If your dog is constantly licking their paws, scratching after walks or rubbing their face along the carpet, you’re definitely not alone. Skin worries are one of the most common reasons dog owners start looking for extra support, especially during spring and summer when pollen, grass, heat and humidity can all play a part.
While any dog can have sensitive skin, some breeds are more likely to need a little extra care. This can be down to their coat type, skin folds, breed traits, or simply how their skin responds to everyday seasonal changes.
Understanding whether your dog is more prone to skin sensitivities can help you spot the signs early and build a simple routine to support their skin, coat and general wellbeing from the inside out.
Why are some dog breeds more prone to skin issues?
Every dog is different, but certain breeds may be more likely to experience skin sensitivities because of:
- Skin folds that can trap warmth and moisture
- Thick coats that hold pollen, grass seeds and dirt
- Short coats that leave the skin more exposed
- Naturally sensitive skin barriers
- Seasonal triggers such as pollen, grass, dust and heat
- Diet, grooming habits and everyday environment
It’s important to remember that breed is only one part of the picture. Your dog’s lifestyle, diet, grooming routine and environment can all make a difference too.
Signs your dog may need extra skin support
Because dogs can’t tell us when their skin feels uncomfortable, it helps to watch for small changes in their behaviour. Common signs include:
- Licking or chewing paws
- Scratching more than usual
- Rubbing their face or body on carpets, furniture or grass
- Dry or flaky-looking skin
- A dull coat
- Pink or stained paws from frequent licking
- Skin that looks more sensitive after walks
- More attention around ears, tummy, paws or armpits
If your dog’s skin looks sore, broken, very red, smelly, weepy, or if they seem uncomfortable, it’s always best to speak to your vet.
Common dog breeds with skin issues
1. French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs and Shar-Peis
With their adorable wrinkles and folds, these breeds are full of character, but their skin can need a little extra attention. Skin folds can trap moisture, dirt and warmth, especially around the face, tail pocket and body creases.
What to watch for:
- Rubbing around the face
- Licking between folds
- Sensitive-looking skin in creases
- Discomfort around the tail pocket or groin area
Simple support tips:
- Gently clean and dry skin folds as part of their routine
- Keep them cool in warm weather
- Use a soft cloth after walks to remove pollen and dust
- Support skin health from the inside with daily nutrition and herbal support
Products we’d recommend:
Garlic & Fenugreek and Green Releaf® make a great daily combination to help support sensitive skin from within. For dogs experiencing more intense itchiness, Sulphur 30C can also be a useful option.
For dry, rubbed or sensitive areas, Paw & Nose Balm or Skin Balm can help soothe and nourish the skin naturally. Just remember that skin folds are best kept clean and dry, so balms should only be used where the skin needs extra moisture or protection.
2. Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers
Labradors and Golden Retrievers are much-loved family dogs, but their thick coats and love of the outdoors can mean their skin and coat need regular care. Their coats can hold onto pollen, grass, mud and moisture after walks, swims or rainy adventures.
What to watch for:
- Paw licking after walks
- Scratching around the tummy or armpits
- A dull or greasy-looking coat
- Skin that seems more sensitive during warmer months
Simple support tips:
- Rinse or wipe paws and tummy after grassy walks
- Dry them thoroughly after swimming or wet weather
- Brush regularly to remove loose hair and debris
- Add nourishing oils to help maintain healthy skin and coat condition
Products we’d recommend:
Omega Star® is ideal for nourishing the skin and supporting a glossy coat, especially for dogs with dense coats. Garlic & Fenugreek helps maintain normal skin function, while Green Releaf® can be paired with it for extra seasonal skin support.
3. West Highland White Terriers and other terriers
Westies, Scottish Terriers and similar breeds are often associated with sensitive skin. Their skin and coat can need extra support, particularly during seasonal changes or when pollen counts are high.
What to watch for:
- Chewing or licking paws
- Dry-looking skin
- Pink staining around paws
- Scratching around the belly, ears or legs
Simple support tips:
- Keep bedding clean and washed regularly
- Wipe paws after walks
- Avoid over-bathing, which can dry the skin
- Support normal skin function with daily herbal supplements
Products we’d recommend:
Our Skin Duo is a great fit for terrier breeds who need regular support for sensitive skin. Garlic & Fenugreek helps maintain normal skin function, while Green Releaf® offers soothing, cleansing support. Paw & Nose Balm can also be useful for dry or over-licked paws.
If your terrier has particularly dry or scurfy skin, you could also add our Omega Star® to help nourish their skin and coat from the inside out.
4. Boxers, Dalmatians and other short-coated breeds
Short-coated dogs have less natural coverage between their skin and the outside world. Grass, pollen, dust and everyday outdoor irritants can make direct contact with the skin more easily, especially on the tummy, chest and armpits.
What to watch for:
- Scratching after lying on grass
- Sensitive-looking skin on the belly or chest
- Rubbing against carpets or furniture
- Paw licking after walks
Simple support tips:
- Use a damp cloth to wipe exposed areas after walks
- Keep an eye on skin after beach days, park trips or warm weather
- Choose gentle grooming products
- Support skin and coat health through diet and supplements
Products we’d recommend:
Garlic & Fenugreek and Green Releaf® would be a great everyday choice if your dog has sensitive skin and is prone to flare-ups during the summer. Easy-Green® can also be added if your dog is often prone to hot, itchy skin in the summer.
5. Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels
Spaniels are active, outdoorsy dogs who often love nothing more than running through grass, woodland and muddy tracks. Their long ears, feathered coats and busy lifestyles mean they can pick up pollen, grass seeds, sticky burrs, dirt and moisture easily.
Their ears and lip folds often need extra attention, as these areas can stay warm and damp after walks, rain or swimming.
What to watch for:
- Licking paws
- Scratching around ears
- Coat looking dull or greasy
- Sensitivity after woodland or grassy walks
Simple support tips:
- Check paws, ears and feathering after walks
- Keep their coat well-groomed
- Dry ears and coat after wet walks
- Support healthy skin and coat with omega oils and herbal supplements
Products we’d recommend:
Omega Star® helps support coat quality and skin nourishment, making it a great fit for Spaniels with long coats. Garlic & Fenugreek helps maintain normal skin function, while Hepar Sulph 30C may be useful for dogs prone to smelly or gungy ears.
6. German Shepherds
German Shepherds have dense coats and are often very active, which means regular coat care is important. Their skin may need extra support during shedding seasons, warm weather or after muddy walks.
What to watch for:
- Scratching around the body
- Dry-looking coat
- Excess shedding
- Licking paws or legs
Simple support tips:
- Brush regularly, especially during coat changes
- Feed a balanced diet rich in skin-loving nutrients
- Wipe down after walks during high pollen seasons
- Consider an all-round supplement to support coat condition and general wellbeing
Products we’d recommend:
Omega Star® is ideal for supporting skin nourishment, coat shine and shedding, while Keeper’s Mix® offers all-round herbal support for coat condition and general wellbeing. Garlic & Fenugreek can be added where extra skin support is needed.
How to support your dog’s skin naturally
A good skin routine doesn’t need to be complicated. Small, consistent steps can make a big difference to your dog’s everyday comfort and coat condition.
1. Wipe or wash down after walks
Grass, pollen and dust can cling to your dog’s paws, tummy and coat. After walks, use a damp cloth or pet-safe wipe to gently clean their paws, legs, belly and any skin folds.
This is especially helpful during spring and summer, after walks through long grass, or when your dog has been rolling around outside.
2. Keep bedding clean
Your dog’s bed can collect pollen, dust, loose hair and everyday dirt. Washing bedding regularly can help keep their resting area fresh and support a simple skin care routine.
3. Brush regularly
Brushing helps remove loose fur, dirt and debris while supporting healthy coat condition. It’s especially useful for thick-coated breeds, spaniels, retrievers and dogs who spend lots of time outdoors.
4. Feed skin-loving nutrients
Healthy skin starts from within. A balanced diet, rich in quality nutrients, can help maintain normal skin function, support their immune system and keep their coat glossy.
5. Add daily herbal support
For dogs with sensitive or itchy skin, our bestselling Skin Duo combines Garlic & Fenugreek Tablets and Green Releaf® Tablets.
Garlic & Fenugreek Tablets are a long-standing favourite, helping to maintain healthy skin, coat condition, general health and immunity.
Green Releaf® Tablets contain a carefully selected blend of whole green plants with soothing, cleansing and pH-balancing properties, making them a popular choice for dogs who need seasonal skin support.
Together, they help support your dog’s skin from the inside out, particularly during the warmer months when pollen, grass and seasonal changes can be more noticeable.
Which Dorwest products are best for skin and coat support?
Skin Duo (available for a limited time only)
Best for dogs who need extra seasonal skin support, especially during spring and summer. It combines Garlic & Fenugreek Tablets and Green Releaf® Tablets to help maintain healthy skin from the inside out.
Garlic & Fenugreek Tablets
A great everyday herbal supplement for supporting healthy skin, coat condition, general health and immunity. A Dorwest staple for over 60 years.
Green Releaf® Tablets
A popular choice for dogs with sensitive skin, especially when seasonal support is needed. Also supports normal urinary function and helps maintain pH balance.
Omega Star®
Ideal for nourishing the skin and supporting a healthy, glossy coat. A great option for dogs with dry-looking skin, dull coats or breeds who need regular coat care.
Keeper’s Mix®
A daily all-round herbal supplement that supports general health, coat growth and pigmentation. Particularly useful for dogs who would benefit from broad nutritional support.
When should you speak to your vet?
Natural supplements and a good grooming routine can be a helpful part of everyday skin care, but they’re not a replacement for veterinary advice.
Speak to your vet if your dog has:
- Broken or bleeding skin
- Sudden or severe itching
- Hair loss
- A strong smell from the skin or ears
- Ongoing ear discomfort
- Skin that looks sore, wet or inflamed
- A change in behaviour, appetite or energy
Your vet can help rule out anything that needs specific care and advise on the best approach for your dog.
Some dog breeds are naturally more prone to skin sensitivities, but that doesn’t mean scratching, licking or coat worries have to become part of everyday life.
By understanding your dog’s breed, watching for early signs, and building a simple routine with post-walk wipe downs, regular grooming, clean bedding and natural skin support, you can help keep their skin and coat in great condition all year round.
Whether you have a wrinkly Bulldog, an adorable Retriever, a sensitive Westie or a mud-loving Spaniel, a little extra skin care can go a long way.
If you have any questions or need help choosing which skin support is best for your pet, feel free to contact our friendly team of product experts on 01308 897272 or email info@dorwest.com.
