Skin problems are one of the most common reasons spaniel owners end up at the vet. That’s because itching and irritation can be triggered by lots of different causes — and many of them look the same in the early stages.

A spaniel with itchy skin isn’t being “fussy” or “dramatic”. Constant scratching, licking and chewing is usually a sign of inflammation, irritation, infection, parasites, or allergies — and the longer it continues, the more likely it is to escalate into hotspots, sore skin, ear problems, or repeated flare-ups.

This hub will help you work out what’s going on, what you can do immediately, and how to reduce skin flare-ups long-term.

Key guides in this section

Skin and coat support

Itching and licking behaviour

Why do dogs lick feet?

Allergy-related questions

Related health hubs

Common signs of skin allergies and irritation in spaniels

Spaniels don’t always itch in obvious ways. Watch for:

scratching around the neck, ears, belly or armpits
licking paws (often the first sign)
chewing feet, legs or tail base
rubbing face on the carpet or sofa
red, inflamed skin (especially under the ears, belly, groin)
recurrent “hot spots” (sudden wet, angry patches)
flaky skin / dandruff
bald patches or thinning coat
a greasy coat or strong “yeasty” smell
scabs or little bumps
repeated ear issues (very common with allergies)

If you’re seeing ear problems plus itchy paws, allergies move much higher up the list.

➡️ Related hub: Ear problems in spaniels /spaniel-health/ear-problems/

First: when itching needs a vet check

Some skin problems can be managed at home initially. Others need proper diagnosis.

Contact a vet sooner rather than later if:

your spaniel is crying/very uncomfortable
the skin is broken, bleeding, oozing, or swollen
there’s a strong smell (often infection)
the itching is sudden and intense
symptoms have lasted more than 3–5 days without improvement
your dog is shaking their head or has sore ears as well
you suspect mites, fleas, or a grass seed injury
your dog seems unwell (lethargy, reduced appetite)

Hot spots can worsen quickly and usually need active management.

What causes itchy skin in spaniels?

The reason skin problems are so common is because “itching” is a symptom — not a diagnosis.

1) Environmental allergies (atopy)

This is one of the most common causes in spaniels.

Triggers can include:

pollen / grasses
mould spores
dust mites
cleaning products
seasonal changes (spring/summer flare-ups)

Environmental allergies often show up as:

paw licking
face rubbing
itchy ears
recurring inflammation

2) Parasites (fleas, mites, ticks)

Even one flea bite can cause intense itching in sensitive dogs.

Parasites often cause:

itching around the tail base
scabs on the lower back
sudden itch “spikes”
hair loss from chewing

➡️ Related post: /ticks-and-fleas-on-dogs/
➡️ Related hub: /spaniel-health/parasites/ (if you build this next)

3) Food sensitivity / intolerance

Food issues can contribute to skin problems, but they’re often over-assumed.

Food issues are more likely if you see:

skin + digestive symptoms (soft stools, gas, vomiting)
persistent itching all year round
no obvious seasonal pattern

4) Yeast or bacterial skin infection

Sometimes the allergy/irritation starts the itch… then infection takes over.

Signs often include:

strong smell
greasy coat
redness between toes
thickened skin
constant licking in one area

Infection normally needs vet guidance.

5) Contact irritation

Some spaniels react to:

fresh laundry detergent
carpet cleaners
floor sprays
certain shampoos
grass after mowing

If symptoms appear suddenly after a change at home, consider this.

6) Over-bathing or poor coat drying

Spaniels have coats that hold moisture.

Too much bathing, harsh shampoo, or leaving the coat damp can worsen:

itchiness
yeast problems
skin irritation

The “itch loop” that keeps skin problems going

Itching often becomes self-reinforcing:

Skin feels irritated
Dog scratches/licks to relieve it
Skin barrier breaks down
Infection or inflammation increases
Dog itches more

So the goal is always:
✅ reduce irritation
✅ stop the constant licking/chewing
✅ support the skin barrier
✅ remove triggers where possible

What to do right now (a practical plan)

If your spaniel is itchy today, this is the best order of action.

Step 1: Check the basics (5 minutes)

Look between toes for redness, soreness, or debris
Check ears for smell/wax (allergies often involve ears)
Check belly/armpits for redness
Look for fleas/flea dirt around tail base
Run hands through the coat for scabs or bumps

Step 2: Reduce exposure to triggers for 7–10 days

This doesn’t diagnose anything — it just lowers inflammation.

wipe paws after walks
avoid long grass and muddy cover temporarily
keep bedding clean and dry
reduce heavy fragrances/cleaning sprays
dry ears and coat properly after wet walks

Step 3: Don’t over-wash

Bathing can help if done correctly, but too much washing strips oils and increases irritation.

avoid frequent shampooing “to fix itching”
focus on targeted hygiene (paws, belly rinse if needed)
dry thoroughly

Step 4: Prevent self-trauma

If your dog is chewing one spot repeatedly:

stop them accessing it (cone if needed)
stop it becoming a hot spot
book a vet check if it’s worsening

Step 5: Track patterns

A simple note helps massively:

when it started
season/weather changes
new food/treats
new shampoo/cleaning product
where the itching is located (paws/ears/belly/back)

Prevention routine for spaniels prone to itchy skin

If your spaniel gets flare-ups regularly, prevention is your best tool.

Weekly routine

quick paw and coat check
ear check (smell + redness)
brush through coat (prevents mats trapping moisture)
wash bedding regularly

After wet walks or swimming

dry ears and coat properly
check paws for trapped moisture
don’t leave the dog damp for hours

Outdoor management

avoid repeated long-grass exposure during flare-ups
keep recall tight in heavy cover
rinse underside if muddy

How skin allergies connect to ear problems (spaniel-specific)

One of the clearest “spaniel patterns” is:

itchy paws + repeated ear issues = inflammation / allergy picture

So if you’re constantly managing ear infections, don’t just treat the ear — address the likely underlying skin/allergy driver too.

➡️ /spaniel-health/ear-problems/

Where to go next

If your spaniel’s itching is part of a wider pattern, these hubs help:

Ear problems: /spaniel-health/ear-problems/
Digestive issues: /spaniel-health/digestion/
Vet care / prevention: /spaniel-health/vet-care/

Spaniel Skin Allergies and Itching, Symptoms and What to Do