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

Golden Retriever Dog Scratching, Itching and Chewing Constantly!

Dear Ask Ariel:  Our 6 year old Golden Retriever Goldie  has been constantly scratching, itching and chewing on herself.  She licks on her paws until they bleed.  I give her flea medication and don't see any fleas.  When I bring her to the veterinarian, he gives her a cortisone shot which helps and
some antibiotics.  But, within a few weeks, it comes right back.  Any suggestions?  Betsy

Dear Betsy:  So sorry Goldie is so uncomfortable and is scratching and itching constantly.  Right now we are in the itchiest part of the year in some places.  There is a lot of environmental allergens which can make our pets miserable.  Supplements such as AllerEaze, Proaller and Notatum can really help control allergic reactions in pets. It is very important to give your dog Omega 3s daily as part of Goldie's regular diet.  Omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and are very helpful for allergies.  We highly recommend Amazing Omegas because the impurities in the fish oil have been removed.

Be sure that you are not giving Goldie any foods that she could be allergic to.  Certain foods promote a lot of allergies such as grains.  Grains are found in many dog treats and dog food.  Grains include rice, quinoa, corn, wheat, flour, wheat gluten etc.  You would be surprised how many dog treats have hidden sources of gluten and grains in them.  Many dogs can become very itchy after consuming grains.  Also, be sure to avoid dairy, beef, chicken and peanut butter as these can make dogs very itchy as well.