Dogs can scratch, lick or chew their skin for many different reasons. Fleas and other parasites, allergic skin disease, food reactions and skin infections are common examples. Often several things affect each other. A dog with an allergy can, for example, more easily develop a secondary bacterial or yeast infection that makes the itching even worse.
Where on the body the itching is, and when it started, is valuable information. Recurring problems in the ears and paws can be part of the same skin disease. The vet may need to examine the skin, take cytology samples, rule out parasites and sometimes carry out a longer allergy work-up.
Get help if the itching is severe, disturbs your dog's sleep or leads to sores, redness, moist areas or a bad smell. Simply calming the itch without trying to find the underlying cause can mean the problem quickly comes back.