Why Does My Dog Keep Scratching? Ticks, Fleas & Skin Infections in Bangalore

Every dog scratches sometimes. But a dog who scratches through the night, chews its paws or rubs against furniture is telling you something. In Bangalore, the cause is almost always one of five things.

1. Ticks

Look for: ticks you can feel as small bumps, especially in ears, between toes, under the collar and in armpits.

Bangalore has ticks all year round, with peaks in warmer months. Ticks are not just itchy: they spread tick fever, which can be serious. If your dog has had ticks and becomes dull, feverish or stops eating, see a vet. More in our tick season guide.

2. Fleas

Look for: tiny dark specks in the fur (flea dirt), which turn reddish on a damp tissue. Scratching around the lower back and tail base.

Fleas live in bedding, carpets and sofas as much as on your dog, so treating the dog alone rarely works.

3. Skin infections

Look for: red patches, crusts, a musty or sour smell, hair thinning in one area, greasy skin.

Fungal and bacterial infections love humidity, skin folds and dogs who stay damp after baths or rain. They need targeted treatment, not just a regular bath.

4. Allergies

Look for: itching without visible parasites or infection, often on paws, belly, armpits and ears. Flare-ups after new food, seasonal changes or new products.

Allergies are managed rather than cured. Your vet helps find triggers; gentle, hypoallergenic skin care reduces flare-ups.

5. Dry skin

Look for: white flakes, rough patches, mild itching, especially in air-conditioned homes or after frequent bathing with harsh shampoos.

How to work out which it is

1. Part the fur in several places and look closely at the skin.
2. Check the ears, paws, armpits and tail base.
3. Smell the skin. A strong smell points to infection.
4. Think about timing. Did it start after a walk in long grass? A new food? The rains?

Our guide to reading your dog's skin goes into each sign.

What actually helps

• Treat the cause, not just the itch.
• Use a vet-recommended tick and flea preventive all year.
• Dry your dog thoroughly after baths and rain.
• Avoid human shampoos and frequent harsh bathing.

At Mylopaws Dermacare in HSR Layout, every session starts with a skin assessment, so the therapy matches the cause: tick and flea elimination, skin infection recovery, sensitive skin relief or deep hydration.