Just like humans, pets can suffer from excessive itching. Allergies, parasites, and bacterial or fungal infections are the primary causes, but it can take a bit of detective work to figure out the cause and find the best remedy. Fox Run Animal Hospital uses ground-breaking diagnostics, powered by AI-technology, to take the guess work out of diagnosis.
Common Causes of Itching
There are different medical conditions that can cause itching, some of them contagious to humans, so it is important to seek veterinary care as early as possible. Studies show that 88% of people have tried at least one over-the-counter remedy, with some trying as many as 15 different remedies before seeking medical treatment (Banfield, 2018). Don’t waste time and money guessing. Dr. Findora and her team can identify and stop the itch. Some of the most common reasons for itching are:
Fleas
Fleas are the most common cause of itching in cats and dogs. If you or your pet goes outside, fleas can easily hitch a ride back home on a pant leg, sock, or paw. Over time pets can become allergic to the flea’s saliva and allergic dermatitis develops. Fleas don’t limit their feasting to our furry friends; they cause uncomfortable itching in humans, too. If your pet is not on preventation, it is likely that fleas are the culprit of the itch.
Allergies
Allergies are the next most common cause of itching. Allergies come in many forms and may be caused by food, grass, pollen, parasites, or other environmental factors. With so many causes of allergies, it takes an arsenal of tools to alleviate allergic itch. Fox Run Animal Hospital offers a variety of industry-leading prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, and specialty prescription diets to reduce allergies and relieve the associated itching.
Bacterial and Yeast Infections
According to the State of the Pet Health Report (Banfield, 2018), dogs with allergies are 6 times more likely to develop a skin infection, and cats with allergies are 15 times more likely to develop them. Every pet has yeast and bacteria on their skin, but intense itching can irritate the skin and create a host environment where these microbes flourish and thrive. When the itching gets to this point, antifungals, antibiotics, and other medications might be required to heal your pet’s infection. Most skin infections are secondary to allergies or parasites, so once the infection heals, we need to diagnose the cause to keep it from returning.
Know When Your Pet Needs Medical Attention
Occasional itching is normal, but repeated scratching can cause irritation, break the skin, and create infection. Abnormal itching is uncomfortable and distressing for your pet. It often interrupts sleep for both you and your pet as well. Seek medical attention if your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms:
- Licking, biting, chewing, or scratching
- Rolling, scooting, or rubbing more than usual
- Hair loss
- Head shaking and frequent ear infections
- Redness, dark patches, or open sores on the skin
- Body, foot, or ear odor
- Recurring anal gland issues
To facilitate the best possible care for your pet, please let us know:
- When did the problem start and how long has it has been going on?
- Does your pet itch more during certain times of the year, or is it the same all year long?
- Where on your pet’s body do they itch/lick the most?
- Are they currently on flea or tick medication?
- What do you currently feed them, including treats?
- Bring labels or photos of the ingredients lists, if possible.
- Do they itch/lick more after 1) Going outside? 2) Eating? 3) Sleeping on a bed?
- What treatments have you tried in the past?
- Bring all prescriptions and OTC medications with you.
Contact Fox Run Animal Hospital, where YOUR PET’S HEALTH IS OUR TOP PRIORITY, and make an appointment to Ditch the Itch.
3390 S. Lapeer Road ~ Metamora, MI 48455 ~ (810) 678-8738
References:
Banfield. (2018). 2018 State of Pet Health Report. The Science Behind Skin Allergies. Vancouver, WA.