possibilities include infections and allergic skin disease.

Can my dog have fleas even if I cannot see them?

Yes. Fleas can be difficult to find, particularly in a dog who intensively licks and bites their coat. The history of parasite prevention, environments the dog has visited and the pattern of skin changes are also relevant during diagnosis [2].

Why is my dog scratching and biting themselves?

Biting the skin can be one way of responding to itching. Causes may include parasites, infections and allergies [1]. The behaviour alone is not enough to establish a diagnosis.

Why is my puppy scratching?

A puppy may occasionally scratch themselves perfectly normally. If it happens frequently, possible causes include parasites, infections, irritation and allergic problems. Intense itching in a young dog should not be ignored.

Why is my puppy scratching and biting themselves?

If a young dog persistently scratches and bites themselves, they may be experiencing itching or another form of discomfort. Pay particular attention to redness, scabs, hair loss and changes affecting the ears or paws.

Why is my dog scratching their face?

The cause may involve the skin, an allergy, ears, eyes or mouth. Sudden and intense face scratching, particularly when accompanied by swelling, pain or an eye problem, requires prompt veterinary assessment.

Why is my dog scratching their ears and shaking their head?

This may indicate a problem affecting the ear canal, including inflammation or ear parasites. If there is discharge, an unusual smell, pain or persistent head shaking, veterinary assessment is needed.

Why does my dog bite and lick their paws?

Possible causes include irritation, a foreign body, infection, allergy or another local problem. If the behaviour is persistent or the skin between the toes is red, the underlying cause should be investigated.

Can a dog scratch because of stress?

Stress and behavioural problems can contribute to repetitive behaviours directed towards the body, particularly licking [8]. With persistent scratching, however, medical causes should be ruled out first.

What should I do if my dog scratches until they bleed?

Do not allow the problem to continue without assessment. Wounds caused by scratching may develop secondary infections. Contact your veterinary surgeon, particularly if the lesions bleed, weep, are painful or are becoming larger quickly.

What can I give my dog for itching?

Do not give human medicines or random preparations without veterinary advice. Treatment depends on the cause — management will differ for parasites, infection, allergy or another skin problem [1].

Will frequent bathing help a dog who keeps scratching?

Not always. Bathing can form part of the treatment of certain skin conditions, but an unsuitable cosmetic or excessive washing can worsen irritation. The product and bathing frequency should ideally be selected for the specific underlying problem.

How does a vet find out why a dog is scratching?

The history of the problem and examination of the skin are the foundation of diagnosis. Depending on the symptoms, the veterinary surgeon may perform skin scrapings, cytology, examination of the coat or other tests, and then gradually rule out parasites, infections and allergic disease [1][7].

Can food allergy be diagnosed because a dog scratches after eating?

No. Scratching after a meal alone does not confirm a food allergy. The most reliable method is a properly conducted elimination diet followed by a controlled food challenge [4].

Sources and inspiration used to write the article
“Why is my dog scratching – what does it mean and how can I help?”

1. Merck Veterinary Manual, “Itching (Pruritus) in Dogs” – information on itching as a symptom, its most common causes and the basic diagnostic approach.
   https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/itching-pruritus-in-dogs
2. Merck Veterinary Manual, “Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs and Cats” – information on flea allergy dermatitis, its symptoms and the diagnosis of flea-related problems.
   https://www.merckvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/fleas-and-flea-allergy-dermatitis/flea-allergy-dermatitis-in-dogs-and-cats
3. Merck Veterinary Manual, “Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs” – information on atopic dermatitis, environmental allergens, the skin barrier and secondary infections.
   https://www.merckvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/atopic-skin-conditions-in-dogs-and-cats/atopic-dermatitis-in-dogs
4. Merck Veterinary Manual, “Cutaneous Food Allergy in Animals” – information on food allergy, itching, elimination diets and controlled food challenge.
   https://www.merckvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/food-allergy/cutaneous-food-allergy-in-animals
5. Merck Veterinary Manual, “Mange in Dogs and Cats” – information on mange, skin symptoms, typical locations of lesions and diagnostic difficulties.
   https://www.merckvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/mange/mange-in-dogs-and-cats
6. Merck Veterinary Manual, “Dermatological Problems in Animals” – information on bacterial and yeast infections and their role in causing and intensifying itching.
   https://www.merckvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/integumentary-system-introduction/dermatological-problems-in-animals
7. Merck Veterinary Manual, “Diagnosis of Skin Diseases in Small Animals” – information on dermatological history-taking, lesion distribution and the diagnosis of skin diseases.
   https://www.merckvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/integumentary-system-introduction/diagnosis-of-skin-diseases-in-small-animals
8. VCA Animal Hospitals, “Compulsive Disorders in Dogs” – information on repetitive behaviours directed towards the body and the need to rule out medical causes before diagnosing a behavioural problem.
   https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/compulsive-disorders-in-dogs