Golden Retriever is Scratching and Itching Constantly

Updated 3/29/24

Reposted from 6/2010

Q: Dear Ariel: My 5-year-old Golden Retriever Ginger is scratching, chewing and itching constantly. I can't sleep because she wakes me up shaking the bed. She licks at her private parts and has some small red sores on her tummy. I am feeding her a good dog food and bring her to the veterinarian but he just keeps giving her more antibiotics and shots. Is there anything else I can do?

A: So sorry to hear that Ginger is scratching and itching. This can be a big problem, especially during the springtime when there is a lot of pollen.  For immediate relief, it is important that you do bring Ginger back to your veterinarian as you don't want her to have her infections get worse. You want to be sure that Ginger doesn't have any dog skin infections like yeast or a bacterial hot spot which can spread quickly.   

It's important to understand why Ginger is so itchy. Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can be prone to allergies.  This can make them more sensitive to food and environmental allergens. Common allergens for dogs include pollen, dust mites, mold spores, certain foods, and even flea bites. Allergies in Golden Retrievers can manifest in various ways, such as itching, scratching, skin irritation, ear infections, or gastrointestinal issues. Treatment options may include medications, dietary changes and natural supplements.   

How Can You Help Ginger?

To help Ginger stop itching and scratching, you can try changing her diet and using a few natural remedies to control yeast and allergies. A hypoallergenic, low-carb diet can be beneficial for Golden Retrievers and other dogs with allergies.  Remove common food allergens like corn, grains, wheat, chicken, beef, peanut butter, etc from her diet. Also, dogs that eat dry kibble may have additional itching problems because dry food can sometimes contribute to yeast overgrowth as well. Here is a sample of a healthy, hypoallergenic, low-carb diet. 

 Wondering What To Feed Your Golden Retriever With Allergies?

Diet For Dogs With Allergies (show photo of raw diet with fish)

Here is an example of a healthy diet that may help your golden retriever. It includes baked salmon, raw rabbit patty, dandelion greens, artichoke hearts, Amazing Omegas, okra, asparagus, carrots and broccoli.  Adding vegetables to your pet's meals provides unrivaled nutrition including fiber, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. 

Every dog's needs are different and if your dog has to be on a special diet such as a low fat diet or one for another health condition like kidney disease, check with your veterinarian to make diet adjustments. 

In addition to a hypoallergenic diet, you would want to also give Ginger some supplements to help support her immune system and give her much needed relief from her symptoms. Supplements containing quercetin, fish oil and probiotics are helpful.

Author: Susan Davis, 

Original Post: 6/16/10

Updated: 3/29/24